HOGRIDER

Cuz: I do the 10 round strings using 11 rounds; first round into the berm to settle the pistol in. Using the Pro Chrono with the Bluetooth adapter coupled to my iPhone. This is just my routine, and I enjoy doing it this way. Attached is a sample of 6 runs that really helped me get a feel of using the App and having it call out my numbers. Probably didn't need this many runs, but I was having fun doing this! Reload Chrono Results Round1.pdf

Sig: Congratulations on moving over to the Mark 7! IMO, most of the powder check units will screw into a standard die hole just like the Dillon units do. So, I would at least try the Dillon once you get the press. From what I've heard and read, a lot of users complain of powder sticking to the sensing rod/weight; regardless of the brand. And this will create a mess depending on how fast one runs the press. Again, depending on the powder and charge weight, you may be able to use the Dillon units without any spillage! Definitely worth a try! Good luck!

Thanks for your feedback!

stick: I definitely thought about that..........however, I doubt that Federal or any of the other major ammo manufacturers are using over the counter powder such as what's available to us! From what I've read, they primarily use powders that are custom blended on a commercial basis.......... Thanks!

Thanks for all the feedback/replies! My game plan is to chrono/test a few rounds at 3.6, 3.7, and 3.8g using the N320. Since 3.9 is the published max, I feel if I need to explore higher velocities/power factors, I'll have to try a different powder. Or break down and try some 124g/125g FMJs. Since I have several thousand 147g Zeros and Coated lead, I hope to find that sweet spot for both. Of course, I also have COAL to play with. Trying to standardize with 1.125" since the STI loved the American Eagles at that length; but could always go longer. I'm sure the STI would tolerate 1.150" if necessary. Again, thanks for everyone's replies!

The primary purpose of this Chrono Session was to get a baseline of velocities since this was a new load workup. Of course I would have noted if accuracy was acceptable for a simple bench rest setup. And yes, I fully understand the operation of a Ransom Rest and WOULD NEVER think I could duplicate the results by hand! That's what I primarily hoped to establish with this thread. Am also looking for feedback as to why this pistol loves to be ran in the 149+/- Power Factor Range! The window for this powder/bullet combo is 3.1g - 3.9g according to Vihtavuori's most current data. Hence my reason for starting out at 3.5g. My thinking is that pushing this combo just a bit faster may prove to be the sweet spot that will yield a minor load with (my) acceptable accuracy standards.

Attempting to develop a load for the STI 4.15". Starting with a mid-range powder weight, I'm seeing these results: 3.5g N320, 147 Zero JHP, WW Case, Fed SP Match Primer, COAL 1.125” Temperature: 74F Pressure: 30.1 in Hg Bullet Weight: 147 Number of Shots: 10 Pressure: 30.1 in Hg Bullet Weight: 147 Power Factor Average: 130 Power Factor Low: 128 Power Factor High: 131 Number of Shots: 10 Minimum: 873 Maximum: 897 Spread: 24 Average: 885 Standard Deviation: 6 I've been searching, with no luck, for a couple of older posts where IIRC seasoned veterans stated the 147s liked faster velocities. But I'm just not sure........... This above load felt fine, accuracy was ok. For some reason, I think I should try 3.6g and 3.7g. I always strive for accuracy first within 20-25yds. What still has me confused is why this gun/barrel likes the faster velocities! (See Attachment) It's favorite load so far for accuracy has consistently been the Federal American Eagle AE9FP. Chronos with these results: AE9FP 147g. Published 1000fps Chrono @ 10’ Target @ 20 yds Temperature: N/A Pressure: N/A Bullet Weight: 147 Power Factor Average: 149 Power Factor Low: 149 Power Factor High: 151 Number of Shots: 10 Minimum: 1014 Maximum: 1028 Spread: 14 Average: 1020 Standard Deviation: 5 Guess my biggest concern is can I develop a similarly accurate minor power factor load with my current components of N320 and Zero 147 FMJ? Appreciate any and all feedback! Thanks, Ben

jeremy: Lee64 has also provided some excellent information above!

Not sure if your "every maker's variation" includes the Pal Primer Filler................. Purchased one based on my research here, and it's yet to produce an upside down primer; nor has it been anything but super reliable! https://forums.brianenos.com/topic/244660-pal-filler/

From my notes for a Glock G17G4 with Bar-Sto Barrel: Bayou 147 Coated FP 3.2gr N320 Avg: 893fps ES: 17 SD: 4 OAL: 1.120" Excellent Accuracy. Was normally belling to .382 with DAA powder funnel. ALWAYS crimped to .376"-.377". IMO, your crimp is a bit too much. May want to pull a few bullets and check for scraping of the Bayou coating. Read this: https://czfirearms.us/index.php?topic=78873.0 PS: 1.142 is a fine COAL as long as it fits the chamber of your Shadow 2! Check this: https://czfirearms.us/index.php?topic=103620.0

Transposed from the original blueprints with early modifications.............. Correctly modified sear/hammer angles and surfaces can result in less than 2# pull weights and be perfectly safe for thousands of rounds!

