tpe187

Hi, I'm trying to work up a load for 115 gr Zeros using regular Super brass and 3N38. My old load was 9.3grs of 3N38 with WSR primers with a 130gr, so I started there. OAL is 1.22 with the Zero's. 9.3grs has gotten me 1365avg fps at 70 degrees. I'm wondering how much I need to go up to get around 1475 from this. How much is too much of a jump? Is 9.5 too much? Anyone out there running a similar load? I'm shooting through an SVI with 8port comp, 4 top, 2 on each side. I guess I'm trying to get there quickly and should just make 15-20 up for each weight until I get to what I need or see bad pressure signs and back off. Also, I'm not opposed to another powder choice if its better with my comp and bullet. I've seen data for 3N37 on Maass site, but nothing on 3N38 with a 115. Maybe there is a reason for that. Hmm. In any case, I'll try some more later next week, but if you have any beter data or sources, point me in the right direction. Thanks for any help. Tom

Well, tried again today but kept getting the screens triggering together, without even a shot being fired. I was the only one on the range, so go figure. I guess this is just one of the bugs that has to be worked out.

Hi guys, I have two SVI extractors. One is for 38 super, the other for shooting 38 SC is a 9mm extractor. I was playing around on the bench and suddenly forgot which was which. They look very similar to me. One has a slightly deeper groove, so I'm thinking that is for 9mm. Any other ways of telling? Thanks Tom

I ordered some of the light pipe from the above mentioned site. Pretty cheap, I think it was like 5.75 with shipping. I will hold off on the super glue method and try the torch method. Seems like the way it should be done. Now that I'll have 3ft of fiber optic, I'll probably never need anymore Oh well. thanks for all the advice. Tom

Wow, that really sucks. I was going to say that if you really need a Chrono, to go with the Oehler 35. That is what I would get if I was doing it all over, but now I guess we are all stuck. I think the PACT XP Pro Chrono is a little too finicky for me, but I guess I'm out of luck now. I called PACT to ask why I was having problems and got the advice to make sure the wires were seperated and out of the path of the blast, as well as having the base unit away from the blast. It definately makes a difference, but I still have problems occasionally. The new timer seems to be extremely sensitive to where it is in relation to the muzzle. I might head out tomorrow to do some more load development and I'll see how it does.

Today I went to the range to Chrono some of my new loads I've been working on for 40 and 38 super. I brought both my XP Pro Chrono and the MKIV timer to compare with. 4.9 gr's of Titegroup was getting me 1208fps with a 115gr Zero loaded to 1.22 in 38 super out of a 5" barrel with WSP primers. Plugged the wires into the MKIV and the same loades clocked 463fps. Thinking the timer might be sensitive to the blast, I moved it from 2ft beside me to 2ft beside and 2ft back. The result was 900fps avg. The two Chrono's were rigth next to each other and the screens did not change. I made sure the wires were seperated by at least six inches the entire way and did not double over on itself. Clearly the Chronograph has some issues in the new timer, but I'll try again next time out to see if moving the timer really far away has something to do with it. I'll keep you posted. Tom

Thanks for the replies. I will pick up some superglue tomorrow and order some additional light pipes. I guess its always something in this game!

Hi, Yes, a .40 slide can be used for a 38 super gun. I recently got a Benny Hill limited gun in 40 S&W and 38 super. I have several SVI's with the interchangeable breechface and I thought this is what Benny was going to use. When it showed up with the solid breech I was a little skeptical. I wouldn't have believed it if I didn't shoot it myself, but as of today, I have run 300rds of 40 and 300rds of 38 super with not one malfuncion. I didn't think it was possible to have an extractor that would work with both, but go figure. It really is a perfect setup. I use the 40 for IPSC limited and for tactical matches and IDPA I have the bushing 38 super. I have run both light 38 super rounds through it at about 1150fps with a 115gr Zero HP and and 38 super at 1350 with a 130gr fmj. Worked well with both. I would say go for it and use the same slide for both, but make sure the smith knows what he is doing when it comes to tuning the extractor. Tom

