TANFARM

Red Ryder....I follow your posts and it seems we are both headed in the same direction. This weekend I loaded several variation of 9 mm with N320 using MGm147. The batch was with 3.7 grns of N320 at both 1.45 and 1.50 COL. I also loaded 3 variations of the load with 147 Blue Bullets in round nose and flat nose a friend suggested I try . Im simply trying to ensure a good cushion on minimum power factor vs recoil. If your interested I'll let you know the results??.......I enjoy seeing the cause and effect with different loads.....OCD !!,

I'm under the impression from Dillon that the key is to make sure the charge bar is empty. Handle down ensures this....makes sense..... My concern on the weight fluxuation arose when trying to go from an N 320 charge of 3.5 to 3.7 .....I'm now rechecking the charges on my other scale to see the variation . I wonder why the Dillon scale doesn't go out to hundredth's ???....maybe this would give me a better feel where the charge is headed.......or am I worried about nothing?????

I spoke with the kind people at Dillon yesterday about my concerns on my powder deviations on some 9 mm loads. One tip they passed on was to always adjust your powder measurement device with the handle all the way DOWN ! I'm sure this must be common knowledge but I certainly thought it was interesting. I'm getting a fluctuation of .10 on my N320 charges..will see if this helps ...thought I'd pass it on......

Yes..I'm concerned about the spread in my standard deviation also. I've tried 1.45 and 1.50 for my COL. My normal 9mm crimp .378. I'm using a Dillon 650 and not noticing any powder spillage....unlike starting out!!! Powder drop is cleaned before every run....Normally sort my brass by headstamp...did not do so on these batches.....factor ? One of my concerns is reading responses to load data using what I have and going to 3.7 grns of N320 with a COL of 1.45 seems high....maybe not ........just looking for assistance. Thanks for the above checklist !!!!!!....gives me food for thought

Hi-power....I only shot 2 groups of 9 rounds on the first test...I knew they would be low....shot 3 groups on the next 2..... I knew I'd screw something up......sorry..... I feel I'm creeping up close to a max load to make min. Power factor.....just seeing if I'm missing something....crimp .378. Thanks.........

Loading 147 Montana gold , with Vih. N320' CCI small pistol primers Results from chrono tests Monday.....really hot and humid.....lord!! 3.5 Grns N320...1.145 COL 1. H 824 L 836 Avg. 858 2. H 860 L 829 Avg. 843 3.6 grns N320......1.15COL 1. H 878 L 857 Avg. 868 2. H 888 L 856 Avg. 874 SDev 32 3. H 887 L 862 Avg. 872 SDev. 25 3.6 grns N320 1.145 COL 1. H 881 L 842 Avg. 864 SDev 39 2. H 888 L 839 Avg. 866 SDev 49 3. H 872 L 853 Avg. 865 Sdev 19 I'm trying to work up a consistent Minor power factor load of 875 FPS. A. On my next batch try 3.7 grns of N320 ?......this seems high after reading several data posts here. B. Try to deviate my COL and load ? My Deviations seem to be all over the place....normal? My previous practice rounds were a little higher at 3.5 grns ....but it was much cooler weather if that's relevant. What am I doing right or wrong to achieve my 875. Hope this makes a modicum of sense.......Thnaks in advance ........

My 9 mm 2011 is getting some miles on her but runs great . My mags dropping seem to be getting slow.....as though possible binding .? This is with empty mags. Just tore them all down and cleaned. Possibly new springs needed??? Thank in advance..........

Spent primer tube and bottle....a must have ....amazing when you empty a 2 quart bottle of spent primers.....holy smoke...that's were it all went..... Foam handle for ergo handle....great investment . Spare parts kit and 10 extra primer tubes....a must Long tweezers for case feeder jams ....several sizes...a must Magnetic LED sewing light from Amazon...perfect fit to light shell plate. Case feeder....absolute no brainier. Tons of powder, projectiles , primers and brass.....NEVER run low.... Great machine....totally satisfied with my 650 and Dillon service second to none.....

Any experiences with the reduced diameter grip they offer ???.....seems like a resonance design....Thanks in advance .........

Another THANK YOU.......for all you've done with the forum to educate shooters everywhere. For bringing Dillon products to the fore front by offering great packages and informative reloading information I read daily. Fortunately I purchased the large tub of Slide Glide several years ago and it will outlive me........ Have a happy and peaceful semi- retirement .............

