Scary Flub - Check All Cases

[SMarquez]

I reloaded some 6.5 x 55 and had 3 empty cases and a couple that seemed to barely make it out of the barrel.
I think I found out why.
I used a new to me RCBS powder thrower. I bought 2 mounted side by side. I bought from an estate sale so couldn't ask why they were mounted side by side, just went ahead and used them.
It turns out that the spout of that thrower has a smaller diameter drop tube than the other. I believe that smaller opening clogs with stick powder. This let reduced charges drop and blocked completely up a couple times.
I've been reloading for quite a while now and was very surprised to find the difference in the 2 throwers. They appear the same unless you look. My guess is one was set up for a pistol charge, hence the smaller drop tube. My other thought is that ball powder would have fallen through just fine.
Like I said, I've been at it a while so this is a wake up for me to not become complacent about my reloading practices.
Just thought I'd share.

[Black_Talon]

Let me fix the title of your thread:

ALWAYS check all cases, both before and after charging them.

[M1NM]

RCBS has large & small drop tubes to fit different calibers not different powders.

http://www.rcbs.com/downloads/instructions/Uniflow_Powder_Measure_Instructions.pdf

[bigbossman]

After I fill the ammo tray with loaded cases, I stand over them with a flashlight and visually confirm that they all look uniform with each other.

Never seat a bullet on a charged case without looking inside.

[Witch Hunter]

Just like the bossman does it!

[glock7]

Yeah check em all.

[Fjold]

RCBS has large & small drop tubes to fit different calibers not different powders.
http://www.rcbs.com/downloads/instru...structions.pdf

Correct.

The guy who owned the throwers set them up that way intentionally so he wouldn't have to change the drop tubes when reloading different caliber cartridges.

[Altahick]

i dont know how the rcbs powder dumper is, but my lee doesn't throw very accurate charges. i have been weighing each charge for my bolt action and getting much better results.

[Divernhunter]

If you know how to use it the RCBS Uniflow measure is very accurate.

Another correction: There is a large and small nozzle AND one for 17-20cal.
Also RCBS made a large and small size chamber drum.
I have 2 of the Uniflow measures. One set up with a large drum and the other with a small drum for smaller capacity cartridges.

[stilly]

Hey wait a second...

When I think of SIDE BY SIDE powder droppers, I think SHOT and POWDER.

You sure that was not meant for loading shotty shells?

PICZ!

[Enfield47]

After I fill the ammo tray with loaded cases, I stand over them with a flashlight and visually confirm that they all look uniform with each other.

Never seat a bullet on a charged case without looking inside.

I'm anal and do this same process each time too.

[Divernhunter]

^^^ Nothing anal about that. Safety! That is how I have done it for many years. Takes only a minute to do

[tiller]

Let me fix the title of your thread:

ALWAYS check all cases, both before and after charging them.

This would solve all his problems

[23's Dad]

What powder were you using?

For 6.5x55, I suspect you were using a longer grain extruded powder. I think you may have experienced "Powder Bridging".

You are absolutely correct - check you're cases!

Glad that you weren't hurt!

I also use different powder dispensers for pistol/rifle, but I don't have a separate dispenser for smaller rifle calibers...yet.

[mark501w]

If you had a bridging problem you probably would have had a spill on your bench you were scatch'in a itch instead of dropping powder.