Smokeless powder safety - warning graphic content (hand injury)

[huntaway]

Not a whole lot of details on what he actually did other than the presumption of a volume load rather than a weighed load. Just did a quick check and if he did that it would be easy to double the charge if not more than double it.

Hmmmm, sure doesn't hurt to read, understand and follow the manual.

HA

[MikePal]

Hmmmm, sure doesn't hurt to read, understand and follow the manual.

The single most important thing you can do it mark your range rod....and trust it. A double load is careless.

Because of my memory...I have got in into the habit of being rather anal about the loading process and lay it out in a step by step format in front of me, forces me to work from left to right. I also don't allow myself to get distracted during the load, too dangerous a task not to give it the attention it deserves.

A few yrs ago by buddy and I were sharing the kit as we were loading for the morning hunt. I missed a step and it nearly cost me a buck...I was waiting to use the range rod to seat the bullet (had only used the ball starter) and got side tracked. Later, I had the Buck dead to rights at 15 yrs, so I pulled the trigger and heard a weird sound and the deer walked about 20 yards away....no hit..the bullet probably didn't make it 1/2 way there. Thankfully I had a speed loader and was able to get the second load in while he was still occupied. I took him with the second shot.

Have to have a process and stick with it....

[ET1]

Mike Pal

You are absolutely right about being organized when loading a muzzle loader and the use of some kind of witness mark to verify the correct amount is in the bore. As previously stated if you don’t use the witness mark then you are your own susceptible to a possible grievous error.

There are also a few different methods for witness marks and the one I do employ is from my own built T handles that has an adjustable sleeve. When I use a specific load the sleeve is set approximately 1/16”above the stop point at the bore when the bullet-load bottoms. Then enough compression is added until sleeve is lowered just contacting the stop point.
This final 2-step method always forces me to monitor my load.

Also I believe there is a range ramrod available that has an adjustable collar for presetting a witness mark. The simplest method is using tape wrapped onto the ramrod. Here a high contrasting tape should be used so that your eye quickly turns its attention towards the tape and location when loading.
Regardless of the method you employ for a witness mark it’s a life line preventing disastrous or costly consequence. But it only works when you use it.


Ed

[huntaway]

I hate it when my witness mark dissappears down the barrel.

HA