Following....just received my first samples of Blue9mm 147's....flat and round nose. Using Edge and N320....... Any thought on load and COL experiences?......thanks in advance.......

Well it sounds like you've settled on an Edge in .40 ....my experiences....I have 2 STI edges in 9 mm I got from Dave Dawson. The first pistol was a bad experience simply because of quality control.....barrel, ejector , rear sight. Anyway that was all taken care of ...and I ordered a second Edge from Dave in Stainless. I made it very clear I wanted Daves employees to go over the whole pistol ...repair as necessary and tune the trigger. Gun was received and was great. Only problem is the pins work loose from the rear sight on both pistols. That being said......if I were to get a third gun I would try Brazos......just for comparison.....absolutely nothing against Dawson Precision.......they have been a pleasure to deal with... Best of luck in whatever decision you make !!!

This is a good discussion......however the OP wanted to know when to start shooting competitively .....I found the hard part was walking out on the stage the first time......a lot of mental stuff going on........lets get him out there first.............just sayin'.

Thanks Chuck !!!

Does anyone produce a mag holder for 2011 STI that sits perpendicular to the body as opposed to flush? Looks like a good concept ???

I keep 4 of Dave Dawsons tuned 9 mm mags for match. 10 standard mags to rotate for practice....I "Tune" these myself. Started carrying 3 total for a match.....

I think a 650 is an excellent machine to start with......See if there is an NRA Metallic reloading class anywhere near you....if so take it!!!...best thing I did starting out. If not see if you can find a Mentor at your local range or loading supply store ......most all the folks involved in this madness are more than willing to share knowledge with people starting out. If you do decide on the 650...get Brian's DVD..Competitive Reloading...it's geared for the 650 and should be included with each machine !!......and you can see a young Brian !! Best of luck !!

I totally agree with Barebones........dont waste time overthinking it...when you feel you are safe to compete in a match do it ....DO NOT wait until your 59 to start....this will put you at a slight disadvantage .......bad eyes, slow , sore muscles , and the mind works 10 times faster than my body !!......but it's the best fun ever !!!!

I ordered the Red Stitch star yesterday ....the magnetic holders for the plates are very interesting. Darin..the owner , was very helpful sending additional photos and answering questions. Will give you an update after we get it setup,and shot at . Thanks to everyone for your responses !!!

Here's my 2 cents ......if you are new to the hand loading concept ......see if there is an NRA Metallic loading class offered anywhere near you .....TAKE IT !!!......best thing imdidmstarting out. If you feel a compulsion to continue with the hobby.....get the 650... Case feeder , extra primer tunes, spare parts kit......and Brian Enos DVD..Competiton Reloading.......this is an excellent guide to setup, operation and safety for your 650... It's a little,dated but still excellent....should be included with every 650. See if you can hook up with a mentor who is familiar with your set up. I found most reloaders are more than willing to share knowledge without reservation. Go slow, be safe and just think about every step!!!!

Thanks for the helpful suggestions........any experiences with a Star that uses magnets as opposed to springs ??? Sounds like a great premis , just wondering if it holds up...rust etc. Thanks again....quite an investment......

I'm sure this is not the proper place but........we are looking to purchase a Texas Star for our small club and seeking input from any owners....good, bad , problems, etc. Thanks in advance. John

I purchased the Rudy glasses with built in prescription lenses. They darken in sunlight, very light, have held up,well. I tried the inserts and didn't care for them . My prescription is reversed bi focal with the near vision correction on top...works great for pistol......not so much for long guns. Getting old is not fun.............

Best money you'll spend.....load enough to carry you through the emptiness !!! My old 650 was having some timing issues...paid the $80?......waited and I swear a new 650 arrived in the mail....my jaw dropped What an incredible company ....no BS means NO BS...........

I've shot approx. 15K Xtreme HP 147's through my 9mm Edge. I'm slowly switching over to Montana Gold 147 CJM? I'm am by no means a " good " shot ...but I was noticing a number of tumbling and wacky hits with the plated Bullets ....have seen better accuracy and more consistent chrono results with the MG 147's. Sure not saying anything negative about Xtreme.....still got 2K left .....I just think going away from plated is my best move.....thanks!