texasref

I have a PM9 and really like it. Smooth out of the box is an understatement. I did have some feed problems, which required some smith work. But after that it seems to run fine. Even with some issues, I absolutely love the gun.. It does need a magwell for competition , but everything else is on the gun. With it being a 10 round, it makes single stack run like a limited 10.

Tighten the shell plate down just enough to feel the index. It will tighten up at this point as you rotate the plate. Loosen a little and make sure you tighten the set screw under the shell plate holder located on the shaft.

+1 on the sock cover. Reloading without it is just not fun.

I would think that the primer cup could be a little tall. Take a pair of adjustable pliers, run the primer arm out some. Loosen the set screw and then press the cup as far down as it will go and tighten the set screw. Also as stated before, vibration of the machine can make the primers jump. Stay smooth with the process.

I went with Tripp. Just never liked the ones that came with the gun. Also the Tripp are easier to clean with the removable base plate.

If this will be a carry gun get it in 45ACP. I have several 9mm 1911 guns and feeding is sometimes a little iffy. It's just the size of the round. The 1911 was made to shoot hardball ammo, and it does. That being said, I'd go with the SA as long as your going to use it as is. Another option is the CZ 75B (no de-cocker) If your going to add components, sights, magwell, grips........then look at the SA Loaded. It comes with that stuff on it. Now that your in the $1200.00 range, look around. (Just a note: I'm not a Kimber fan)

I'm a member of the "take it apart and clean it" crowd. Also a member of the "half full hopper" (for absolutely no reason). I do know different powders will measure differently. Not much to be done there, unless you want to weigh every charge and break out the trickler. I loaded some rounds for a friend using WST & 700X. Drove me mad when compared to 231 or TG. Just too fluffy. There had to be some variance in charges (no I did not weigh passed the original settings). But all the rounds shot fine. (+1 Hi-Power Jack)

Man, you talk about staying with something!!! 40 yrs on a single stage is unbelievable. The new 550 just took the work out of reloading. Happy for you, enjoy it. I know you will.

I've never used Federal primers, so I will differ to the experts on them. I have loaded a lot of Winchester large pistol (which are supposed to be fairly soft) with no problem. When seating give a good smooth push. Also keep a can of air around and periodically blow the dust off the shell plate.

Eli, I assume that you'll be using these rounds in competition. So my Answer would be, just how accurate do you need to be when shooting stages? I've found that any rounds I reloaded were accurate enough. Any misses were due to the Indian not the arrow. I think the better approach would be to make sure you make PF and they cycle reliably.

I have the same problem with my PM9. Took it in for a little re-work an hopefully that will solve the problem. I also run Tripp mags so it's nice to know there's an alternative that I could go to.

Sometimes the case is not centered and you'll get some shaving. Also check to make sure you really do have the mouth flared enough.

I always turn into my strong hand, that way the gun stays put as previously mentioned. If your in a shooting box make sure you leave yourself room to pivot and place your weak side foot in the box. Stepping outside makes for Procedurals.

I think this happens t a lot of folks. You can buy Lee die set and use theirs, which is what I did and the problem went away. Or I've heard of using some JB Weld in the insert and pressing a mold of your bullet profile in the bottom. The smiley face on the end of the bullet won't hurt anything. The suggestions above are if you just can't live with it.

One thing that I believe I read here is this: If for any reason you are distracted or called away from your machine, leave the handle down and the cases up in the dies. This way when you come back you'll know exactly where you are in the process.

Drop Donnie a note at Bayou Bullets. He offers different sizes.

3.5 gn seems high to me. I load 2.8 under a 147 bullet and have loaded as high as 3.2 gn. which will produce around 135 pf. Try 2.8 as Doellomite suggested or even run some at 3.0. I think a little lighter charge weight will be better.

Had the same problem with 45ACP chambering with bullet at 0.452". Asked them to size yours to 0.451", which is what I did and the problem went away.

I picked up a PM9 about six weeks ago. Never thought I'd spend that much but there is a definite difference in fit, finish and smoothness of the slide. The RO is now relegated to back-up when it clears the safe. Be advised that even though it's a 1300.00+ gun it still may need some help. I had to get a higher mag catch to get the first round to line up better with the chamber after going to slide lock. Seems to have fixed the problem. By the way, had this issue with the RO also. It's a quirk a lot of 9mm have in a 1911 style gun. If you want, check Dawson Precision and see what 9mm he has for sale. More money than SA but his are ready to go with things you'd add anyway. Buy the best you can afford and you'll always be happy with it.

+1 for cassselhtief. I used 3.2 same OAL out of an XDm and made 135 pf.

Had to check my data but here's the lightest I've used. 2.6 gn VV n320 10# spring 147 RN Be sure to yell "BANG" so to RO knows you shot. Also if shooting steel you may need to keep a bullet in your pocket to throw in case the fired round doesn't drop it.

I haven't noticed any offensive odor and I shoot indoors mostly. Right now I'm shooting Blue Bullets with VV n320, but have used TG with Bayou and Blue Bullets with no adverse smell. Maybe I've shot coated so long that I don't notice. I did make the change to coated from straight lead, so anything would have been better.

+3 on the N320. Shot TG for a long time and still use it in 45ACP. VV N320 is absolutely the cleanest powder I've ever used. However if you're satisfied with how TG shoots by all means stay with it.

I load mine out to 1.155" with no problems passing the "plunk test". If you have more than one gun test them all. Longer is better with 147's since these are longer bullets. Especially if you're loading for a 1911.

Started when I was 57 shooting pistols. Started competing a year later. I have no illusions of making A or higher, but it would be nice to sneak in.