Croomrider

Interesting!!! The few posts online I see of people using n320 are usually for the STI type guns with 5" barrels and they are usually at the 5.0 to 5.2gr mark. So I had made the assumption that I would need about the same powder in the XDm 5.25. Most of the people loading for STI's are loading longer OAL because the magazines allow it, and it sometimes feeds better in that platform. If you load longer it can take a couple tenths more powder to achieve the same velocity. Don't use loads developed for STI's with longer OAL's when you are developing loads for a gun that requires factory max lengths. Best practice is to determine if a powder is suitable for your intended use and then start low and work up to velocities that have proven workable using a chronograph! Mike

Probably average about one per week. Mike

For a "paper punching" load that does not need to meet major power factor, the 5.4 will probably be fine and no need to work up to a more powerful load. Mike

There is a little diffent feel to an STI and a Caspian frame. It is really a matter of personal preference in what fits your hand better. The Caspians seem to be a little longer and narrower, while the STI grips seem to be a little shorter and wider. In my opinion I like the feel of the STI grip better than the Caspian. I think the feel of the action on either will be the same, and is probably the main thing you are speaking of when you refer to a 1911. Mike

You should not have any problems related to the hammer hitting hard enough to set off any decent primer. That being said, I can't speak with experience about the brands you listed, but if people use them with success, you shouldn't have a problem with an STI hammer gun! Mike

The rails on a good custom 1911 style gun are usually fit with around .001-.002 clearance. That is tighter than most piston to cylinder fits. However, the piston cycles thousands of times per minute and that is not the case with a 1911. Mike

The slide cocks the hammer in the early portion of the stroke. The shape and size of the radius on the firing pin stop, and the weight of the mainspring affect how much force is taken out of the rearward movement of the slide as it is cocking the hammer. All of this in addition to the recoil spring have an effect of the feel of the recoil! Mike

They sell gun parts at Hooters??? Did you really expect them to know what a mainspring was?

I don't know anything about Xtreme bullets. My AET doesn't like lead much, but moly seems to work, and of course no problems with jacketed! Mike

No, why waste your time arguing with the guy. Move on!

I agree. If the lead causes problems in the ports, shoot jacketed!

Rockwell-C scale tops out at 100 which is the harness of diamond. None of the coatings are as hard as diamond. Something in the 60-70 range would be very hard for a coating! Mike

No sorry, I haven't had opportunity to shoot many back to back. I have a 5 inch Para, and I prefer it to that! Mike

OK, here are some quick pics I took. The gun is still in the white and dirty from the last match. I've been shooting it about 2 months and I'm having too much fun to send it off to get hard chromed. I need to break down and do the finish work and get it plated, but this will give you an idea of what it looks like. Mike

I built one and love it. The slide is lightened up pretty good. Total weight is 36.9 oz and the slide with all parts ready to shoot including reverse plug is 12.9 oz. I think it handles great, but I don't have tons of expeience with a lot of different guns. Mike

There should be no effect on the steel used on the frame or slide at those temps. It's not hot enough to either harden it or temper it softer than what it currently is. Those temps are enough to cause discoloration, but the finish would cover that! Mike

For a good minor Clays load, use 3.0-3.2 grains behind your 185gr lead bullets. That should be in the 130-140 PF range, and be real pleasant to shoot. I don't use Clays for major, so can't give a recommendation there. However, I find N-320 to be a good bit cleaner than WST for my major loads. Enough so that I don't mind spending the extra $7/1000 to NOT have to clean my gun as often! Mike

You can start with any of the loads for a 5 inch. You MAY get a little more velocity with the 6 inch and reduce the load by a tenth or two, but that will be highly dependent on the barrel. Some prefer the 165 gr bullets for a 6 inch to get a little faster slide speed. However, with a lightened slide, I don't know if it matters much. Get a chronograph, because that's the only way you will really know what to do to get the right loads for YOUR gun! Mike

What gun, and what caliber?

Try some Clays for minor 40, it works great for that! Mike

I load 2.9gr Clays behind a 180 lead TC at 1.135 for my son's G35. It's a great feeling load at a PF of about 135. You may need a litle lighter recoil spring though! Mike

This is worrysome. I would definately have it checked out by someone who is well qualified on the 2011 platform. Does it have a recoil buffer? Mike

My preference is Saturday! Mike

Light coat of CLP on everything. Works fine and keeps fouling soft for easy clean up! Mike

I don't think a P-18 would be allowed in production. Are uou in the US? Most clubs in the US shoot under USPSA rules and I know a P-18 would be Limited in USPSA, but I'm not too familliar with IPSC rules. Mike