HOGRIDER

Starting my search for an SRO 5.0, and just had a chat with the Heart of Texas Armory's Owner. He seemed genuinely interested in my business, and put me on contact for next week. Thanks for the recommendation!

I totally agree with case gauging all my reloaded rounds! And while I also have the Hundo Chamber Checker, which is an excellent piece of equipment, I primarily use the Armanov case gauge. This bundle gives me the option to check/spot any significant differences in OAL. https://usa-shop.armanov.com/products/case-gauge-bundle-3-in-1

Could you have received the wrong powder funnel? https://www.uniquetek.com/product/T1736 Been using the MBF/Photo Escape funnels for a long time with JHP and coated lead, and never experienced loss of neck tension....... Shared my experience in this post/thread, and yes I was seating the bullet by hand but only deep enough to tamp the bullet: https://forums.brianenos.com/topic/205711-fix-for-shaving-lead-bullets/

MBF powder funnel is same design as Uniquetek, Photo Escape, etc....

CZ Shadow 2 Orange w/stock barrel. First pic is Zeros at 1.125 OAL. 2nd pic is Blues at 1.120". PF is in the 132-134 range for both loads. All loads use Winchester once-fired, fully processed brass with Federal Match SP primers.

Might check with Stuart at CZ Custom......... https://czcustom.com/cz-parts-all/safeties.html stuart@czcustom.com

Almo: I only made it as far as testing the RN for max OAL. Once I got to that point, I just wasn't satisfied with how deep the new profile was having to be seated. I'm satisfied with the results I got with the FP, so not wanting to waste anymore consumables since availability is still unstable. For my match loads using Zero 147g JHPs, I did a lot of testing! Ended up settling on 3.5g N320 at 1.125". Produces under 1" groups from the Ransom Rest.

Since my S2 Orange has a fairly tight chamber, I always test/check for max oal with any new/different bullet I'm using. The Blue 147 FP maxxed out right at 1.136", so I deducted my normal .015" and rounded down to 1.120". FWIW, I also tested Blue's new RN; but I just didn't like that profile. It maxxed at 1.125".

This might help with screw size.............

@tanfoglio1911Saw this thread and thought I should follow up with my final test results of the Blue 147s. That extra .1g did the trick! HTHs!

I received this from Dillon about an update to their RL1100 shell plates: Since it appears I'm going to have to actually purchase one to have an updated unit, I've been browsing around for aftermarket units. I have looked at the TNT burly plate and it looks very well made. Also I liked some of the additional features that FW Arms implemented in there new anodized unit: Definitely like to hear your feedback on the TNT plate as I will more than likely wait until a Black Friday type deal to purchase an upgraded plate; that is if vendors actually offer any sales..... Thanks again!

@Boomstick303, @Sigarmsp226 Thanks for your in-depth feedback! Guess I was worried about not having an expander with a "shaft" to support the inside of the case when swaging like the stock Dillon die uses. Believe I'll order one of the Redding's and install it during my soon to happen major cleaning. Also looking at one of FW Arm's new anodized shell plates..........

Absolutely!

I'll chime in and say I've been using Redding Pro Competition Dies in my pistol calibers for almost 20 years, and they have never been anything but consistent producing extremely high quality, accurate reloads. Not saying they are the best of the best, but Redding's lifetime warranty along with some of the best Customer Service I've ever received, have kept me coming back and highly recommending their products.

@Boomstick303, @Sigarmsp226 While I'm currently loading 9mm with a custom machined MBF funnel with very minimal/practically no sticking, I do actually feel it just a bit on long runs. I do use One Shot and allow just a wisp to get in some of the case mouths. But now, you two have picked my interest as I use Redding dies and have been seriously considering this die just to give it a try during the off-season. Even though I use pre-processed, roll sized, same headstamp brass, I'm wondering if a rogue piece of brass somehow got mixed in would the Redding expander located in the #3 Swaging Station provide enough down force to allow the primer pocket to be swaged properly before arriving at the priming station? Also, do you both and/or either still use the MBF funnel at the powder drop? Does it still do any expansion/creation of the infamous MBF seat or is it just along for the ride and dropping powder? Thanks!

IMO, SP is a very popular powder and there's a bunch of info here!

@leamI just switched platforms to a CZ, and had to relearn everything about finding the precise max OAL for my pistol! Also, just started testing the BB FP in 147 and 125. IMO, this is one of the best articles available that shows how to determine your gun's max OAL using the barrel! This procedure worked perfectly for my Shadow 2 Orange and works for about any pistol! https://czfirearms.us/index.php?topic=34225.msg189131#msg189131 Hope this helps!

Someone may chime in soon with the exact data you need; but IMO, I would determine the desired OAL of the round for the pistol(s) you'll be shooting, then compare and use the data that's shown for 147JHP. The manuals are only showing test rounds that were probably developed in a test barrel; and are primarily useful as basic reference material. Again, this is IMO as I develop loads using VV N320 which many claim is very similar to SP. Take a look at Darrell's shared data that might yield some pertinent info!

@adovlad Again, I have to point out the link to the excellent shooting Federal 150g Syntech. Pertinent ballistics are at the bottom of page! https://www.federalpremium.com/handgun/syntech/syntech-action-pistol/11-AE9SJAP1.html

@AHI Good point!

I too purchase same headstamp, fully processed brass from Kenneth Marx. Have purchased over 12k rounds, and so far have not had the first issue with any of his brass. Price has went up a few bucks as I paid $170 for the last 3k I purchased. But that's shipped to my door; and in this day and age, I feel it's still a good buy for same headstamp, fully process, roll sized brass! Highly recommend doing business with Kenny!

Just looked in the case for my 2020 manufacture Orange, and there are 2 extra recoil springs, 2 extra hammer springs, and 1 extra firing pin spring. This DOES NOT include the springs that came in the pistol.

https://www.starlinebrass.com/9mm-luger-brass/

@-JCN- Thank you! I have been really surprised how well the 150 Syntech shoots from several 9mm pistols! My first USPSA match what shot with that ammo as it is on the USPSA Certified Ammo list; so I figured the accuracy and quality control was probably very good.