First, I have been handloading for over 25 years. I am extremely dedicated to perfection, and safety. I have handloaded probably 30,000 rounds on a single stage press, without even a minor mishap.
Now the lesson learned.
I am new to progressive reloading, having initiated the practice about 2 months ago. I have since loaded about 3500 rounds progressively. I am diligent to watch each step, each pull. However, sometimes we progressive reloaders get a tight primer pocket, or a bent rim, or some other defect in material that can partially jam the shell plate.
IT IS AT THIS TIME THAT I LEARNED, AND NOW KNOW, THAT EVERYTHING MUST STOP RIGHT THEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As a beginner, when I first experienced this type of jam, I worked to clear the jam that occured WITHOUT clearing the machine of cases, and then starting over. I will NEVER do that again, because in my efforts to clear the jam, I charged a case twice. Worse yet, I didn't catch it.
Because of our graceful God, it was just a slight overcharge, because I am loading plinkers most of the time. When I fired, it was very obvious, and scary.
I immediately stopped, clear my weapon, and completely tore the pistol down, inspecting each part thoroughly for damage, then sighed a sigh of gratitude and relief, because I was still breathing and my firearm was undamaged.
I post this because I am not ashamed to admit a big mistake, and to hopefully help other newbies to reloading to remain vigilent, focus, and think safety above all else.
I hope this helps,
Dan