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A shooter at a match today had a similar problem - traces of powder "blow back" on his right arm. An experienced reloader at the match suggested that it might have been caused by loading with a relatively light powder charge which doesn't cause the case to expand enough to fully seal the chamber. Ever hear of such a thing? Tom

You might try removing the decapping pin and slightly chamfering the bottom edges on it with some fine sandpaper. It doesn't take much, and should help to keep the spent primers from sticking to it and being drawn back up into the case. Tom

Welcome to the forum! From the southern end of the state... Tom

I have the ProChrono Digital and like it quite a bit. I just picked up a ProChrono Digital - they're on sale this month at MidwayUSA. Tom

Also - make sure you're using the right primer magazine tube and primer slide for the caliber you're loading. Dillon ships presses with the large primer tube and slide installed. If you're loading a caliber that uses small primers you'll need to swap the primer slide and magazine tube. Tom

Just curious - it's been a few weeks since the last update - any decision yet? Tom

I suspect that you're right - I already like the price better than what I had been loading. I received 500 of each MG 9mm today from Everglades Ammo. I'll load and test some this weekend. Tom

Thanks for the links - I'll check them out. Tom

Thanks Brian! PM sent. Tom

Not sure if you're asking me or the original poster (mcracco). I would be loading 9mm for a Beretta 92fs and M&P9c and 45ACP for a 1911. I've been loading Hornady 124 and 147 XTPs for 9mm - but they're only sold in boxes of 100 - and they get very expensive very fast. I wanted to try MG 9mm 124 JHP, 124 CMJ or FMJ, 147 CMJ, and 45ACP 230 FMJ and JHP. As you can imagine, buying 1000 of each just to see which worked best in my guns would be way too expensive. If MG would sell 200 of each it would have been a 1000 piece order... Tom

I'm also interested in your test results. I'd like to try MG as well - I just don't like having to buy 1,000 of them as a "test". I called to ask if they sell smaller quantities so I could try a few of their different bullets before I buy a case or two. Nope - minimum is 1000. Tom

I wasn't aware that Traverse City allowed discharge of a firearm (on personal property) within city limits - you might want to check that. You don't want the Traverse City PD showing up to investigate reports of gunshots being heard in your neighborhood... Tom

This sounds odd - the primer cup should be just large enough for the primer - unless you're using the large primer slide with small primers. If you're using the right slide there shouldn't be room for the primer to move around within the cup. The large primer cup is silver, the small primer cup is brass. If you're using the right one and it still isn't aligning, you should give Dillon a call - their technical support is usually excellent. (I can't advise as to which 40 brass is preferrable - I don't load 40.) Tom

Are you using mixed brass? If the ones you're having problems with all have the same headstamp it may be that they just have tight primer pockets. S&B brass seems to be known for that. I don't know if some brands of 40 use crimped primers. If so, you would need to remove the crimp to reuse that brass. Sorting your brass by headstamp may help you isolate the issue. Tom

I agree - these are the paper tearing, not a hole made in the profile of the bullet. If I push the torn paper back up there's a clean bullet hole. Just not sure what's causing the tear. I did some experimenting with different loads. At 3.7 and 3.8 grains I still see this same tearing, but at 4.0 grains I get clean holes in the paper. I'm not too worried about it since these are just plinking rounds - just think it's odd... Thanks for everyone's comments and suggestions. Tom

Nice setup! I usually just keep count by the number of times I've had to refill primers... Tom

I've been shooting at the same indoor range for many years and just within the past two weeks they've established a policy of "no picking up brass". They have shooters sweep brass into the range beyond the firing line, and an RO that walks back and forth behind the line sweeping it out as he goes. Seems to me that the brass they expect me to leave behind was mine when I walked in - I should be able to take it with me when I leave. Looks like I need to find a different range... Oh well - their loss - I used to do a lot of business at that shop. Tom

Welcome Justin! Whereabout in Michigan are you from? Tom

For me it was unpredictable availability of primers, powder and bullets. I was interested in getting started with reloading about 3 years ago - at the same time these components became scarce. I bought my 550 last December, and wish that I hadn't waited so long... Tom

Try searching the forums for "inconsistent OAL". You'll find a lot of information and suggestions on what to check. Tom

When loading with Clays I get the best results with: 4.0 grains OAL 1.245 CCI 300 primers 230 Gr. FMJ-RN I've been using CBC (Magtech) once fired brass Also, the crimp should be measured at the mouth of the case, not below the seated bullet. I crimp mine to 0.470 - 0.471 Tom

I have the utmost respect and admiration for those who serve in our military. Congratulations to Captain Crawford for being awarded the Air Force Cross for his truly heroic efforts. Tom

If it were me, given your age and the opportunity to grow into an advanced engineering position in the new company, I would take the offer. I've worked in the automotive industry for the past 30+ years, currently as a systems manager. Application programming is "commodity" work that we can buy anywhere - the vast majority of it is being outsourced to companies in India and China that we pay $25/hour for programmers with masters degrees. The engineering work is all done in-house with our own employees. I expect that you'll have more opportunity - and potentially more stable employment - as an embedded s/w engineer than you would as an application programmer. Just my 2 cents. Tom

Happy Birthday Brian and best wishes for many more! Tom

Welcome! I grew up not far from North Jackson - on the south side of Youngstown (Boardman). I moved to Michigan for a job when I graduated from college - some 34 years ago. The Youngstown club benefit match looks tempting - it's for a great cause. Thanks to our troops and veterans for your service - and thanks to the Youngstown club for sponsoring this event. Tom