Ray S.

http://www.sportshooter.com/improving/brownbagtarget.htm Kinda interesting if the targets didn't arrive

Hi. How close to the "target" charge do you guys get with your Dillon, and how much variation do you think is acceptable for 50 yard accuracy? I get within half a tenth or less without much sweat with my pistol measure using Titegroup, what should I expect with the 550? Also, using VV 320, how close do you think I should be able to come (9mm) with the Dillon? Thanks much.

Couldn't figure it out, eh??: It's obvious that this is (disguised as a Japanese bbq and rib joint) the now-defunct covert operational headquarters for the Iraqi Secret Service. The "manager" of the bbq joint, in disquise of course, calls himself Smokey Joe. In reality he is the recently removed Iraqi Information Minister. The tall, slender object to the left in the picture is an Ernst Blofelt missile, targeted at "Bubbalou's Bodacious Barbeque" which is located two blocks down the street. Most obvious is the Earthcomcon Satellite Transceiver, which is the round object to the left of the missile, which is also disguised--as an archery target. Oh, yes, the white object in the foreground...this is Harvey's ear. He's there just to cause a little mischief. Twern't so hard, wuz it?

Interesting. I noticed that as I made it go faster, the yellow dots stopped disappearing. Wonder what that's all about?

Hi. I am about to start loading (Dillon 550) 9mm with VV 310, using 147G JHP's or FMJ's, Starline brass, Winchester primers. Anyone by chance have a suggestion as to powder weight and cartridge length to start with? Gun will be a Glock 34 with Custom Glock Racing's stock IDPA package. I'd appreciate your help. Thanks much.

Thanks for the help. I'll order the Starline.

Hi. Have any of you used both Top Brass and Starline brass? I'm about to order for a 9 mm, and would like your opinions as to any quality difference between them, ignoring price. Thanks much, I appreciate it. Also, was thinking about ordering some ammo, brand called "Geco". Ever heard of it? Made in Germany.

Thanks for the replys, folks, I really appreciate it. Good shooting to you all.

When I was growing up, hunting and shooting, everyone referred to "guns, pistols, rifles and shotguns", and still do around my neck of the woods. When did that change to "weapons"? Just curious.

Odd, rambling thoughts, no particular reason...not really a question. Thinking back to age 13 (1958). Sunny, cool, pretty weather. I think I'll go to the gravel pit and shoot guns for awhile. First I loaded (safely) my pistol with some 22's and gave some cans real fits. After a couple of hours plinking, I put up my pistol and load up my 30-30 rifle and shoot up a couple of boxes, then load the 'ol Winchester Model 63 22 automatic and shoot some more cans way out there. Didn't bring the shotgun today--no shells. Just thinking that at no time growing up, dozens of guns and thousands of rounds, did I or anyone else I knew refer to any gun as a "weapon". I still don't. Habit I guess. Pistol, rifle, shotgun, but never really thought of it as a "weapon", though we sure knew it could be used as one (so can a beer can opener). Heck, we were just having fun. If, however, at three o'clock some morning my wife and I are awakened by an intruder, I will immediately take up my pistol and/or shotgun and present them as a weapon. Until that day comes, I'll just have fun with my "guns". I suppose symantics have changed much faster than I have. Got to catch up on these things.

In 1969 I went on the same low-carb diet. It was "Dr. Erwin Stillwell's Quick Weight Loss Diet". In 8 months I lost 109 pounds. I started it off with two weeks of only vitamin pills and water. Then went to: two days-fasting,,one day 3000 calories of steak. Did this for the next 7 months. I have no doubt that it contributed to my present heart problems IHSS+mitral valve regurgitation. I was sick off and on for over a year after going off the diet. My doc says he figures since I was 15 I've lost 4200 pounds. ) I started the Atkins diet on September 1, ended December 24th. Lost 55 lbs. I've gained two pounds. I'm starting again today, will get off the first of June. I'm hoping that limiting myself to three months on, two months maintenance, I'll avoid any large problems. Only problem I had this time was headaches about the end of the second week. Only lasted a couple of days, though. Thanks for the input on the training/low carb problems, you may have saved me from a mistake.

Hi. About to get started in shooting matches, and will be using a Glock 34 with a Bar-Sto barrel. Could you gentlemen please give me an idea of the differences in reloading for shooting steel and paper? For paper, do you use full metal jacket or jacketed hollowpoints? Etc.... And for steel do you switch to lead bullets? Hope I'm clear enough on what I'm asking. Thanks much for any help you can give.

Just kinda-sorta wondering what the result would be if the charge bar was "refinished" with one of the slick gun finishes such as MP3, Teflon, etc. Also, FWIW, if it's cleaned right after use, the new $7.00 Crest electric toothbrushes work pretty good for a bunch of things.

Neat test. My results: 94% (Dixie) "Is General Lee Your Father?" (OK, Arkansas--but I didn't vote for him.)

While sitting down, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles. Now, while doing this, draw the number "6" in the air with your right hand. Even if you can shoot two Bill drills with both hands at the same time while whistling Dixie, I bet you can't do this without your foot going nuts.

Checked the toilet paper?

Tea comes immediately to mind. I think this question might better have been posed to Al Gore, though under the circumstances his answer probably would have been "half-full, of course". Also seems that it would be in the eye of the beholder, ie: Al doing the drinking or his religious hosts doing the pouring.

I've had decent luck with leading using the old "obturation" theory or whatever. 480 times the Brinell hardness equals the pressure required to obturate the bullet base.

Hi. It would be interesting to do that comparison with a third and fourth string, same brass and loads but with the flash holes reamed. Sounds interesting, anyway.

Hi. Thanks to you folks for the info. Just about to start with my 550 x-mas present. Been hand (single primer) priming for the 6 ppc for several years with Federal match primers, and use the same hand primer for 45 colt. No problems, but the priming tool I use makes it easy to seat by feel. However, I shall nevermore hand prime with the case mouth facing me, and I shall definitely be more aware with the Dillon than I would have been had you not brought the subject up. I've been reaming flash holes and cleaning pockets even for pistol cases, something to do while watching reruns of Bill O'Reilly. Wonder if maybe there's occasionally a shard of brass in the pocket from manufacturer left over from punching the hole, or the primer pocket isn't quite square sometimes and might "squish" the primer?? anyhow< thanks

OK, case solved. The missing collar, which the 550 video demonstrated, is no longer used. So, the part is missing, but no longer needed according to Dillon. Thanks again for the help. Ray

Erik, I think you were right about me not seeing it. I have only removed the powder die, and was/am thinking a sleeve should have been inserted. I do now see a fully inserted white plastic rim inside which I think is it. Right now I'm trying to remind myself of the difference between stupidity and ignorance. Thanks folks for your help, I really appreciate it. I'll call Dillon tomorrow to be sure, but I'm betting I'm in good shape. Ray

Hi, thanks. I ordered powder measures, heads and conversions for loading three calibers. None of the measures has the sleeve inside it. Just thought maybe it wasn't being used, but I guess Dillon just forgot to install them. I'll call them tomorrow. Thanks again.

Hi. Just started assembling my new 550. There is no white plastic sleeve inside the powder measure. I got three calibers, and none of the measures contained the white sleeves. Did they quit using them or just left them out? Seems odd that they would forget to put them in all three. Thanks. Ray

Hmm. I think you just gave me an new mantra and a new year's resolution.