NRA hand loading survey

[PeterN]

I would like to see a report on the hand loading failures to show what had gone wrong to cause the failures. Was it wrong powder type, wrong charge, wrong weight bullet for the powder charge, bore obstruction or something else? Were there indications of something wrong in previous rounds fired that wasn't acted on? Unless you know the cause you are only guessing at a solution. Anyone can make a mistake and doing a course won't stop that. It might help to show a new reloader the procedures required to produce safe ammunition but not sure what benefit there is for an experienced reloader.
I have procedures to hopefully minimise error. I only have one powder on the bench at a time and check it is the correct type, I recheck the details of the load to be used, I check the scale is set correctly and check the setting frequently, I weigh each powder charge, I weigh a sample of the bullet to be used, I don't assume what it says on the box or bag is correct, I check the bullet diameter, I check the correct seating depth so the cartridge length is within spec. I check the cases are not over length before I prime them. Reloading requires concentration so no radio or TV in the background.
I can still remember firing my very first home loaded round of ammunition, a .38 S&W in an Enfield revolver. I was nervous and then quite relieved when it went off like a factory round with no problem.
Regards
Peter.

[Alpha1]

Yes I member the same it was a .38 revolver. I remember I turned my head away and closed my eyes then pulled the trigger. I was pleasantly surprised when I realized it was no different than firing a factory round.

[toffe wrapper]

I interpreted the survey as data gathering to explain to Landmarc/MOD the need to use handloaded ammunition.
So they don't knee jerk ban it on back of recent incidents.

As someone who has to investigate accidents & incidents in a work environment
We ask was it deliberate, Was the out come intended , Did the person know consequence of action, Did person have required knowledge & training to prevent it happening. Then a few more questions & a RCA. From that we chose from following actions: Train person, update policy, Modify task add controls, Cease activity till safe, Discipline person up to level of dismissal if required. In many cases its lack of training, Lack of risk awareness, rushing, and good old custom & practice. Rarely deliberate or intended. MOD ranges are a work place so are administered as such. So incidents start happening guns going bang in a way that is unwanted. What do you do ignore it move on nothing to see. Investigate issues while allowing activity to continue. Stop all activity pending investigation.

Lets not forget that the person who's rifle explodes could have had an injury or caused injury to others reportable under RIDDOR remember its a work place. Which then results in HSE notification. If no one is injured the person who is least affected is the shooter they can just walk away from shooting. The club & governing body then have to pick up pieces. Club secretary, Chairmen & Governing body all having to be inconvenienced answering questions. Worst case all shooters are inconvenienced, all due to a mistake.

Should you be hurt by another shooter and they can not demonstrate competence / due diligence would any insurance be valid. I don't know the answerer but would not want to test it.

TW

[IainWR]

One person gets it. Thank you TW

Iain

[lapua338]

We all know about the statutory instrument known commonly as RIDDOR 2013.

It still doesn't make the NRA the (self-appointed) 'authority' and experts on handloading ammunition.

[artiglio]

Has there been a suggestion from the NRA that it is “the authority”, a query has been raised by the MOD which needs addressing ,the survey will be collecting information that’s used to form parts of the response. It remains to be seen what measures will be introduced.
There was a similar situation with regard to HME capable firearm/ammunition, the result was a zeroing process and an HME endorsement on your SSC. After the initial assessment for which you pay a nominal fee, you can maintain the endorsement free of charge by competing in an NRA competition using said rifle/ammo and having submitted HME cards over time. This does favour those that shoot at Bisley in NRA competitions. The new requirements obviously satisfied the MODand life went on.

Risk has been identified and needs to be mitigated. Lets see what transpires.