RE: reloading in the field
Under hunting conditions, I always reload as fast as I can. You just don't know what's going to happen in the woods. I'd hate to be holding an unloaded gun and have another buck come out.
Cayugad pretty much said it all. Whenever you are loading, that muzzle should be angled away from you so that no part of your body is in line with the business end of the barrell.