50cal

Bob Londrigan. I am so psych'd. I fondle my mags on a daily basis, and I can't resist making ammo (which is bad because who knows what load will work best with the gun). What do shoot Kath?

I have sifted through the wealth of info referencing Ghost and Limcat holsters. Some of it is not too recent, all of it seems to split preference down the middle. I am interested in those who have switched from a Ghost to the Limcat or vice-versa. Exactly why have I been hearing lately, that the Ghost is faster? I think I'm pretty well sold on Limcat mag holders (barring any new comments). Since I have almost entirely completed the entire Open Gun set-up I know I will accumulate a pile of gear (from powder and bases to belts and mag holders) in my closet worth hundreds of dollars, that I will have experimented with and subsequently replaced. I do not expect to eliminate this phenomenon, but your help will definitely minimize the cost Thanks in advance! Mike

for what its worth... I received my Limcat Bases (+2). Verrrry shwing, and HEAVY! 29 rounds in the mags with a Limcat bases - no need to go to the gym. As was mentioned, they mount very securely. I really like the design. Still waiting for the gun so time will tell, I hope my magwell doesn't get in the way. Thanks for the help!!!! Mike

The cross bolt locking rings from Hornady are not as wide and they have flattened side for a wrench. They weren't available so I ordered Forsters I like them, they are aluminum and the width makes them easy to work with and tighten by hand. Incidently, not having to get a wrench in there is a Godsend and actually makes it easier to adjust which far outweighs the having more "room to work with" Dillon, your hardware is premium but those lock rings are pathetic. They do move and they do slip. This is likely due to the "tolerances between the threads" as you put it. I am sorry to disagree with you. The movement that the Dillon rings allow is noticeable when "belling" the case and when seating. The added movemnet of the powder measure adds to the problem. After thousands of rounds I still yet to need to adjust the Dies in the toolhead. With the Dillon provided rings this is simply NOT the case. Also, once the ring is clamped on the die I can remove the die (for cleaning or inspection - like your "New Style" dies but I can take it out of the toolhead, a bonus.) and replace it at the exact position. This is only my opinion. I love my press. There is no need to be defensive, I just found something that makes makes my press even more enjoyable. While your here, $30 for the Bullet tray is absurd and Akro bins are 0.99 ea. Also, the AL. roller handle is awsome and worth double AND, I don't care what anybody says, The Dillon crimp die is better than the Lee crimp by a long shot. Take care and thanks for the comments, Mike ps. I have no idea if those Forster rings will fit a 1050 or 650 press. Is the spacing between the holes the same in those two presses?

Nope. Each and everyone are within tolerance.

I got tired of those poor puny lock rings that come with dillons dies (sheesh). Rings with a set screws are only marginally better. Cross bolt lock rings are the only way to go for me. Hornady makes some and so does Forster. The Forster parts can be found at Grafs (part no. FR01132112 pack of 12 for $30). These are them. Cheers, Mike

Pro SX eh? Well, that explains the wait. Mine is a lot less work than yours. Hopefully I'll see it this summer. I went Super Comp. As far as cooking up a ton of ammo in advance, Check with Bob for a recipe for that specific gun. When he completes a gun and fires it for reliability and function, he will also be able to propose a good load for that gun. It would be drag sitting on 2000 rnds of less-than-optimal ammo for a gun like the SX. IMO

oooh I hate that... There I go posting another question that has been addressed in depth - sheesh. The irony here is: This site has one of the best search engines I have seen PERIOD Not only is the search function excellent, I use it regularly, really, no really - I do. Any way, I bought one and I'm glad I did Thanks, Mike

Personally, I love the combination of a gorgeous, tricked out, gun painstakingly tuned to the Nth degree and an ammo bag filled with meticulously assembled ammo. The essence of shooting is when absolutely every detail matters.

Any opinions on Redding's Competition Handgun Seating Die, 38 Super? Is it worth $55? TIA Mike

Hi y'all, Just a quick follow-up and thankyou. A few very kind members have approached me recently with some very tempting options (so if you're in the market, you will undoubtedly find happiness). I have settled on a Brazos Pro Series Open Gun with a few extras. I'm psyched and can hardley wait. I want to start making ammo but, though I have all the components, I don't have have data yet for a 5in. comp'd barrel with poppleholes in .38 super comp, wsr, vvn105, zero 125grain .356. Take care and thanks for your help! Mike

You know, I would prefer to use Grams' exclusively. I've heard (read) only great things about him and his products. I am a loyal consumer, once I find success with someone, I would walk through fire to support that person/company. Some compaies that will forever get my business are; Brazo's, Starline, Vihtavuori, Dillon, yada yada yada... The "value add" from this loyalty is priceless and top quality is top quality! It doesn't appear to me that Grams has anything other than black plastic (I know the material is very credible, if not interesting) bases. Typically I lean toward the K.I.S.S. method and Grams proven bases are clearly designed to "get the job done" Now I am not so stylish that I want to go all out accessorizing with colored grips etc. (please-no offense to anyone, and dressed-up guns do look great! I'm just conservative). In this case, I like the look of the metallic bases. So if I can have the same "get the job done" quality and function in an eye pleasing similarly price component, why not. You guys are not impressed at spending $3000+ on a gun, but this is my first and only a month ago I thought that would be foolish. Today I understand but that is a lot of dough! Most of my additional work is internal, the only visual queue on mine will be the mag base. However, I don't want to sacrifice performance. If Grams are simply better than the other designs then I will go with Grams. sorry for being long winded and drawn out, you can wake up now So, since it looks like Limcat and Dawson are going to come out virually equal, Which one connects to the tube more securely?? Thanks for the feedback. Mike

