IAflyboy

Picked up 16 lbs Accurate #7... good broad-range pistol powder, and a lot cheaper than the VV N320 I've resorted to using of late.

By watching PV's site daily (best to check about 3-4pm CDT in my experience) I have been lucky and found enough N320 to currently make it my primary powder even though it's a tad more expensive than I'm used to. I have also picked up some N340 that I'm planning to use to work up a load for .45ACP, and some N165 as a possible powder in my .270WIN. My advice is to keep looking, keep hitting the site religiously... you'll find what you need. I also wanted to briefly comment on the thought that a US-made powder would be more available. Interestingly enough, my research seems to indicate that very little powder is indeed made in the US... except some Winchester (and not sure but think Accurate is as well). As proof, pull up an MSDS for your favorite IMR or Hodgdon product. These powders are manufactured in Australia and imported in bulk to the US then broken down for retail sale. Just an observation...

I just sliced a couple open. Plating on the RMR Bullets 180gr appears to be about the same as the plating on the Berrys 180gr. The Ranier 180gr seem to have a very slightly thicker plating. Copper on all three was very hard, and well-bonded to the lead.

Power Pistol was known as Bullseye 86 when it was a oem powder for the ammunition companies. No. Power Pistol is Bullseye 84. Bullseye 86 is not Power Pistol. I stand corrected. Is there a bullseye 86? Yes, there is a BE-86... brand-new powder from Alliant, and no load data on their site for it yet. Also haven't seen it show up at Powder Valley, either, so it's probably still in the pipeline. Here's a (little) information on it: http://www.alliantpowder.com/products/powder/be-86.aspx

Received 1k of the .40 180gr about a week ago, but haven't had a chance to work up a load with them yet. They look really good, though. Based on some random and informal sampling, they appear to have tighter weight tolerances than the Ranier plated 180gr I've been using. Bullet length is different than the Ranier's though, hence the reason for needing to work up a different load. I plan to run them on top of some N320 I just received in from Powder Valley on Friday.

It would seem there IS a difference... Directly from EGW's website (http://www.egwguns.com/undersized-reloading-dies/undersized-reloading-dies/): Not only is it smaller in diameter, the bottom corner is radiused which sizes the case further down. Also from the same page: Why does my die have Lee packaging? Lee Precision, Inc manufacturers the dies to our specifications, meaning these dies are made solely for us. The Lee dies you can buy from other suppliers are not the EGW undersized dies.

550B conversion kits were the last items to ship for me. 8+ weeks total, though... not quite the 11+ you're seeing. I actually had my press delivered a full 2 weeks before the conversion kits made it.

I recall reading somewhere (wish I could remember where) that running SPP's in .45 with lower-pressure loads reduces the breech face erosion seen with LPP's that don't completely seal due to the lower pressures.

My pleasure! I pulled 10 out of the bag - all ranged from 179.8 to 180.1gr. Interestingly, I pulled out a handful of Ranier 180gr plated FP's I have on hand since you mentioned those as a comparison. They are consistently running 180.4 to 181.2gr in weight. Length on those is right at 0.600" and a diameter just a shade over .400 on the dial (perhaps 2 ten-thousandths). Almost like the Ranier is a .400 bullet that was then plated versus Jake's (RMR) that are spot-on .400 even with the plating. Hope this helps... if you need more measurements, or perhaps even photos, let me know.

Received 1000 of the 180gr in the mail the middle of last week. Randomly selected one bullet from the bag, but can measure more for you to compare if needed. Dia: .400" Length: .568"

I ordered my press through Brian, and all of my packages (4 in total) arrived via FedEx Ground.

Quick updates for those that might be tracking: Additional shipment with bullet tray, 550/650 mount, and maintenance/spares kit received 4/23 Final shipment with quick change kits, .40 S&W caliber kit, and powder funnel received 5/2 (today!) 9 weeks + 1 day for everything to be received after placing my order with BE.

Just received my shipment from RMR yesterday... haven't had a chance to work up a load for them yet. He has plenty of .40 plated in stock right now - and what I received looks at least as good as the Raniers I picked up from Midway a while back. $129/1000 shipped.

Ordered an RL550B and accessories (no dies) on 2/27 from BE. Received one partial shipment of accessories on 3/18, including the roller handle and some of the kits and caliber change items I ordered. Received basic press on 4/20. Currently waiting on 550/650 mount, bullet tray kit, maintenance + spare parts kit, quick change kits, one of the powder funnels, and the caliber kit that was ordered with the press. Unfortunately, even though I have the press and some of the goodies, I'm missing just enough that I still can't load anything even though I've scrounged up a pound of VV N320, small rifle primers, and have some tumbled once-fired brass ready to roll. Here's hoping for a speedy delivery on the rest of the goodies! Paul.

Yeah, PV now sold out of N320... that went FAST.

Powder Valley shows N320 in-stock in one-pounders as of today... if you really need some.