Steve.. distractions can be costly. Several years ago, I was reloading for some piston competition in California. I got distracted by a phone call. I was using a Dillon 550 progressive reloader loading up .45 ACP's. When I finished, I had 500 rounds ready, some for practice and some for the competition.

Well, during the practice, I squeezed off the third round of a 5 round magazine and all hell broke loose. The bottom of the magazine flew off, the slide went to half-cock, and the half of the grip that my fingers were wrapped around broke off on the free side.

When I took a look, I saw that the empty cartridge shell was still in the battery, but there was a hole in the bottom of the shell the exact shape of the pressure relief slot (safety slot built into the bottom of the rear of the barrel).

As it turned out, I was using 3.7 grains of Bullseye for my normal load. When the phone rang, I had already charged the cartridge. When I came back, I re-charged the cartridge. So, I had 7.4 grains of Bullseye. Not a good combination. Fortunately, the Colt Goldcup was not damaged in the process. I was lucky. That pressure relief built in the barrel saved the very expensive handgun.

So, it happens in all sorts of disciplines. Just a reminder that we are human and will make mistakes. The best thing we can do is be diligent when we are flying, preparing to fly, or preparing to do anything that is inherently, or somewhat dangerous.

CGr.