jeffbird

Ok, have it torn down and washed with Dawn. Will buff it up tomorrow. Thanks for the tips and advice.

Would appreciate tips for improving powder throw consistency. Using a Dillon 550B and Titegroup. About 10 - 20% are light. I suspected this was a problem, which was confirmed when I started using a Labradar. Had about 10% percent of rounds that dropped velocity down as low as 675 - 700. The load is 45 ACP, 5.4 Titegroup with a 185 Nosler. Goal is an IDPA load so need to keep the power up. I also found some W231. Does it meter better? Thanks.

The left side safety is molded into the leather on the Milt Sparks VM2, which keeps it firmly in place. Crossbreed Supertuck allows it to shift off occasionally.

I used to load 1500 shotgun rounds a week for about 8 - 9 months a year for over three years for practice and competition for my dad and myself. I started with a MEC and it is ok, but Ponsness Warren produces far better quality ammo and does it much faster. One of the most important differences is that the Ponsness Warren puts the hull into a die, and the die rotates around the shell plate through each step. This set-up helps the shell retains a straight shape. The MEC produces bulges and non-concentric rounds too often to have reliable optimal quality ammo, especially for a semi-auto. The difference in the two brands is dramatic and that comes from having used both - a lot. Save yourself grief and go with P-W. I have no connection to either and am just trying to save you my hard learned lessons. http://reloaders.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_12&products_id=4

He nailed it right there. Practice under pressure as the goal compared to competition as the goal.

Here's the followup - What a sweet machine. This REALLY speeds things up and produces nice quality ammo. Runout is .002 or less on every round. Set-up was very easy. Ran a test batch of 50, going very slowly and checking the powder charges for the first 20. The powder thrower is very consistent, well within 0.1 gr. The only glitch in set-up was that I put the press on the bench, marked the holes, drilled, and mounted it. Then I remembered I needed to mount the base plate for the case feeder. The base plate requires mounting closer to the edge of the bench than just the press alone. So, that required another round of marking and drilling, as well as another trip to the store for longer bolts. The youtube video really explains everything very clearly - except for mounting the base plate for the case feeder. I noticed in the video, they had drilled two sets of holes also. After that, set-up was very straightforward and the die bushings are wonderful. Finally, the ammo shot well, feeding and ejection were 100%, and there were no fliers. Bottom line, I am very happy and the money was very well spent. Definitely would recommend the Hornady press. Thanks for the input and encouragement guys. Jeff

Thank you.

SLM, thank you for the very helpful information. I am using Hornady 200 gr. XTP's with TiteGroup. I'm liking the looks of the LNL. Sure will be nice not to have to spend time grinding on the Rockchucker for pistol ammo.

The Hornady powder thrower does not appear to expand the case, unless I am missing something???

I am about to start using a Hornady LNL for 45 ACP. Currently I have Redding dies for my single stage. The seater and taper crimp are separate dies. What is the best way to set-up the five stations? My initial impression is that I would like to use a lock-out die also, but then I do not have enough stations. Stated differently, without a lock-out die, the five steps would be: 1. size and decap; 2. expand; 3. powder charge; 4. seat bullet; and, 5. taper crimp. Is adding a lock-out die really needed and good practice, or just go with a visual check? If I want to add it, what should I change or combine to make room? Thank you. Jeff