Made a mistake (Graphic)

[Bigpat271]

Back in March of 2018 I was loading powder into a traditions sidelock I just picked up at a gunshop. Well I mistakenly grabbed smokeless powder. The barrel ruptured right where my left hand was. Almost bleed out, but paramedics arrived in time to tourniquet my arm. Made to the ER without delay.

Upon further examination the doctors discovered my hand was torn to shreds. Also my torso was riddled with shrapnel. I also broke my jaw in three places. It had to be wired shut and a tracheostomy performed (breathing tube in throat).

So after 3 months in the hospita, 13 surgeries, and 4 months of rehab I was home unassisted. Attached is the night of the accident in the ER and a picI just took a couple hours ago.

The lesson I learned was always to remain focus in what I’m doing when loading/shooting black powder. I hope this prevents anyone else from making careless mistakes.

 

[Justin.44]

Wow, that's scary stuff. Glad you're still with us.

 

[Woody Morgan]

Glad you survived your mistake.
May I ask how the smokeless came to be in proximity of a muzzleloader?

wm

 

[erhunter]

The Lord was watching over you that day. Glad your still with us and your correct, we can never be to careful!

 

[Okie Hog]

Sorry for your very serious injury. Thanks for posting.

 

[sawyer04]

Good educational post for others, unfortunately at your expense. Thanks.

 

[cornstalk]

So so sorry for what happened to you. Thanks for sharing. Glad the Paramedics got there in time.

I'll use this to say that everyone should have some CAT tourniquets on hand. I have one in my truck, one in the boat, one in the bush plane, one that goes in my cargo pocket so it's on my person, one in my bug out bag, one in my lap top back pack for when I'm traveling. I always grab one and take it to the shooting bench- just in case. And they are all set up for one-handed operation so I can put them on myself.

 

[Britsmoothy]

Ouchee. You must of felt terrible and if I may probably still do?
I am sorry for your injuries .

First thing I thought was aliant bullseye?? But that doesn't really look like blackpowder. Possibly h110 or similar.

Heck....

 

[Bigpat271]

Glad you survived your mistake.
May I ask how the smokeless came to be in proximity of a muzzleloader?

wm

My farther was reloading his own rounds. So my pyrodex got mixed in somehow. I was just careless and say a green label on a black bottle and grabbed it.

 

[Bigpat271]

So so sorry for what happened to you. Thanks for sharing. Glad the Paramedics got there in time.

I'll use this to say that everyone should have some CAT tourniquets on hand. I have one in my truck, one in the boat, one in the bush plane, one that goes in my cargo pocket so it's on my person, one in my bug out bag, one in my lap top back pack for when I'm traveling. I always grab one and take it to the shooting bench- just in case. And they are all set up for one-handed operation so I can put them on myself.

I keep them everywhere now

 

[PathfinderNC]

Horrible.
A “caution- disturbing image” or something would really be appreciated in posts like this. The photos are much too graphic for general viewing! Made my stomach turn.

 

[Bigpat271]

Horrible.
A “caution- disturbing image” or something would really be appreciated in posts like this. The photos are much too graphic for general viewing! Made my stomach turn.

Done

 

[russellshaffer]

Sorry for your misfortune but thank you for sharing the story. I just went out and sorted my powder - it was all in the same cubby hole. Much of this stuff has very similar containers and is easily confused. My black and substitutes are now in their own separate area from the smokeless. Have a good Thanksgiving.

 

[golden sky]

Point made... i will be more alert now

 

[andy52]

I'll refrain from a lengthy comment and just say I'm glad you are still alive,

 

[Frontier's]

Ouch!

How does one mistakenly grab smokeless powder? Way different looking container, smells sweet vs eggs, looks way different.

Just dont understand how mistakes like this happen.

Glad you're ok. Missing a few digits, but atleast you still have your booger flingin finger!

 

[Robby]

Just a pinch between the cheek and gum?
Robby

 

[leadhoarder]

Dang that is traumatic. I hate to see anyone going through that as it is horrible but I guess it could have been worse.

 

[FishDFly]

Horrible.
A “caution- disturbing image” or something would really be appreciated in posts like this. The photos are much too graphic for general viewing! Made my stomach turn.

Same here.

 

[Bigpat271]

Ouch!

How does one mistakenly grab smokeless powder? Way different looking container, smells sweet vs eggs, looks way different.

Just dont understand how mistakes like this happen.

Glad you're ok. Missing a few digits, but atleast you still have your booger flingin finger!

It's easier to do than you think. I was excited about my new purchase and got caught up in the moment of joy. So I quickly ran downstairs, grabbed the powder feeling sure I grabbed the black powder. In hindsight I wasn't treating the whole process with much respect. I became to casual with the serious business loading a gun. I could say that it was because I've loaded my black powder guns hundreds of time without incident.