varminter22

Maybe I missed it. Did anyone suggest using a primer pocket uniformer tool on your suspect brass?

Joe4d says, "These bullets are just bad..." Obviously, not everyone agrees with that statement. I sure don't agree. I've been shooting Xtreme bullets (formerly known as West Coast Bullets) for well over a decade with good results. Mostly .45ACP 230 gr, and more recently .38 Short Colt 147 gr. Obviously not at 'magnum' velocity, but Major PF (.45ACP) and Minor PF (.38 Short Colt). I'll agree they're not exactly Bullseye match quality, but they've worked well for me (and many others) for steel plate, bowling pin, USPSA and ICORE matches. That said, I also use Montana Gold (.45 230 gr and .357 142 gr) and am happy with them. I live only about an hour from Xtreme, but its difficult for me to go there during their open hours. I long for the days back when Angela (before they sold to the current bigger outfit) would bring bullets to shooters when she would be shooting at a weekend match!

Same problem here. And I'm using IE 11.

I've never used lube on handgun brass to be sized in carbide dies. No problems.

I certainly agree! Love the moon clip server. And I had the pleasure of shooting on same squad with James Austin at the 2013 ICORE Midwest Regional (Fallon NV). A great guy, indeed.

The .357 "9mm" 147 grain bullets are great for, and I understand were originally made for, those wanting the round nose profile bullet for taper crimping in .38/.357 revolver ammo. I use the .357 "9mm" 147 grain in .38 Short Colt brass (M627).

Lots of local and major matches post the stages well before the match for shooters to peruse. So why are the Rev Nat'ls stages not being posted? Or perhaps there is a plan to post them as soon as they are finalized? In this case, posting the stages might go a long ways in helping shooters decide what revolver to bring - especially those arriving by commercial airline. And alleviate the mass last-minute shooter changes.

So why are the stages (for the Revolver National) a secret? Or do they plan to post the stages anytime soon?

I've searched and I think I've read just about everything about the .38 Short Colt here. But still not sure how to proceed. Have been shooting Mont Gold 142 JHP and Xtreme 147 (plated) RN, both with 3.3 gr Tite Group (in a M627). Good results. Now I would like to try the Xtreme 158 (plated) RNFP in the .38 Short Colt. Being aware of all that's been said here about faster powders with heavier bullets, am unsure of how to proceed. Powders I have on hand: Tite Group Clays WST Trail Boss N320 Suggestions? Need a new (slower) powder? As someone mentioned in another thread, am thinking of trying 3.0 gr N320 with the plated Xtreme 158 RNFP. Advice and load suggestions appreciated!

Anyone else getting rid of their M625? Preferably a pre-lock model. I wouldn't mind having another - to shorten barrel to 2" or 3" for a carry gun!

My system may or may not be the 'best' but I use 'stick on bifocals' on regular shooting glasses. www.eabco.com/bifocalstickon.htm or www.safetyglassesusa.com/optx-20-20.html They actually work pretty darned good!

Can't really comment on holster. I use an older (leather) Safariland #2. When I got the M627, I went straight to Starline .38 Short Colt brass. (I bought 2000 rounds of the Short Colt brass; kinda wish I had bought more.) Can't comment about the feasibility of using mixed .38 Spec brass, except to say you'll definitely have to sort and get appropriately sized clips. Apparently there is a little difference (in rim size) between new (approximately July 2013) and older production Starline .38 Short Colt Brass. I ordered new Hearthco clips for the Starline brass and couldn't get the brass in the clips. Sent brass samples to Mr Hearth and he quite graciously traded me for properly sized clips to fit my newer production brass. Great guy! I've been using James Austin's moon clip server for about a year now. Love it. And yes, 8-shot clips of .38 Short Colt work just fine in the moon clip server. By the way, I was fortunate to shoot with James Austin at the 2013 ICORE Midwest Regional (Fallon NV). James is another great guy!

Definitely reload to shoot. For the most part, I do enjoy reloading. But it does take up valuable time.

I dunno. Probably five or six.

Thanks, all. How much trouble to make the big knobs for the Safariland N frame speedloaders?

Yep. As D Carden said, Sept 27 & 28. www.icore.org/match.html Not a lot of other details available yet but plans are being made.

Thanks. The SL Variant speedloader looks great but is currently unavailable and unknown when more will be manufactured and become available. Looks like HKS might be the ONLY way to go right now. Preference on belt holders??

What speedloaders (and belt holders) are "best"/popular for ICORE Classic Division? I've only used HKS loaders (for a six-shot J frame .32 Mag): HKS probably not optimum for competition. Am aware of Safariland, SL Variant, and 5Star, but have no experience with them. Any others from which to choose? Am wanting to use my new (to me) S&W M24-3 (.44 Special) occasionally for ICORE Classic Div. Would like to hear opinions/advice on appropriate speedloaders. It seems that Safariland makes the Comp I for the M24, but apparently does not make the Comp II nor Comp III for the M24 .44 Special. At $32 per loader plus $10 per Sport Grip, the SL Variant loaders are pricey - but then one usually gets what one pays for. True in this case? Am sure interested in hearing opinions/advice from Classic Div shooters! Thanks! NV2472

Mike, Don't forget the ICORE Northwest Regional in Fallon, Nevada! Would be great if you could come shoot with us!

I see Safariland makes its Comp I for the M624 (which should also work for the M24?); but I doubt the Comp I would be optimum for competition use. Apparently Safariland does not make the Comp II nor Comp III for N frames. SL variant (www.bobmacs.com/variantcataglog.htm) makes the model N-277 "which fits a variety of calibers, specifically .44 Mag, S&W 629, 625, 22"; price $32. And they have the SL Variant Sport Grip S-234 for an additional $10 (I think this makes it much like the Safariland Comp III.) The SL Variant might be the way to go, but at $42 per loader, I think I want some advice from current users as to how well they work! Of course the HKS speedloaders would work, but again doubt optimum for competition. Same for the 5Star loaders (www.pistoleer.com/5star/speedloaders/454 (model 44M); I'm not familiar with 5Star. That is all of the speedloaders that I'm aware of. Not sure which way to go. Will try to talk with some ICORE Classic shooters for opinions before I buy.

Thanks. I will try to increase PF to the low 130s. Darned sure wouldn't want to go sub-minor!

Roger that! I was planning to increase the PF. Just wondered if there is a general rule as to how much difference to expect going from 4000' to lower elevation.

Thanks. I will try the N320. And perhaps retest with 3.4 and 3.5 gr Tite Group.

What steps do you take to ensure you make power factor when traveling out of your area? Is there a 'general rule' to follow? For example, I'm currently shooting a M627 with .38 Short Colt, 142 Montana Gold FMJ, 3.3 gr Tite Group, AOL ~ 1. 082" and making 127 PF at approximately 4000' elevation. As I understand it, I'll probably lose some velocity in Barry IL due to its lower elevation (730') and perhaps humidity too. Been planning to increase the charge a bit anyway but now I probably really should if I'm to travel to the Revolver Nationals. Same question would apply if traveling from here to the IRC which is virtually at sea level. By the way, also have WST (but wasn't happy with the one test I did in the Short Colt), some N320 (haven't tried yet), and Clays (which I don't think is suitable with 142 and 147 gr bullets.)

"... offer them to those with current USPSA Revolver Div classifications" I think that would be appropriate.