LikesToShoot

Still using the JM, if you keep it clean it works fine. (Until you bump the bolt release with a round chambered and the gun locks up until you pocket knife the shell back into the tube, big design flaw). Always carry a pocket knife!! I picked up a barely used VM because that JM design flaw screwed me a few times and I “Knew the VM was Better” Haha on me. I’m still trying to get the VM sorted out. 1st, I couldn’t hit s#*t with the VM, apparently some barrels aren’t straight. Fixed that with a rear sight and now can used slug out to 100 yards and score 21-24 often shooting trap. 2nd, VM extractor wasn’t working well so I installed a Benelli one and that’s fine now. Imagine having to extract shells during a stage with clays flung in the air. 3rd, extra weight of extended lifter caused issues. YouTube was big help there. I’m back to using JM when I have time to play ( not much time this year) because I can count on it until I get more time with the VM. I recommend you get used to the JM and the game, save your money and skip the VM.

He can try loading without having the lifter extended but most people end up getting their thumb pinched by the lifter.

Years ago i bought a bunch of bullets that didn't feed well in my gun. I found the needed OAL length for "that" bullet was much shorter than my chamber was used to. I modified a special case to use when trying a new bullet, if needed due to a supply problem. I seated a FMJ bullet in a case, drilled out primer pocket to 1/8", cut slits in opposites sides of the case and into the bullet. Through the enlarged primer pocket I use a punch to push out the bullet. Finish by de-buring the the "test" brass as needed. Now I have a "tool" to use to help determine COL for any new bullet I want to try. Start the new bullet into the "tool brass", place "test cartridge" into the barrel chamber and seat until flush. Remove and measure COL, repeat a couple times with other bullets to help determine MAX COL and back off at least .010" to keep the bullet off the barrel lands. You must consider magazine size, amount of bullet depth into brass and many other factors but at least your not cramming a bullet into a "short chamber". I've found that reloading .223 that lighter weight bullets barely have any brass tension and must be seated deeper. This method is to give me an idea of where I need to load certain bullets. I used this when comparing 9mm coated 147gr bullets from three major suppliers, two had identical COL one was shorter. Good to know if switch from brand "A or B" to brand "C". Be safe and work up loads slowly. Steve

I ran into this "feature" on my 930. Works great when clearing the tube, not so much when the clock is running and the button bumped. A pocket knife in the front pocket works really well for pushing a shell back into the tube to clear things up. A knife also helps to extract a stuck case, rifle , pistol, or SG. Always carry a knife and know how to use it.

I think you'll like the CFE 223. My Varget will be saved for 308, I didn't like the groups from Benchmark but really liked the CFE. Plus, when you want to push it there's room to spare so no compressed loads needed.

For < $500 you could buy a Weaver T36, w/rings, then hang it on any rifle you want and see most of your hits. It's a precision target scope that'll work on a 17HMR thru your 308 easily. If used the right rings it can be switched from gun to gun as needed. Certainly there are plenty of more expensive scope to choose from.

With a list price of $39.99 from Brownell's and "Miculek" in the description I doubt that it will ever become obsolete.

I had an #8 jug of Varget from when I was loading 308 so it was my obvious first choice. I also had a small mount of H4895 and played with that too. After trying some Benchmark and CFE 223 I just loved the way CFE 223 metered and the tighter groups I was getting compared to the other three. So, for me it's CFE 223. Look at what Hodgdon list for load data. http://www.hodgdon.com/

Change springs if you want to but when I had issues with mine not going "bang" I just filed/sanded the stop a little more. (back track my posts on this subject) Add some course sand paper and a file to the range bag for a cold morning mishap. Now that mine has been climate tested it runs perfect in all weather conditions.

You might like Hodgdon's reloading website. http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/rifle As mentioned, the mag will determine COL unless you want to single feed then you can work something up yourself.

I have a CX4 Storm, paid the $$$ for Sierra trigger upgrades. Recommend going with the AR 9mm platform instead. CX4 Storm cute, but lack of trigger and other options will never beat the AR platform.

Not sure what's going on with your brass. What press and dies are you using? I use Hornady One Shot all the time and don't tube afterwards. The few time I stuck a case was because I didn't apply enough lube. (easy fix when using Lee dies, punch and hammer). I line my brass up in a tray, side by side, spray them down then tilt the tray to roll them a little and spray some more. Brass with crimped primers take additional effort too.

I'm a nobody, shooter wise, but I've seen many a shooter try to make up a miss with a single reload only to miss again. Why not save the "match saverz" for the end and just drop two in for the missed shot. (Since the penalty was too great for eating an FTN.) There's NO way to make up for a mistake in any COF, it's just a matter of preventing a total melt down "when the plan goes to $hit".

It's kinda funny. Today I was talking to someone about joining us for this match and he said he didn't want to shoot a match that ended so late on a Sunday afternoon. IIRC, last years match ended way sooner than I had expected it would. Looking at an old thread here, I posted at #22 we were done by 3:00PM. http://www.brianenos.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=199416 Sure there are more shooters signed up,(approx.70 last year), but I trust that the match staff will get this thing kicked off early enough and adjusted to get us out without delay.

OK, I'm squaded and now I need to practice for this hose fest. https://www.facebook.com/Missouri-Monster-Match-192645384138168/timeline/

This was my first time at the Indiana 400. As told, it was an awesome event. There's nothing I could complain about, only praise and a big "thank you" to Jake and all his wonderful staff. Is it true that this won't be held here again next year?

tbarker13 is such a gamer.

Cool, that means I have chance at winning it. Does anyone other than me think those slide cuts look like waffles?

Shooting anything is fun.

I get the C-O-M Trainer paper repair targets from Target Barn and put them over used targets saved from the trash after a match. They're less than 1/2 the price of cardboard and easy to transport. http://www.targetbarn.com/paper-targets.php

If your friend has single digit SD what's he using that you are not?

If you don't really NEED the Federal SPP, those that do NEED them would appreciate them not getting gobbled up by people just wanting more primers to stock pile. I don't run anything that needs such a soft primer anymore and since they're easier to crush than the CCI and Winchester I'll leave them on the shelf.

I de-prime and resize, fill primer pocket with any silicone I have already opened. After it's dry I partially fill the case with tumbler media to help reduce the chance of bullet set back from repeated use. (I used a heavy crimp once and it eventually came loose, but I was using plated bullets on those rounds.) Then seat bullets as normal, extra crimp if you feel the need.

I also have become a fan of CFE 223. It's cheaper than most other powders, meters great and 27.5gr under 55gr Nosler BT have most groups touching at 100 yards. COL of 2.250" for my DPMS MKII 18" 1/9 barrel. YMMV

C.J. I vote #3, just go with what works for you right now. One less bullet and ammo can to keep track of. What's the PF of your current load? You may want to consider just dropping your charge back a little bit to see how it works for you. Many of us have gone down this path you're looking at and have the extra springs and bullets to prove it. Since you'll be calling your shots it'll just be transitions you'll be working with between shots. Tweaking an M&P isn't like tweaking a 2011/1911..