Don't just read the numbers!

[bradf]

A few things I do to keep bad things from happening.

Only ONE---1 can of powder, the one you are using, is on the bench or any where near the powder dump. All others should be shelved.

I use 1" masking tape and write down the load and tape it to the bench. This makes it a no-brainer for powder charge if I'm interrupted. I've heard a load of 25.3 8208 get changed to 23.5 gr. right after lunch break. It wasn't me but I heard about it.

Always do at least two checks on powder level in case before putting bullet on. This means you have to have good lighting. Use a clamp on LED.

If you use a powder dump, depending on how the powder flows out of the dump, verify every load on a scale for the poor (rifle) flowing powders. Verify every 10th load for excellent flowing (pistol) powders. For precision you weigh every load, period.

Beam scales need to be viewed straight from the front. Tap the table with finger to allow beam to settle. The leveling adjuster will screw itself in when you tap the surface it's on. I tape the leg to the table so it can never turn.

Reset to ZERO and double check beam scale level every use.

Digital scales; use the calibration weight before each use. I also have a cheap AMAZON scale weight calibration kit with much lighter weights.

Get a set of digital calipers for COAL

Clean and de-burr all primer pocket holes.

NEVER EVER do anything while you are interrupted or distracted. STOP! Once you are alone, proceed.

There are more, but these are my obvious items.

[DAVIDF]

Dave,

No one here noticed the Alliant Reloader 7 in the photo of your loading bench in your other post. Or at least if they did, they didn't question it. We can all make mistakes and the best way to avoid them is to establish good safe habits. Glad everything was OK. Reloading is great, especially in calibers like .41 Mag.

[Mgderf]

I have no idea how they stack up to one another, but IMR just came out with a bunch of new powders and I can see confusion in some hand loaders future.
IMR has recently released a Red, a Blue, and a Green powder which are similar enough in name to Alliants Red Dot, Blue Dot, and Green Dot that someone will try to substitute one for the other.
They may very well be intended to be a direct replacement, but I think powder companies should do all they can to distinguish one powder from another.

[DWD445]

Is it just me, or does this look a lot like a bottle of gunpowder ???
That could be a BIG problem

[Squatch]

Is it just me, or does this look a lot like a bottle of gunpowder ???
That could be a BIG problem

Seems the Testosterone supplements are more deadly these days than gunpowder!

[clovishound]

I have no idea how they stack up to one another, but IMR just came out with a bunch of new powders and I can see confusion in some hand loaders future.
IMR has recently released a Red, a Blue, and a Green powder which are similar enough in name to Alliants Red Dot, Blue Dot, and Green Dot that someone will try to substitute one for the other.
They may very well be intended to be a direct replacement, but I think powder companies should do all they can to distinguish one powder from another.

I wish they would put some kind of colorant in the powder so you could identify the powder by itself. Or at least easily distinguish between a couple of powders. Probably too many powders out there to get an easily identifiable color.