Just got my limited gun and I've been breaking it in over the last couple days. Today, I suddenly notice the fiber optic pipe is gone and at me feet. What is the method for fixing this? This is my first gun with fiber optic front sight, so I'm not too familiar with how it is attached. I would assume some kind of heat to expand the ends, but not sure. Also, I figure I should have some extra on hand for repairs in the future. Where is a good site to buy some tubes. Thanks for the help. Tom

Got the 4 caliber gage from EGW today. Rounds fit perfectly. I really like the fact that its cut with actual chamber reamers. So, if you ever run into this problem, look at the EGW gage. At $20 its not bad.

Thanks guys, I had not thought of just reversing the case and trying it that way. It worked, and I fired 200rds today without one problem. I also orderd the EGW 4 caliber gage. I needed one anyway for 9mm The problem was the Zero 180gr HP, seated long was contacting the inner diameter of the gage just past the shoulder that the case headspaces on. It did not do this when seated to normal OAL. I'm surprised that more people don't have this problem, but I guess it depends on the gage you use, if any and the type of bullet. Thanks for all you thoughts though. Tom

Hi, I've been reloading 40 S&W for a while, but only for stock OAL. I recently had a limited gun built for 40 and when I seat the bullets out to 1.185, the gage won't let the bullet all the way through and the case hangs just above the rim. I've checked an unprimed case and they work fine. I've also used the actual barrel, with the bullet seated, and it works fine. I'm using 180gr Zero HP's and the gage is a Dillon case gage. Any suggestions on what I should either do to the gage or should I get a different one, specifically set up for 1911 length loading. Thanks for the help. Tom

The manual is something I have always thought needed improvement. I have several PACT products: Powder dispenser and scale, XP Chrono and now the new timer. The Chrono had the same photo copied manual and I called about six months ago to see if they had a regular manual and they said no. I have always found it difficult to access the features on the chrono, ussually just turning it off in frustration. I have not used a timer before, so not having decent instructions is going to suck. The only problem I have had in the past was with the powder dispenser when it was new. The power supply was bad and they sent me a new one in just a couple days, so I was happy. I guess a power supply is easy. I will say that good customer service is a requirment, not a luxury. After reading the thread about poor customer service, I am questioning my purchase of the new timer. More than two weeks to fix or even work on a return is unacceptable. They have nice products, but come on, I'll wait for a gun for five months, but not a timer. If you have to cut profits and hire some more people, than do it. Just my thoughts. Tom

What does the new timer look like? Any different than the old MKIV? If you have a picture, could you post it? Mine is probably waiting on my doorstep, but I am away visiting the relatives until the 29th. Thats great news that I have to send it right back to get it to work correctly. I hope its worth the wait when its all said and done. Thanks Tom

Hi, The other day I stopped by the local gun shop just to see what they had. They had a couple Glocks with a different finish to the frame on one and the entire pistol on the other. One was a carbon fiber Black/Gray combo on the lower, on a Model 22 I think and the other was a desert camo on a Glock 21 over the entire gun. Is this a limited run or what. Personally I think it looked kind of gay, but thats just me. I have always looked at Glocks as tools, but to each his own I guess. On another note, why does Glock have such a crappy website with no updated information? I went there looking for info on the 45 GAP and they didn't even list the model numbers. I guess they don't have to worry about sales, so they don't. Too bad for us I guess.

Just checked and you were correct. I have been loading using the round nose seating stem end and not the flat point. I just started loading HP's. Prior to that it was mostly ball with a few boughts of SWC. I will load some tomorrow to confirm, but that is probably it. Thanks for the help. Tom

Hi, I've been reloading for about 5 years now and I still run into problems with cases that bulge on one side once bullet seating is done. Not all calibers do it, but it seems really noticable on .45. I just started loading Hornady 230gr XTP's in winchester cases, seated to recomended depth which I think was 1.23. I've tried almost no bell, and too much bell, tightened the die with bullet and case inserted, but still can't figure out what it is. I know the bullet isn't getting seated straight, but what is causing it. I use dillon dies and this is the only one I don't use a Redding Competition seater die on. Just haven't gotten one for it yet. I'm loading on a 650. Any ideas wil be greatly appreciated. On the plus side, I am getting 950fps avg with the XTP, WLP primer and 6.1gr of Unique. SD's of about 30 which compares to Speer Gold dot and Federal Hydrashok. Ok, off to family time with wife. Thanks Tom

