aedavis

Berry's and Xtreme both make a 123gr plated bullet for 7.62x39. I haven't tried either one yet (I've been using Hornady 123gr SPs), but I will be buying a batch of them before long. Limitations - 1800fps maximum per manufacturer (due to plating) flat nose profile has caused some feed issues with certain rifles You should be able to get them for around $140/1000, from Xtreme directly or from TJ Coneveras (for the Berry's).

I hogged my Pachmayrs out with a file and Dremel to get clearance for the ambi safety. It didn't look pretty, but once they were mounted on the pistol it was unnoticeable and it worked okay. Allan

I've loaded a lot of 223 with W748 and BLC-2. I've had good luck with both - the Winchester powder gives better velocity but is a bit more temp sensitive. I've settled on BLC-2 since I can get it in 8lb jugs a little cheaper.

500 pieces of fired 38 Special brass (with spent primers) weighs 4.75 lbs. 5 lbs should be about 526 pieces of brass.

I use Power Pistol and haven't had any problems with it. I use 230gr FMJ Zeros.

I like the price of the Precision Deltas, but unfortunately when I ordered 9mm bullets I found out they weren't going to be shipping until late August at the earliest. If I can't get some Zeros from Roze Distributing I'll have to check on availability of Montana Golds.

+1 I clean my carbide pistol dies almost never. Every 5000 rounds or so I'll clean my rifle dies that I use sizing lube on. Neither type has ever been very dirty.

I used a Swager Die similiar to the RCBS setup and it didn't work well at all. I currently ream my primer pockets with a countersink bit in my hand drill, but if I wanted to swage them again I'd spend the money for the Dillon Super Swage.

I use CCI 350 (Large Pistol Magnum) primers for my 45ACP loads with no issues. I worked up the load carefully using Power Pistol powder and a 230gr FMJ.

I haven't found it to make a lot of difference. I am going from memory here, but I remember seeing a difference of about 100fps going from 30F to 90F, with no apparent change of zero. I don't know if that is much different than other powders, but it hasn't caused me any problems. If you are working at the maximum charge, it might be a problem.

I have loaded many thousands of rounds on my Rock Chucker. I purchased a Square Deal B (set up in 9mm) a couple years ago and I just can't warm up to progressive reloading. It is obviously faster, but I like reloading and I don't really get in a hurry when I'm doing it. I'll probably sell my SDB and just go back to single stage loading everything.

I've been using a Pact Model 1 for nearly 20 years without problems. My Club Timer III works well too. The couple times I've shot the skyscreens Pact was quick and easy to deal with in getting replacements sent to me.

I haven't used it in 357, but I use Alliant Power Pistol in 9mm and 45ACP (along with 38 Special and plan to test it in 44 Magnum). It works, and making major in 357 and 45 shouldn't be a problem. I also like it because I can buy it in 4lb jugs, which translates to about $13 per pound.

I've had good luck using 124gr FMJs from Precision Delta. I believe they are the best price going for 9mm jacketed or plated bullets right now. Precision Delta

9mm - Power Pistol 38 Special - Power Pistol 40 S&W - don't load for this 45 ACP - Power Pistol 223 - BLC-2 308 - don't load for this