Even the most careful of us can make a mistake from time to time.
I think that this idea needs to be reviewed for a moment.
For instance, can we accept that we might occasionally make a mistake, pointing our weapon in the wrong direction with our finger on the trigger?
Such mistakes are not allowed, since a bullet cannot be called back after it is discharged, nor will it "understand" that a mistake was made and correct the shooter's error. In shooting sports, we discipline ourselves with good, safe habits and practices, following rigid safety codes. I need not repeat them here.
Likewise, reloading is an aspect of shooting that requires the same exact attention to discipline and focus on the activity at hand.
There are many ways that this can be done. For instance, on the reloading bench, I only have one can of powder present. The rest is put away. Since the majority of my reloading is done with .38 Special ammo using Bullseye, I recognize that a double charge is unacceptable under any and all circumstances. I usually load light target loads, and a double charge cannot be detected by eye. So, I usually run 3 or 4 ten-charge strings through my powder measure and weigh them, to know for sure that I am throwing the exact amount of powder I expect to charge each case with. Then, I seat each bullet immediately after charging a case, rather than batch loading using a block.
I don't have any TV or radio going, nor is there any visiting going on when I reload. I do one thing: Pay attention and perform the same routine each and every time.
There are some actions, like a M98 Mauser, that I feel especially safe behind. The gas handling provisions of these actions are well thought out. I have only had one batch of bad ammo, some surplus .30 - '06 rounds, that developed a bad split when fired. I will attest to the fact that one is safer in such an instance behind a M98 Mauser than one is behind a M03 Springfield action.
Still, I also shoot quite a bit of surplus 7.62x54r ammo in a Mosin Nagant actioned rifle. The Finns long ago destroyed the original markings on the action, but it would be safe to assume that it was made before the Russian Revolution. Mosin Nagant actions are not as safe in the gas handling department as M98 Mausers, in my opinion.
For my own personal use, I do not seek a super-strong action to sit behind for the purpose of shooting reloaded ammunition. I shoot old Colt DA revolvers a fair amount, and while they are reasonably strong, one might, perhaps, shoot something stronger. A double powder charge with these revolvers could be disastrous. But I do shoot reloads in these revolvers exclusively, without worry. I do the worrying on the reloading bench so that I can have fun on the range. Otherwise, I'd be shooting with the gun in a tire, pulling the trigger with a long string from behind a car or something.
For me, I feel that selecting a super strong action to protect me from a double loaded round is similar to closing the barn door after all of the horses have already gotten loose -- the opportunity to solve such problems occurred a long time ago.
Because reloading has become more widespread, some manufacturers, like Ruger, do not recommend using reloaded ammo in their arms, even though Rugers are usually made quite strong and safe. This is because many newer reloaders are not taking care of business properly, and when they do something wrong, it becomes the manufacturer's fault. It is at that point that such users sue, causing the manufacturer to support expensive legal staffs -- which raised the price of firearms for everyone else.
If there is any question about whether or not a person can reload ammunition safely, that person is foolish if he/she goes ahead and does it.
If there is any question about whether a firearm is suitable for firing the ammunition one intends to use in it, such a one is foolish if they go ahead and shoot it anyway.
For such fools, while I may have sympathy for their resulting injuries, I have none for their other woes. If the manufacturer says reloads are not guaranteed and the shooter uses them anyway, they are completely and strictly on their own. If the gun is used with recommended ammunition in the proper way and there is a fault due to workmanship, materials, or design, then that's another matter.
But if one is reloading and a problem develops, given the strength that manufacturers build into their products to avoid liability problems already, I tend to think that the problems lie with the reloader. My solution for such situations would be: Don't Reload, or Don't Shoot, or Buy Another Gun!
