Can it be shot with minor reliably?
What minor PF would get it to cycle reliably ? It was my first choice but I didn't think a minor load would work? It is important the wife won't think it's to violent so she will use it.
Does anyone have any reviews on the steel master ? I'm contemplating getting one but this would be my first 2011 open gun. I've shot a few to know I like that platform and the bride is on board too:)
I have gotten thousands of them and did not look like your pics. They do look shootable. On my crimp I crimp just enough so they drop in the case gauge easy and I'm done.
What power factor does that make?
791 fps x 158 gr, SD 11, 125.978 PF from my 6" 14. 119.764 PF at 3 standard deviations under the average velocity. Per ICORE rules 1 of 6 chronoed must make 120 PF.
That sounds like a sweet load
The 650 was my first press. I know they don't recommend it but it's not all that hard. I did use their DVD to set it up very often. I still use it if I have some questions. I also ask plenty of questions of one whom know. I don't really load for hundred of rounds a week but will load when I can. So if a half an hour here and there is what I got because of 4 kids a fast machine is the answer. You can go slow enough to do it safe but fast enough to get some quality rounds out. If I didn't get the 650 first I would have sold whatever I had and got the 650 now. Just do it right the first time
Just for giggles try shooting it without the comp. I just experienced the same issue. Never saw the signs on the comp but after removing it she shot perfectly zero. Going to ream out the comp and hopefully that will resolve it.
I was in the same dilemma you are in know . Shot both of them and decided to go Trogan. I had the gun ceracoated and looks great. The STI just shoots plan better IMO.