ORIGINAL: kelbro
Sounds like you missed filling that case. If the primer went off and a full load of powder had been ignited, you would have known it. Flash and gasses everywhere. 71.5 gr of RL22 makes a big explosion. Are you sure that the powder didn't fall out in the action somewhere?
The Hornady book starts out around 63-64 with a 180 gr so 71.5 should be an undercharge.
I personally do not try loadsthat are over thebook max.
This seems to be an even better an explanation perhaps. I know I reloaded carefully, but may have missed one.
I have the Hornady book as well, but not the Nosler. I was going to buy the book, you know those cheapies for 1 caliber.. where they have all the bullet makers in one for $7.99. THe Hornady book I have lists 180 from 63.5 to 76 gr.
No BOOM. That is what surprised me. There was soot on the bottom of the bullet, like burnt powder. Can a primer do that? I have the other 2, and both with powder but unsure to fire them... Really my rifle is fine, and have shot Hornady 180 gr up to 74 gr. so far. Better to err on the side of caution.