Thanks for all the input guys. I talked to Glock this morning and they gave me several dealers in the area. I called Barneys firearms and indoor range in Lafayette, LA www.mycopshop.com They honor the LEO price for active duty military. $398 plus tax. Add $70 for night sights installed. I can't think of a better deal than that. Thanks for all the recommendations. You know, I have a bunch of pistols: Beretta, Sig, Kimber, SVI, Ruger, S&W and Glock. Of all my pistols, the ones I trust 100%, with any ammunition, are my Glocks. I have a 17, 20 and 22 and they are just simple tools that work, all the time. The other guns have their own character and are much nicer to look at, but in the end, if I could only have one gun, it would be a glock. HK's are a close second, but they are pricey and customer service sucks! I hope the Army gives them a hard look when they decide on the new pistol we will use. I would personally go for a .40, but I have plenty of .45's and they are nice too. I guess I'm just really happy about the $398 price!! Take care. Tom

Thanks for the Info. There site said they only sell to LE in Texas, but I sent them an email to see if they sell to Active Duty military, out of state. I guess we will see what they have to say. I'll update this thread when I find out how much it will be and if they will do it. I'm also going to contact Glock directly and see who the have as an LEO dealer in Louisiana. Might be one in Shreveport and that would be close enough to do. Thanks again for the info. Tom

Hi, I'm looking at buying a Model 23. I know that Glock offers LEO dealers a pretty good rate, something on the order of $398 for plain fixed sights for Active duty military or law enforcement, plus 3 mags. Anybody know a good place that offers close to that rate that you can buy from over the internet? I don't mind shipping cost and FFL fee since the local dealer wants $579 for new with 2 mags. Thanks for the help. Tom

I'm thinking that 3N37 might work the comp better since its a little slower powder, but not sure. I'm leaning toward the 3N37 since it seems to be a little more available than 3N38. Anyone else have any thoughts? Thanks Tom

Hi Guys, Time to buy some more powder and I was thinking of going with 3N37 this time around. I have worked up a load with 3N38 but its currently not available from powder valley. I'm also switching to the Zero 115gr 9mm HP, so I have to work up a new load anyway. No plans for international shooting, so I don't need the 124 gr bullets. From what I've read 3N38 came about when Hybrids hit the scene and is specifically recommended by SVI with its hybrid barrel guns. My gun is an SVI but not a hybrid. Just an 8 port comp with 4 top and 2 on each side. I'm using starline cases with WSP primers. Any thoughts will be greatly appreciated. Thanks Tom

Hi guys, I need to get a new mag spring for my M1100CM, but my searches haven't revealed a place to get one. Brownells is out of the Wolff spring, so now what? Thanks for any help Tom

Hey Guys, I'm going to try some loads with Viht N140 for my AR but Powder Valley will be out until mid Nov. I'm also going to pick up some 3N38 so if the place has both, that would be great and I can save some Hazmat fees. Thanks Tom

I did open the ports up slightly. It has worked with everything I have shot through it since then. I mostly fire reduced recoil Slugs from Federal -1oz @1300fps and Federal reduced recoil 8pellet 00Buck at 1290. My shot loads are light with 11/8 at 1150 and they now work fine. I was hesitant to drill the ports, but this is a single use gun and it has worked just fine since then. I did take everyone's advice and use Mobil 1 on the mag tube and bolt, well, pretty much everywhere. Really helps with the quick clean ups. I find that if I shoot 100rds or so and then don't clean it, leave it for a week or so, then shoot again, by the time I get to 100rds, it starts to not feed, which I think is a combination of light mag sping and dirty mag tube. I do a quick wipe down after I shoot it, re oil and its fine. Just my 2cents. Tom