Today I went to the range with some .357 rounds made up with my new high power powder. I made 5 each of 12, 13, 14, 15 & 16gr with the intention of starting low and watching for signs of over pressure.

During loading one shell I popped in the box had no primer. Odd? "Hey-ho!" Thinks I, "I'll just pop a primer on it and shoot it off" This would be easier and more fun than trying to empty it with the hammer.

Not knowing how much powder was left in the case I put it separate so as not to confuse accuracy testing. After zero'ing with .38's I loaded this bad boy in, aimed, braced myself for the bigger bang and.....

"Click!"

I counted to ten then ejected the round. It was a spent shell? Had I forgotten to eject the last .38? Nope, the gun is empty. I put the gun down, action open and start scratching my head. Further inspection showed the bullet is nicely stuck in the barrel. There was either no, or very little powder in there, and the bullet got just far enough to have a catastrophic effect if I had followed it up with another shot.

The click really threw me, absolutely no detonation noise!

I have reloaded thousands of rounds since starting last autumn and this was the first missing primer I had come across. Next time I know what to do....