techj

Lower right one looks like a real high primer - are you sure that you're running the press to the full extent (cam over) and that all the dies are adjusted properly? Anyway, I run a Hornady seating die and Lee FCD - I have gone to only case gauging rounds for competition (just in case) and haven't had a problem yet with my range ammo. What I found is that most of my case failures with this setup are a result of rim damage.

Call Hornady directly - they may just send you one for free as a warranty replacement item.

I use Blue Bullets and go through about 15,000 of the 9's (125gr RN) and 6,000 45's (230gr RNFP) a year and haven't had any problems yet. Definitely call them. FWIW I load with a Hornady bullet feeder and don't get much smurf dust as the loose powder rubs off in the collator...but I've never seen any exposed lead. I load my 38/357 158gr SWC with Bayou's (need to crimp into the cannelure which Blue doesn't have) and have a number in my last batch that don't have a consistent coating - lead visible especially around the cannelure - but nothing that causes a problem.

I have it and use it for 9 & 45 -- all coated lead/the Blue Bullets -- and it works quite well. Took a little tweaking of the collets in the dies but once set they feed as well as jacketed. Biggest problem for me is that it is noisy so I just have a cover over it that helps a lot. Might some day get around to installing a sensor/cut-off switch so that it doesn't run once the tube is full. Do you need it? If you're younger and don't have arthritis probably not as it won't help a lot with speed. But for us slightly older folks it does help and makes relaoding faster and easier. Since I'm not that fast to begin with it never falls behind my reloading. FYI - I seat and crimp in different stations so when using it I do give up the powder check die...I just look into each case to confirm powder and use powders for these 2 cartridges that meter very consistently (Bullseye & Power Pistol)

UpLula, Leatherman, wrenches for sights, brass squib rod (+hammer), nylon pick, CLP, collapsible cleaning rod with patches, timer, rags, disposable gloves, shooting gloves, spare shooting glasses, flashlight, spare batteries, first aid kit.

I have the LNL AP & bullet feeder that I use for 9 & 45 - use seperate seating & crimp and gave up on the powder check die. For 9's I use a powder that fills more than 1/2 of the case and for both I just inspect each case before the bullet is placed - LED lght strip at station #3 allows me to easily look into the case and catch no charge & double charges. I also use powders (Power Pistol, Bullseye) that meter very consistently which reduces the chances of a bad powder drop. I use the bullet feeder as it helps speed but more importantly - retired so time is not the issue - easier on my hands not having to individually place the bullets...especially if I'm loading a thousand or more at a time.

Don't know about cast lead but I was able to get mine (Hornady dies) to work great with coated lead. You have to remove a little material from inside of the collet an also spread the fingers carefully - it is very easy to snap one off if you're not careful. FYI - I run 9's and 45' from the Blue Bullets in mine.

I've only used CMC XP's which have worked great for me...can't speak to other brands.

Another one for the Blue Bullets. They have a forums discount and last time I ordered a multiple case discount plus free shipping.

Picked up a new one Ultra FS 5" in 9mm a couple of weeks ago and just completed a bit over 500 rounds without any failure of any type . First 10 rounds were WW 115's and the rest were my reloads. This is the one with the G10 grips (which I like), fiber optic front and adjustable rear. Does have a FLGR. Only change I made was to the fiber optic rod - I swapped out the orange it came with for green so it matched all of my other handguns. Seems to be well-built, very tight and accurate - although I have only had a chance to shoot it to 50' so far. Only thing to be forewarned about is that new from the factory it is literally dripping in shipping oil but a quick bath in mineral spirits will clean it out. FYI - the extractor was easy to remove when I detail stripped the slide. So far IMHO I would say that this is a keeper and I am inclined to buy another RIA in the future. Not as pretty as other 1911's but definitely a great shooter.

Another big +++ for blue bullets.

I'm running a couple of large batches of 9's through the press - about 3,000 rounds altogether - and twice now have run into a 380 after the powder charge. I hate it when everything - including the bullet feeder - is working perfectly and then I have to stop and handle stupid 380 cases. In my mind the only thing worse is when I'm loading 45's and a SPP case slips through...now to relax by getting back to reloading.

PSA is just an indicator that something is going on with the prostate - it could just be an infection, inflamation, cancer, etc. The only way to know for certain is with a biopsy. In early 2014 my PSA was up (5). By June it went to 7 and I had a biopsy which came back as cancer (I was 55 at the time). While not advanced (I was 3+3) the rapid increase in PSA made me not want to wait around. There are a lot of options, especially if caught early. I went with HDR Brachytherapy (4 sessions of radiation). It really wasn't that bad (although not pleasant) and recovery wasn't that bad either.

I've been shooting SHO for about a month now due to not being able to use my left arm (just a couple of week left to go!). Haven't tried to shoot in any competitions but what I've been doing is continuing to practice using a combination of powder puff loads in 9mm (1911 & Glock) and 22lr (Mark III) for trigger control practice. After a couple of weeks I then progressed to normal full power loads in 9mm (1911 only) and it has worked out well. I should mention that my 1911 has aggressive grips (VZ G10's) which helps a lot with control.

There are lots of different types of matches. Personally, I would reccomend going to and participating in a speed steel match. You will be drawing from a holster but not moving which is great practice with less stress for a first timer. I know that at our club all new shooters @ speed steel matches get partnered with an experienced shooter who can help them through their first match. Also, these matches tend to have a wide assortment of people - all ages and skill levels and running everything from rimfire to carbines. It makes it interesting to watch and you can get a lot of great feedback.

My prefernce is Power Pistol - but it's not soft shooting. AA#5 and VV340 gets me a softer perceived recoil.

I like Bullseye for 38 spl - doesn't take much and is very soft shooting.

I shoot in the PNW and have been in a couple of competitions in cold (mid-20's) as well as wet (constant rain). What works for me is to have a couple of sets of the cheap Mechanix gloves (so that they can be changed out if wet) that I wear whiel shooting and zippo lighter fluid based hand warmers. I prefer the lighter fluid ones as they are 1) more consistent heat throughtout the comp; and 2) the disposable types are not consistent from one package to the next.

Appreciate the encourgaement and good words....will this make me a good enough shooter to make the nationals? . ​ I'm just anxious to be able to shoot speed steel (even with a 22) and then IDPA/PP.

How long after you had yours implanted were you able to shoot handguns (practice, not competition) ? I was hoping to start with a .22 handgun in a couple of weeks.

Thanks - you're definitely right about the alternative!

Well in 2014 it was Prostate Cancer, then earlier this year a hiatal hernia and this past Friday I had a pacemaker put in...at 56 it's got to be the miles and not the years! Just really screws up my ability to shoot or even to reload for another 6 weeks and then I have to slowly (what do doctors know?) build up my strength and endurance again. About the only good news is that my wife feels so bad for what I've been going through is that after I recover I get to buy another gun....makes it (almost) worthwhile .​

Several cases of bullets from the Blue Bullets - enough so that I have components to keep my 9's and 45's well fed for a while.

Haven't had a problem yet with blue bullets - just ordered a couple of more cases. no accuracy or leading problems through a block or 1911 with several thousand rounds of them thru each.

I use winchester but that's only because they're rated for standard & magnum and I also reload 44 mag.