[Been Using Clays ...What's Better]

Clays maxes out at 4.2 only when you're loading very short, like 1.200 if I remember correctly.

My SWC are at 1.240" and I personally would have no qualms about 4.3gr or even a bit more.

Unless you really just want something other than Clays...

[New Shooter in Central NJ]

Are you a member over here http://njgunforums.com/forum/ ? There are very few public ranges so Old Bridge or CJRPC might be your best best since SCFGPA is not accepting new members right now

IDPA matches at SCFGPA are open to non members though, next one is this weekend

[Springfield TRP and 200g SWC feed issue]

I know this thread is a little old but are these plated? I haven't used the Bulletworks bullets but my Loaded would not reliably feed Xtreme SWC at any OAL (one FTF out of 20 shots or so, regardless of Tripp, Wilson or Springfield magazines). I recently switched to a different bullet which has a much more rounded edge on the flat part, and this seems muuuuch better.

With the Xtreme you could actually feel a "ka-chunk" as the slide returned to battery, from the bullet nose hitting the chamber initially. Now it's just a "chunk" as it is with RN bullets.

[Thumb Safety?]

How do you drop the slide? The thumb safety on an M&P makes it hard for me to reach the slide stop with my strong hand thumb.

If I seat the fresh mag firmly enough the slide "drops itself". Failing that, slingshot.

I like the lower profile safety of the Shield for pocket carry (because I can choose not to use it when holster carrying), but since that's not available for the full size, I say no safety.

[Mounting press to bench]

If you were to drill erotically through the 2x4 then you need to stay within the center 1/3 of the member

LOL. Erotically...eccentrically...same thing...

[Apex Competition or Duty]

If I have to go the duty route is it alot better than the stock trigger?

Yes.

I compete with the duty kit and I don't feel like I need the trigger any lighter.