[Need help with a competition belt]

I have been using the DAA belt system for 3 gun. When loaded up, there isn't much velcro left to grip and hold the belt in place so I am fighting to keep it sticking to the inner belt. Am getting ready to order the Safariland ELS. Saw it in operation at the last few matches and I think it is the way to go. I just have to see if there is a way to attach the race holster and mag holders to the ELS clips. Am ordering today and will post the results when I get them mounted.

Paul

[Federal Gold Medal Premium Ammunition]

Hello,

I am trying to duplicate, as close as possible, the Federal Gold Medal Premium Match 77gr Sierra Matchking commercial ammunition. I've searched everywhere and can't find what powder they use. I use TAC which is a great powder and have just purchased some Alliant Power Pro 2000MR powder to try. This powder is supposed to be perfect for .223 and .308. Will be making some up this week to try over the weekend and will post comparison to the Federal Premium Ammunition.

Does anyone know what powder Federal uses in this cartridge? I pulled a bullet and the powder is a light grey stick powder (VV?). I would think Federal would use one of their own Alliant powders.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Paul

[Clays Powder]

I use Clays in 45ACP and 38 Special for IDPA. It's a great powder. Soft shooting and very clean. I have been avoiding 9mm as most are against it for that caliber. I will try your recipe. Thanks for posting.

[550 or 650 for 223?]

You can reload on a 650 without the case feeder, but why do it. The case feeder works great with 223. The auto indexing is very convenient and will save some time but adding the case feeder makes reloading 223 a breeze.

[Reloading 223]

You made a great decision. The Dillon 550 is a great press.

[Reloading .223 for 3-Gun]

Gunther, I used your post when looking for a good load for 3 gun and started with your info. Had similar results but changed to a 77 gr Federal Match bullet for all long range (200+ yards) and have had great results with a 1 in 7 twist barrel.

Thank you for the post. It really got me started with a load.

[Question About .223 Powder]

I use Ramshot TAC. This powder works great on all bullet weights and meters like water.

[What do you use for brass polish?]

I agree. I have been using Iosso for a few years. Yes, it is expensive but I add a small amount and use it for 3 to 4 tumblings before adding more. Works great.

[Got my Dillon 650, and it broke]

I have had incredible service from Dillon over the years. I wish more companies were as service oriented as they are. My issue was primer alignment to the shell case and they sent me a special tool to align the platform to the tool head free.

[Help me design the PERFECT reloading bench!]

I have found the Sears work benches to be the best. If you purchase one of the better ones with the thick bench top, you will be able to mount 2 Dillon 650 presses,a 550 press and a large bench vise on the 60" bench. The one I purchases a few years ago was around $300 with drawers and shelves included. It is rock solid. I store components on the back of the bench behind the presses.

[Trying to understand the benifits of reloading.]

I use a Dillon 650 and as long as I have several primer tubes filled up and ready to go, I can load 500 rounds of anything in under 30 minutes. As for the savings, yes the equipment is expensive and the payoff depends on how much you shoot but you will save money in the long run. More importantly, you will be able to tune your loads to your firearm and you. The selection of reloading components is astounding.

There are many benefits beyond just the cost.

[550B - decapping die misalignment]

It's possible that your platform has lost alignment. Call Dillon and they will send you a special tool to align the platform to the tool head. I had to do that on a 550 and a 650. Same tool does both.

Good Luck

[Just ordered first Dillon press.]

Dillon makes the best reloading equipment IMHO. I have had a Hornady and had many problems with it and then switched to Dillon.

Welcome to the money saving world of reloading.

[Anyone got a 650 as a very first press?]

I started with a 650 and had no problem setting it up. I used the instructions and a few You Tube videos to see how its done. I followed up with a second 650 and now have one for small primers and one for large primers. Makes caliber changes a breeze as the primer feed system is the most difficult item to set up with these.

Happy Reloading

[Cheap M&P mags.]

Botachtactical sells S&W magazines at a great price. $19.95 today. This is the lowest I have seen them anywhere and many of my friends have purchased from them.

Good luck.