BobS761

It looks like we aren't properly seating and crimping. Loading to 1.125 OAL. Fits in the case guage, but sticky in the chamber. I read elsewhere on Enos not to crimp much with cast bullets, so we tried to just get the bell out and crimp a little to prevent setback. We also size the bullets. By no means is the investigation over, going to double check every aspect and component. B

Hey Top, what about a surplus small tool bag? I think mine is 10" by 6" on the bottom. Heavy canvas though. B

Bad rounds, with lead, make sure they are nut curling the lead when you seat the bullet. If the round got stuck in the chamber, odds are they dind't fully seat, and that is why they didn't fire. Probably need to move to the reloading forum, but perhaps more crimp? The bullets are sized, but I can see the outline of the bullet in the brass on some of them. At first, we had some issues with the bullets seating just a little askew. Scrapped those. Also all brass goes through the bulge buster. Sorry for the ignorance, we are new to the USPSA shooting, AND reloading AND auto loading pistols. B

The malfunctions we experienced are probably due to our reloads. But, being new to the game, I'm solicitng opinions. All three of us experienced the same thing, 2 XDm .40 4.5 and an XD .40 tactical. During the course of fire, there would be a misfire, and the slide would be a real bear to rack and clear. Bullets were reloads, 175 gr cast lead, 1.125 OAL, all run through case guage, and about 160 PF. Also loaded on a Lee Loadmaster, just before we gave up and bought a Dillion. Guns are bone stock. While I'm not a pistol expert, I cannot understand the difficulty racking the slide to clear. Any ideas? B

Glad your comming back we need everyone. Personally I think the DQ should have been enough I think they stepped over the line when they broke your shoulder. Yeah, it gets pretty rough in Kentucky! But really I broke my shoulder because I have a 21 year old brain stuck in a 51 year old body, and teenage sons I think I can keep up with! I hope I never ever, EVER, have another shoulder injury!!

I got my first DQ because I blew past a shooting position and broke 180 while backtracking and reloading. My third match. It wasn't a trap but it was a huge learning experience! I facing 45 degrees left and it doesn't take much "flip" while dropping a mag to break 180. Stage design was great, my experience level not so much. This was in June, and sadly I haven't shot since. Not mad about the DQ, just broke my shoulder. Gonna try again Saturday! But dang it, I really wanted to get classified this summer. B

Thanks, I think maybe we are using a little too much. It's a work in progress! B

Still learning this. We are casting bullets with a Lee tumble lube die. Everything seems to be working well, but the question I have is, do I need remove the lube from the loaded rounds? Thanks, B

I think I'll get him to try someone's FO sights first. Dad is a long gun shooter and just starting, as well as the rest of my family, to shoot pistols. Really don't know if it's vision, or just new to semi-auto handguns. Even though he is 77, he is not feeble of body in the least. But like anything, I want him to have fun, and not feel embarrassed by results. Thanks for the replies! B

We managed to get 144 PF with 3.0 grains of Clays using 180 grain lead cast bullets. Bullets were cast from old fishing sinkers and using Lee tumble lube dies. Shot well out of 2 bone stock XDm .40 4.5 guns but wouldn't lock back the slide in an XD .40 tactical. Maybe a lighter spring? Anyway, it was our first attempt at making minor loads, and was a lot of fun! B

This is for my dad. He is 77, a beginner, and competes entirely for fun and family time. My goal is to make USPSA matches more enjoyable and less intimidating for him, without breaking the bank, as I'm also supporting 2 sons as well as myself. I know it will put him in open, but we have 16 round mags and I don't think he cares. Any help is appreciated! Bob

I'm widowed. I have often thought how it would be if I wasn't here. Honestly, though, I'm not suicidal. I have kids to take care of. But I often wish it was me instead of my wife, so I understand. And like right now, I'm handed another double decker shit sandwich from the gf. Sorry for my French, but Fuuk Them!! I'm gonna survive this and do better than you!!!! Sorry if I'm inappropriate.. really down and not really thinking clearly.. delete me if needed

Im widowed.. 3 years ago I thought I met the woman that I would spend the rest of my life with. OMG I'm so screwed. If anyone has ever been there, betrayal is even worse than losing someone.

Had to take a breath, realize I'm 51 and not 11, and stop checking the tracking info every 2 hours. Lol!

My new Dillion 550 is scheduled to arrive!!!!

Lol! I do, but not fo at least 6 weeks!

Taekwondo has delayed yet again my fledgling first USPSA season. I may not ever get whatever pitiful classification I deserve. Broken and dislocated shoulder, and surgery yesterday. On the up side, I ordered a Dillion RL550 today to keep me occupied while I heal. And I still get to take my sons and dad to the matches!

Welcome! Be safe, have fun, and say goodbye to your wallet! This is a great site, enjoy! B

We loaded 10 rounds with 4.2 gr titegroup, cast lead TC average 183 gr, CCI primers, at 1.125. Chrono at 950 fps. Does anyone see any problem dropping to 3.7 grains? I'm hoping to make minor PF with the titegroup. Shooting XDm 4.5. Thanks, B

This is what scares me. I know how insane I get if I don't have a dip within an hour of waking. I couldnt go a month like that much less a year. Somebody told me one time that you can't quit until you don't enjoy it anymore. I hope thats not the case because I still love it. Sadly, me too.....

My daughter won high point with 3 firsts, 2 seconds, and 5 blue ribbons today in Racking senior division at her District show. Probably her last time, due to college. I am proud she finished with a bang. Now on to the State show in 2 weeks! B

Bob you took it well. On top of that you manned up and helped out the rest of the day. I think you, your son, and your dad learned a bit yesterday. Thanks, Cory. Funny thing, Matt asked later if I would have stayed if he and my dad wasn't shooting. I told him of course I would. Even more important than my mad shooting skills, is being a role model and good sport for the (ahem) little fella. So, when do I get my classification for the United States Target Pasting Associatiion? I know, some people don't get my humor! B PS I got to shoot the rest of my round practicing today!!!

I'm in agreement that breaking 180 is a BAD thing. Like I said earlier, I was just sharing my personal reaction to a DQ. But, what I'm taking away from this experience, and hope any other readers take away, is to be aware of your stage setup, and potential touble areas. From MY perspective, I was looking down range, directly at targets. Actually I was down range on right side facing 45 degrees to my left. Just a little flip to reach the mag release, and I was done. Compounding the issue, I was wanting to move just a few steps uprange around a wall. The stage setup was great, I put myself into a trouble spot of my own making. Thing is, new shooters need to be aware and instructed that the 180 deg plane is in relation to their position and the firing line and not their position and the target. I'll be aware the next time. B

I'm referring to a personal level. It wasn't like it ruined my day or killed my spirit. No need for me to get mad, sulk, or storm off. learn and don't do it again! B

Really, just poor stage planning on my part. Did I mention I'm new? I found myself in a "hole", and needed to retreat a little. Broke 180. Now I didn't break 180 in relation to ME, but in fairness, there are other people behind the firing line. Probably would have been ok if I wasn't changing mags. But I learned something and now I'm also classified as Master at target pasting! Especially since I DQ'd on the first stage! No big deal, there are more matches and I'll know better at the next one. B The "hole" was a corridor leading down range at about 45 degrees. So, facing the down range side wall, I broke 180 changing the mag. Clear as mud?