mjwcaster
03-03-2016, 12:35 PM
Just a reminder to double check everything before reloading.
And not to reload when tired or in a rush.
Short version- Universal is NOT Unique.
Long version- I have not been reloading myself that long, only a few years, started when the draught hit.
That means that I do not a large powder stash.
A few weeks ago I made a trip to cabelas and bought some powder.
Not a large selection there.
I found 3 cans of Universal so I threw them in the cart.
I even debated on buying it, $33lb, but choices were slim, so I ended up grabbing all 3.
In my spare time I worked up my load data, thinking I had Unique.
My mind told me it was unique, never headed down to the basement to double check, why bother I knew what I had.
Finally had some time last night so I headed to the basement.
Following my checklist I cleaned the bench and press off, set up for 9mm, double checked my load data against my sources (manuals and manufactures web site).
Labeled my powder measure with the load data.
Ran some dummy rounds, shortened my oal to plunk test in the new shield.
It was time, pulled the powder out, double checked can against my load data and what was listed on the powder measure, filled the powder measure, set my powder drop, finally checking by dropping 10 loads to check accuracy.
All 10 loads measured fine, totaling 46.5gr, just what I wanted.
I really wanted to load some last night, but resisted the urge, was a little tired and it was late.
Wife even asked why I was back upstairs, told her I do not reload when tired.
Went down this morning, turned the lights on and was getting ready to recheck my powder throw and start.
First step check the powder can against the load data.
What the hell, this stuff is not unique.
For the last 2 weeks I had it in my mind I had bought unique, I didn't even notice when I read the can last night, my mind saw what it expected.
So this is why I document everything, have checklists for all procedures, do not get in a rush, double check everything, and then take a break and check again before starting especially with a new load.
Even all my checklists will not help with a severe lack of reading comprehension.
I am sure that I just expected the powder to be Unique, I only have a few choices in the house, and I KNEW that was what I bought.
Luckily I followed my own rules and stopped last night.
And with a fresh mind finally saw what was in front of me.
As I tell my students, please learn from my mistakes, that is why I share them.
My midrange load for Unique would have been .3 grains over hogdons max Universal load for this combo.
To add to checklist- pull powder out and verify when working up load data.
Had I set the can on my desk in the office while I was working up load data I would have never made this mistake.
But my rules kept me safe and I learned a valuable lesson and reinforced another (which is follow your own rules/procedures, they are there for a reason).
Stay safe out there.
And not to reload when tired or in a rush.
Short version- Universal is NOT Unique.
Long version- I have not been reloading myself that long, only a few years, started when the draught hit.
That means that I do not a large powder stash.
A few weeks ago I made a trip to cabelas and bought some powder.
Not a large selection there.
I found 3 cans of Universal so I threw them in the cart.
I even debated on buying it, $33lb, but choices were slim, so I ended up grabbing all 3.
In my spare time I worked up my load data, thinking I had Unique.
My mind told me it was unique, never headed down to the basement to double check, why bother I knew what I had.
Finally had some time last night so I headed to the basement.
Following my checklist I cleaned the bench and press off, set up for 9mm, double checked my load data against my sources (manuals and manufactures web site).
Labeled my powder measure with the load data.
Ran some dummy rounds, shortened my oal to plunk test in the new shield.
It was time, pulled the powder out, double checked can against my load data and what was listed on the powder measure, filled the powder measure, set my powder drop, finally checking by dropping 10 loads to check accuracy.
All 10 loads measured fine, totaling 46.5gr, just what I wanted.
I really wanted to load some last night, but resisted the urge, was a little tired and it was late.
Wife even asked why I was back upstairs, told her I do not reload when tired.
Went down this morning, turned the lights on and was getting ready to recheck my powder throw and start.
First step check the powder can against the load data.
What the hell, this stuff is not unique.
For the last 2 weeks I had it in my mind I had bought unique, I didn't even notice when I read the can last night, my mind saw what it expected.
So this is why I document everything, have checklists for all procedures, do not get in a rush, double check everything, and then take a break and check again before starting especially with a new load.
Even all my checklists will not help with a severe lack of reading comprehension.
I am sure that I just expected the powder to be Unique, I only have a few choices in the house, and I KNEW that was what I bought.
Luckily I followed my own rules and stopped last night.
And with a fresh mind finally saw what was in front of me.
As I tell my students, please learn from my mistakes, that is why I share them.
My midrange load for Unique would have been .3 grains over hogdons max Universal load for this combo.
To add to checklist- pull powder out and verify when working up load data.
Had I set the can on my desk in the office while I was working up load data I would have never made this mistake.
But my rules kept me safe and I learned a valuable lesson and reinforced another (which is follow your own rules/procedures, they are there for a reason).
Stay safe out there.