Ontarget

Any advantages or disadvantages of the Rival-s Dark Side compared to the Rival-s Chrome? Which grip feels better? Thanks.

I got my first chance to see a Riva-S at a local USPSA match. The owner let me handle it, and I noticed my support hand thumb rested on the slide lock lever. I'm wondering if there is a potential problem with releasing the slide by accident? Maybe I wasn't gripping the gun correctly. I have small hands, and my thumb didn't naturally rest on the pad forward of the slide release. What is your experience with gripping the Rival-S, especially anyone with smaller hands. Thanks.

I noticed today more Rival-S guns are available on Gunbroker. Prices are still high, but greater availability. I hope that means $900-$950 Rival's are not far off.

If you want to pay the extra cash: Canik SFx RIVAL-S Steel Frame! BNIB New Hard Chrome uSpSA carry optics - Semi Auto Pistols at GunBroker.com : 969396031

For USPSA shooting, are cheaper bullets as good as more expensive ones? I see some 9mm bullets for 6.5 cents each (Brazos) and others for 10 cents each. Does it matter? Also, who do you recommend for coated bullets.? Thanks.

Sometimes when removing dies from my Hornday L-N-L the die comes out, but the bushing does not. I have been able to get the bushing out using a pair of vice grips, but it leaves scratches on the bushing. Is there a better way? And is there a way to avoid this problem from happening? Thanks.

I made up some 40S&W minor loads. 180 grain blue bullets with 3.4 grains of Vihtavuori N320 loaded to a case length of 1.120." Chronograph result of 10 shots was an average speed of 762 fps with a power factor of 137,160. Then I tried 10 rounds with the same VV N320 powder weight and same blue bullets loaded to 1.180." The result of the second test was an average velocity of 680 fps with a power factor of 122,400. So quite a difference.

If I load 40S&W to an OAL of 1.120, and then load 10mm to an OAL length of 1.180 using the same bullet and the same powder charge, would you expect there to be much difference in the velocity of the two rounds? Thanks.

Is there a best way to shoot a Polish Plate Rack? Thank you.

What's the hammer test?

Some manufacturers sell 9mm bullets that are .355" diameter. Others offer .356" and some .357". What are the reasons to choose one diameter over another? Thanks.

I purchased an o-ring from Amazon. It really works well. Thank you Tunachaser.

Thanks for your replies. Yes, I will try these suggestions.

Sometimes when I remove the dies from my Lock-n-Load, the die unscrews leaving the bushing stuck in the press. Is there any easy way to get the bushing out? I used channel locks, but they leave marks on the bushings. Thanks.

What are your considerations when you choose a company for pistol bullets. I have been mostly relying on lowest price to make my decision. Do you consider factors other than price when choosing a bullet company: consistency of their bullets, accuracy compared to other brands, ease if loading, etc.?

Thanks to everyone for your replies. It is not a new Lock-N-Load, about 8 years old. . This is not a new problem, though I can't remember if it has always been a problem. I will try putting in a new spring. Perhaps try using an O ring, also.

Cleaned before depriming. I agree that the press should work with loaded and empty cases. I may call Hornady back to discuss this further. I wonder if all the dimensions of my subplate (8 years old) are identical to the ones Hornady sells now. Or have they tweaked it.

yes.

No, it is mounted solidly. And I'm just resizing the cases. I put in a call to Hornady several weeks ago. I was told that the weight of the loaded round is required to have cartridges exit into the bin. But even loaded rounds get hung up, though not as often as with empty resized cases.

Range brass, 9mm and 40S&W. The problem is worse with 9mm.

I have problems with cases getting stuck at station 5 and not dropping into the bin. I frequently have to manually remove the case from the shell plate and drop it in the bin. Any fix for this? Should I consider a very minimal filing on the sub plate where the shells are getting hung up? Thanks.

I went back to check what the rules state. It is legal to use a single outer belt thru the belt loops. I would have to put my mag pouches and holster on as I put on the belt. It might be easier to use an outer ratchet belt with an inner belt. I think one person wrote about "bunching" of the inner belt as you tighten the ratchet which seemed a good reason to try using one belt.

My CR Speed belt fits thru all the belt loops in my jeans. I bought the M2 kit. Not sure if I will size it with or without the inner belt. Seems like it would be simpler to use with one belt.

If you use an outer belt with a rachet, do you still need an inner belt?

How can you tell if there is lead in your barrel? And which product is the best way to eliminate it? Thanks.