This shocking Revolver Kaboom was the result of “user error”. Midsouth Shooters, our friends from the South, shared this cautionary story. They noted that you should ALWAYS be cautious when hand-loading ammo. Check your loads, and do not have multiple powder containers near your reloading station.
“Do you ever wonder what happens if you don’t pay attention? The reloader that brought this in has a word of advice: always double-check your load data.
Fortunately, the shooter did not suffer any injuries in the explosion. The powder in a live round that we recovered from the remaining parts of the cylinder was 12.8 grains. The shooter had several powders on his bench, but was unable recall which one he had used to load.” — Midsouth Shotters
How to Avoid Kabooms
1. Do not have more than one powder bottle open at a time on your reloading table. When you are done with a powder, close the bottle and store it.
2. If you are not sure what powder is in your dispenser and it’s already there, throw it away. When you fill up a powder hopper we suggest that you put a piece paper with the name and date of the powder in the hopper.
3. Get load data from multiple sources when loading a cartridge or powder. Load your cartridges conservatively at first!
4. Double-check all your Load Data prior to starting the loading process.
5. In short handguns, the bullet seating depth can make an enormous difference in the pressure levels. Check your Cartridge OAL.
This content was found by Boyd Allen.
