I've never found that HP38/W231 was position sensitive.
4.0gr of W231 with a 158gr cast SWC has been my standard .38 Special load for 20+ years. Have also used it in the .45 Colt with no issues.
Have to say this sounds like a honest to goodness squib. That is no powder, primer only.
A primer by itself is enough to stick a bullet just past the forcing cone.
Is it possible that you charged the case, dumped it on the scale to weigh the charge, then seated a bullet on the empty case?
Sounds like a silly thing to do, but VERY easy to have happen. Especially while you're verifying the charge, checking a lot of cases and dumping the powder back in the hopper.
4.0gr of W231 with a 158gr cast SWC has been my standard .38 Special load for 20+ years. Have also used it in the .45 Colt with no issues.
Have to say this sounds like a honest to goodness squib. That is no powder, primer only.
A primer by itself is enough to stick a bullet just past the forcing cone.
Is it possible that you charged the case, dumped it on the scale to weigh the charge, then seated a bullet on the empty case?
Sounds like a silly thing to do, but VERY easy to have happen. Especially while you're verifying the charge, checking a lot of cases and dumping the powder back in the hopper.