Good point! From the pic attached, we can see if the hammer hooks were .018", then the primary angle of the sear may only contact .014". That's secondary angle on the sear face will determine depth of engagement.

Absolutely!

Dry: I took it for granted you were on a progressive! Sorry, but if you using a single station press for this op as you stated, then simply use the setup instructions that came with your die. There's also a .pdf for setup on Redding's website. After loading thousands of coated bullets, I have never had any "sticking" issue with the various brands I have used. I'm assuming the snapping noise happens when the seated round just begins to exit the seating die? IMO, if you had sticking/snapping caused strictly by the bullet, there would be some sort of markings/indentions on the ogive! Only time I have felt resistance in the seating die was either due to over-belling the case mouth which causes the outer case edge to rub against the inside of the seating die body. Or, there was not enough expansion of the case mouth to allow the bullet a smooth transition into the case body while seating. Make up a few dummy rounds (no primer or powder) then knock the bullet out of the case and look for scarring/scraping of the coating away from the lead core. Also, take a permanent marker and blacken the walls of the case to see if anything is contacting the brass. What diameter coated bullets are your loading? Definitely makes a difference........... If your trying to load for 12 different pistols, your off to an extremely challenging process! My recommendation is to find a load that shoots well in YOUR TWO PISTOLS and document/test for a common load that shoots well in both. DO NOT seat deeper for a "safety margin"! Use this information to find a COAL that fits and functions in BOTH YOUR GUNS: https://czfirearms.us/index.php?topic=34225.msg189131#msg189131 Then while checking and double checking the info for your particular powder, primer, and bullet combo at your DESIRED COAL, load up a sufficient number of test rounds and follow Memphis Mechanic's advise and TEST THOSE LOADS! Make sure you use a QUALITY case gauge and/or YOUR PRIMARY gun barrel to check each and every round until you get these issues resolved. Once you've developed loads that work just as you desire in YOUR PISTOLS, use what you've learned and develop loads for the "other 10 pistols"................ Good luck!

Agree 100% And that Guide Bolt has a "shoulder".......... for a reason..............

That is evident!

If you use the Redding Micrometer Seating Die, and check the COAL to .000", there will be variations regardless of what press we're using. One thing that will shrink variances with the Redding Die is to remove the internal spring when seating pistol calibers. Also, when setting the micrometer, make sure the shellplate is full then do final, fine adjustments. My RL1100 is sporting a complete set of Redding Competition Pro Dies, and they always produce first class ammo!

Rob: While thinking about this very important point you make about a built in safety feature, I remembered during a short loading session the Lever Arm Bracket worked loose from the primer magazine. Basically fouled up the press as the primer Cam Plate assembly slid down an jammed against the Cam Guide Bolt and the Primer Slide Assembly! The guide bolt held its own and never loosened or cracked. But the press would lock up if trying to go down with the handle. So, you may have a valid point here...........

AWESOME setup!

Of course my machine is not automated..........yet.... ;), so don't have a lot of rounds going through the press; but so far the aluminum shim seems to have the stock Guide Bolt spaced out from the toolhead at the right distance. I have no idea if this is even necessary, but since I removed the toolhead ratchet which is 0.137" thick, replacing it with a 1"x1" piece of aluminum flat bar seemed like a good idea. As stated in your quote above, the flat bar is 0.127" thick and makes it very easy to use as a replacement for the ratchet.

IMO, yes it is. This is from the chart Redding has on their various caliber Mic taper crimp dies:

On the Station #3 expander on "my" RL1100, the upper step is .357", which should be good for most FMJ/JHP quality bullets plus the .356"-.3565" coated lead. IMO, anything (bullets) larger than this will require further expansion at Station 5 via the Powder Funnel. I still use a modified MBF powder funnel along with the Dillon Expander, and my "sticking" at the powder drop has been 99% eliminated! Tamping of the Zero 147JHP coming out of the DAA Pro Dropper has been extremely stable! Flair at Station #5 is averaging .381" OD.

Rob: I remembered that I had put a piece of 1" aluminum behind my Guide Bolt with the intentions of helping to stabilize..............so far, so good............. https://forums.brianenos.com/topic/285434-issues-with-rl1100/?do=findComment&comment=3181751

The Redding Micrometer Adjustable Crimp Dies have been my choice for many years! Have them in all the calibers I currently reload............ https://www.accuratearmsandammo.com/product.sc?productId=830