Screwed up, need advice please

[toddackerman]

Man, I'm such a putz sometimes!

Was loading on my 550, and wanted to make an adjustment on one of the dies. After I adjusted, I went on my merry way, and realized that my powder bar wasn't actuating. The result is that I have about 15 cartridges with no powder in them. The bigger problem is that they're mixed in with about 300 rounds of reloads.

How can I determine which loads have powder and which ones don't? I have weighed some known good, loaded sample lots, but the deviation on cast lead 200 gn. SWC is very close to the powder charge of 5.8 gns. meaning that any loaded round may or may not weigh out light, and there's still powder in the case.

I'm fearing the answer is to pull them, but I'd probably opt to trash them before going to all that problem. I could also fire them and then hammer out the slug from the barrel, but again, that's a major PITA.

Thanks for the help!

[Kurt Reifert]

With a cast bullet and light powder charge you probably won't be able to seperate by weight.
The only safe thing to do is pull them.
It's never a good idea to throw out live rounds in the trash.

[PaigeB]

If the case loads are not compressed there is a sound check you can do. Hold each round to your ear and shake it. You will be able to hear the powder moving back and forth. I do this to each round during my post-reload check.

[tiger seven]

If the case loads are not compressed there is a sound check you can do. Hold each round to your ear and shake it. You will be able to hear the powder moving back and forth. I do this to each round during my post-reload check.

This is what I was thinking as well. With most of my handgun loads I can hear the powder moving around inside the case.

It's the only thing I can think of short of pulling them.

Derek

[markm]

I had a veteran reloader tell me about doing something similar once.

I now have my 550 set up so that I can see the powder charge every time I put a bullet on top of it. It gives me a much higher level of confidence in my ammo.

[toddackerman]

I had a veteran reloader tell me about doing something similar once.

I now have my 550 set up so that I can see the powder charge every time I put a bullet on top of it. It gives me a much higher level of confidence in my ammo.

Yeah...I hear ya'. All I need to do is raise my chair up about an inch to do this. Good point. It was getting late, and I inadvertently screwed up the powder measure so it was binding on the control rod and not actuating. I wouldn't have had to do this, but the seater die can't come out without either taking off the powder measure, or loosening it and turning it around a little so the seater lock ring can clear the powder measure collet area.

I'm going to try the shake and listen method, If that doesn't work...it'll make for some good transition drills!

I'm just glad I only have 10-15 rounds to look fo...and not 87!

I just could not resist.

[toddackerman]

If the case loads are not compressed there is a sound check you can do. Hold each round to your ear and shake it. You will be able to hear the powder moving back and forth. I do this to each round during my post-reload check.

I've tried this and can't determine of it's the powder or the movement of my hand and arm. Do you think a stethoscope or Peltor Electronic hearing protectors would help. The Peltors seem to magnify normal noise on the range. I'll try them, but still need some advice on the stethoscope.

Thanks!

[markm]

Yeah...I hear ya'. All I need to do is raise my chair up about an inch to do this. Good point.

I used to think people were being overly anal when they said they did this. But now that I'm a slightly wiser reloader, I give up speed for quality everywhere I can.

I've never had a problem with any of my loads. I once double charged a 45 acp when my 550 jammed up, but looking at the powder charge made me catch it before I seated a bullet.

[Kurt Reifert]

You've just discovered the real value of the Dillon 650.
It allows the used ofthe powder check system that immediately tells if you have too much or too little powder after the drop.

[PaigeB]

I've tried this and can't determine of it's the powder or the movement of my hand and arm. Do you think a stethoscope or Peltor Electronic hearing protectors would help. The Peltors seem to magnify normal noise on the range. I'll try them, but still need some advice on the stethoscope.

Thanks!

It can be a subtle sound, so being in a quiet room is helpful. You might try it with an empty case in your hand first, to check for extraneous sounds. The Peltors may be helpful, too.