I think I would want to get someone to check out that powder. Weird stuff happens, but for the most part there is a reason it happens. It seems to me that the powder(either type of powder or the amount of powder) would be the only component that could make that much of a difference.
To me, the easiest mistake to make, that is associated with loading powder, is an attempted double charge. I always take a look once the cases are charged to see if the levels are the same before seating the bullets. I don't know a thing about a 204, will a 204 case even take a double 29gr charge without spilling all over the pace. My guess is that it would not and an attempt to double charge would be an obvious mess. I just wonder if he has the right powder in the can. Didn't buy the can of powder "new" at a gun show did he?