Holy Smokes can you learn alot here! Thanks to all for sharing your wisdom. I have just about wrapped up my entire "kit" (Gun with mods and accessories and all reloading components). From the advice I have received, I have two Tuned 140mm tubes coming, I will order a half dozen or so of Grams' follower/spring kits next week. I will get a 170mm tube but probably try it out stock and maybe try to sort it out myself if it turns out to be "rough". I have definitely been assimilated and I have the credit card to prove it! The last choice for me on mags is bases. I did do a search and found plenty of info, most indicates I will be quite happy with many choices. I would really like to nail down my the selection by getting a clear majority on the following bases. LimCat or Dawson. Which would you take? I am not worried about fitting the measuring gauge. With that said, are the +2 mag bases as good (read solid) as the +1 or 0's ? I don't mind not squeszing in the last possible round. Cheers! and Thanks as always Mike

how important or how much benefit is realized from "tuned" mags? is tuning more or less important depending on the tube length (tune 170's, leave 140's stock)? Also, do base pads play a role in performance? Thanks

thanks for you time DD cheers! Mike

does a STI trubor take standard 1911 grip panels? yes I'm new - all I'm going to need when it comes time to shoot, is someone to do that too

a new guy some of your race guns? I don't have mine yet Any pics would be enjoyed - Thanks Mike

Oh thanks guys.... I wanted to get some of Brazos "tuned" tubes. Instead I got a $250 2lb trigger job!!!!!! I can't stop Maybe finding this forum wasn't such a good idea after all Mike

So, Here's what I just ordered from Bob at Brazo's STI Trubor Competitor lightened slide Installed and tuned Aftec Extractor for .38supercomp a couple of 140mm tuned tubes... Should have it in a week or so THANKYOU! Mike

So, pretty straight forward on the options... well thats a good thing for me Andrew B, one of your members recommended the supercomp round and extractor. - Thanks Andrew. Interesting about accuracy... I guess these gun are purpose built. Tack driving accuracy is probably wasted for a competition gun of this type - is that correct? Thanks again Mike

Well I was so fortunate with my last inquiry I'm back with 2 other questions. I've decided to go with Brazos STI Trubor Comp. I will take a piece of advice and go with the .38 supercomp using an Aftec extractor. 1) below are some options I am curious about. Are any of these worthwhile? Trigger (Short or Gunsmith, black) C-More "click adjustable" Red Dot Sight Drilled and Tapped Mag Release with Oversize Button Stainless Mag Well S-1 or T-2 Slide lightening RecoilMaster Cyclone Mag Button Ultragrip Big Mouth Magwell 2) Are Race guns really accurate? I know they perform, but how about pure accuracy from a rest. My P220 Sport is a tack driver. Rock River and Les Baer (perhaps others) have 1 1/2 in. garantees at 50yds. I have not seen any claims or info regarding accuracy performance of a race gun. What can be expected?? Hope you don't mind the questions, the responses are truly appreciated Mike

This simple question turned out to be very hard for me to answer. At the moment I am not planning on entering competition. That may change. The simple answer is because I know I will love shooting this gun. I like to shoot tons of meticuluosly prepared ammo as rapidly as I can. These guns simply look awesome. In my mind, these guns are the at the top of the shooting foodchain. They represent the highest achievement of form, function and performance in the pistol arena and I want to have one. Would one consider one of these guns (say the Trubor) to be a 1911? Or has it evolved so far that it is an entirely different gun? Again, my appreciation Mike

Guys thanks a million! Picked up some great thoughts and info. -forget the Heinie race gun -double stacks are good -.38 cal is good -some great guns at around $2000 - $2500, I am looking into them -some great leads and places to call, I will follow these too (yes, I like Loudoun guns, great shop - what I don't buy on-line, I get from them. Again, Thanks guys. I don't feel so confused anymore but I am definitely in unfamilliar territory - still. the north mountain match sounds fun, I hope I can get out there - thanks. Cheers, Mike.

single stack. I'm in No. VA - near DC

Hi everyone, let me say that I have spent the first week since joining, looking/searching before posting these question. I am sure some of my questions have been addressed at length and I did find some related material. Unfortunately what I did find only demonstrated how in-depth and complicated the task of finding a race gun is. I am new to race guns (have none) and I want one bad. I thought there may be a "Best out of the box race gun" or "Best race gun for under $2000" thread somewhere but I failed to find one. Here are some of my questions if you would be so kind: First, I did find this nifty used race gun. I swear it looks mint (super clean - at least a 90% gun or better - like the guy never used it). Apparently there was a 5yr wait for this package. To save space I put the details HERE It is apparently over $3400 new and conseignment sheet is firm at $2600. What do you think? What would you offer? Other questions: Is 9mm sufficient and accurate? At $2600 There are some decent out of the box guns available. I want an open Race gun, can you suggest a few options? I have a dillon 550 so I am not worried about cost of shooting. Currently, I'll hit the range with my p220sport and Ultradot and shoot about 400-500 rounds in a hour. Thanks for your tolerance and assistance, Mike