Matt in TN

Thanks!

And as long as I'm perstering you, which magazine tube do you prefer? I have a +2 tube that gives me a 6 shot capacity, but I'd like to find a +4 tube to bring me to 8+1 division capacity. Thanks, Matt

Thanks for the advice! Any chance you could post a pic or share some dimensions of the trigger plate dishing?

I know an 870 is not ideal for competition, but it's what I have and what I want to use for now. I've chamfered the edges of the loading port a little, but still struggle with loading. My best option so far (or so the timer says) is loading three at a time from a 6-shell California Competition Works shellholder. I've tried the load two thing, but either I'm not doing it right or the 870 makes it difficult. Can anyone tell me if it's me or if I'm trying the impossible? Any tips if it's me?

Follow-up on this. I talked to Joe Harris and tried to sign up for July. Turns out he's leaving Rockcastle and will be teaching in Georgia, so these classes are off (or in Georgia) unless someone else picks up the torch. Too bad - I was really looking forward to it.

Excellent book. Thank you for posting. I may have to re-read it for the tenth time now. :-)

You'll Need Better Hearing Protection (YNBHP) Brake Or simply - "Deafening" ;-)

I'm in for July - email sent. Thanks for doing this!

150 for the class only, and then another 100-150 for the rest of the weekend? Just trying to make sure I load and bring enough -

Grade 8 bolts from any hardware store can take more hits than normal Grade 2 bolts. They're not perfect, but are better. Use pieces from an old tire tread instead of chain (ideally one big piece as wide as the target). The tire is basically indestructible and can take many hits, whereas the chain just has to be hit once to fail.

This looks like a great opportunity! Any idea how much ammo I should bring for the whole weekend?

I had good luck with 44.2 gr of WC846 behind a 125gr Speer TNT, in a LC case.

I used to clean my primer pockets before every load when I was loading on a single stage. When I got my Dillon 550B I worried about this too, but haven't cleaned a primer pocket since. I haven't had an issue in a few thousand rounds.

I only have an 870, so I guess I need to try a Benelli - but I'm trying to understand: I frequently hear that one should use a Nova/Supernova for competition, but use an 870 for defence. You guys have made some good points on why the Benelli is good for competition, but then why not also use it for defense? Is it unreliable when compared to the 870?

Just curious - why does no one shoot the FAL in this class?

Mean radius is better statistically speaking, but what we as riflemen are really looking for is extreme spread. I want to know what size dot I am able to hit EVERY TIME with a given rifle and load - so the extreme spread is what I want.

Agreed. I've tried Berry's, Rainer, and Zero in my G30. Zero are the most accurate.

If you want to use factory loads I will happily take these bullets off your hands. PM me with a price

I use 4.9gr behind a 230gr plated Berry's/Rainer/Zero bullet. Gets me around 800fps out of a Glock 30.

I'm up to about 6,000 rds through my G30 now. I've used Rainer, Berrys and Zero all in the 230gr plated in my G30 with no problems. I've tried some FP and SWC plated and they usually work, but not 100%. It would be nice to have nice little round holes in the target, but the reliability of the 230gr RN plated is hard to argue with.

Simply because it is a milestone in my training, and it was something I could not do previously.

And on the other side of that argument - I use an 18.5" 870 (6rd tube) with ghost rings exclusively for 3-gun, and love it. If you're consistantly finishing in the top 3 and want to move to #1, then an 18.5" probably isn't for you. If you like the handiness of a short shotgun for other areas of life and want to get out and shoot it - go for it! I would recommend screw in chokes, regardless of your barrel length.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/574297/rcbs-precision-mic-308-winchester The little bullet-shaped thingy is useless. This measures both OAL (to the ogive, not the bullet tip - which is much more accurate a measurement) and cartridge headspace. Size your brass long and keep bumping the shoulder back until the bolt will just barely close on the brass with little to no pressure (have to disassemble the rifle to this - similar to checking headspace). Measure it with the case mic and write that number down somewhere. That is your RIFLE headspace measurement. Most people set an autoloader CARTRIDGE headspace to be 0.002" under the rifle headspace. Use the case mic to measure your sized brass and adjust your dies until they size correctly. If your factory ammo is working fine you might start with just comparing your factory ammo measurements (both headspace and OAL) to your handloads and copying them. If you want to be anal-retentive you'll need a headspace gauge to calibrate your RCBS Case Mic. The "zero" on the case mic doesn't necessarily correspond to anything in particular. If you're just comparing measurements it really doesn't matter though. Your load sounds fine - it's got to be something with the handloads.

Not sure about the JP Enterprises gauge - do you have one of these? The first question is what is your brass headspace vs. your chamber headspace? The next question is what is your brass OD in a few different places vs. your chamber OD, but you'll need some cerrosafe to do that right. Also - which powder and what weight bullets are you using?

This is the million dollar question, and I struggle just like you do. Matt Burkett's drills helped me a lot, but in the end it's a matter of time and perfect practice. Welcome to the addiction!