texasref

I'm in the "not crimped enough" camp. I shoot the same round but a 16:1 twist. My completed rounds have a shiny ring at the top. IMO it guards against "set back". One of the worst things that can happen. Most reloaders will not agree with this approach, but I have no tumbling issues and accuracy seems to not be affected.

+1 Sarge Also contact Dillon and get the repair kit. It will have a new tip. These will get worn and need replacing. So it's better to have a few things on hand so your not stopped cold.

I can only speak to the 147gr bullet. 3gr of TG will be fine. I know that 3.2gr will get you to 135pf. Since your not interested in making power factor, you can go down from where your starting at 3.0gr. I shoot 2.6gr out of a 4.5" XDM with no issues. OAL is 1.155, but plunk test the length in your barrel it may be different.

Same problem here. Went to the rheumatologist. He reccommended 2 Alieve in the morning and 2 at night. Same dose as what he would precribe. Does'nt solve everything but does help A LOT. Also use the gel caps.

I could not find 231 or HP-38 so I'm glad to see some are finding it out there. When I was shooting it I believe the higher side of the load tables kept it from being as dirty. Burns a little slower and for some reason lighter loads don't burn up completely.

I use the same press and for 9mm use about the same carge and bullet wts. You would see a double charge in the case if you can see in the case. For that reason I always stand when reloading so I can see in the case. And I look in every single one. This would help solve the first suggested reason for failure. Check the crimp with calipers and I also do a "Channel-lock" test. By squeezing a DUMMY round after it's been seated and crimped to make sure it doesn't set back. Probably one of the worst things that can happen and a possible cause of your situation. Also I read here that if you are called away for any reason or fatigue sets in, bring the press up into the dies and leave it there. You'll always know where you left off when you come back. Finally, go slow, get in a routine and forget about loading 500 rounds an hour. If you need 1000 rounds load them over a period of days.....SAFELY.

Thank you for the info. So I take it that IDPA basiclly follows USPA for power factors and not just differs in catagories. As far as chrono-ing goes,I did and know it falls short of 165. Velocity would need to be at 720 with a 230gr bullet to make 165.

My appologies Steve, 1.165" is the overall length I load. Thank you for bringing that to mine and others attention. Mis-information the bane of others existance. Once again you prove to be an excellent checker of statements with facts

I was unaware that IDPA has power factors. But any "soft shooting" round will probably require you to load several of different charges to ake sure it will even cycle the gun. As a rule though heavier bullets and faster powders will be what your looking for. I load 3.1gr of TG under 230 RN.

As to your original question: OAL affects ballistics due to internal pressure. The shorter the OAL the higher the pressure. 1.125" is the min for 9mm. I load mine to 1.65. You want to load longer than the manual states to be on the safe side. If your rounds at 1.14" shoot well, keep on shooting them.

3.1 grns of TG under 230 rn. I do have a reduced recoil spring (16#) and shoot these out of a 4.25" barrel.

2.6 with the 147's. But you need a lowered recoil spring to do it.

It is a pressure concern. There's not much room in the case, and pressures increase dramaticly when OAL is shortened, NEVER LOAD SHORT !! Iv'e never heard of compressed loads in 9mm before. I would be very careful of this.

My opinion only. I tumble the cases and find that the cracks will show up dirty (media sticking). Before I load I take a look and feel the case to find any abnomalities. It's fairly easy to feel a split. That being said 9mm is so abundant I don't shoot split brass. If one gets by me loaded, in the ammo can, in the mag........that's a lot of handling. Splits in brass are just overworked. Toss 'em when you see them and move on. I don't concern myself with headstamps and things. I load every one that passes muster and never had a problem.

I'm not familiar with this mfg. However, you can load coated bullets just like plated.

Think about using 147gn bullets and TG. Lots of data here for that. Start at the low end due to the recoil spring being fairly light.

I would not worry about power factors in IDPA (there are none). 14# recoil spring. 147 bullet over 2.6grn TG. Grip tape on the side only. That way when she goes to draw her hand will slide right up to the beavertail. Also use the largest backstrap she can comfortably handle. This changes the pressure points on the grip.

You said the pin broke, but did you get it out? If not that may be whats keeping you from getting the new one in. Just take the replacement pin with you and get the appropriate size roll pin. By their design they work much better.

One thing you did not mention is how long you've been shooting, or maybe I just missed that. When I first started shooting pistol, my thought was "How hard can it be to hit something 7 yds away"? It's harder than I thought. So if you just started it's really more a matter of practice than anything else. That being said, there are some things that all top shooters do. A common thread if you will. Do some research and find out what those things are. Practice them, and you'll find what works for you and what doesn't. A very good shooter told me the main thing is sending rounds downrange. Another told me not to discount aiming at small circles a lot in order to be better at hitting larger targets faster. I'm a little off topic. Thing is, check around. Try out stuff that sounds right to you and if they work great. If not....well. The key is to do the same thing every time. Only then can you truly judge yourself. No one does exactly the same thing someone else does. Oh, by the way. Bring that target in. Its great to be able to shoot 25m. but you'll really do better at shorter distances first.

In answer to your original question/statement. 15 yds will tell you a lot about how your shooting. Much more than the 7 yd range. If your developing a load, use them all. If your'e trying to get better at longer distances, practice makes perfect.

Bayous are all I shoot anymore. 147 in 9mm 230 in 45ACP No leading problems, no smoke hanging in the air and absolutely no problem with delivery. You can load a coated bullet just like a plated one. So it really is a matter of preference.

The OAL seems ok. Mine are loaded at 1.155 regardless of bullet wt. I assume we're talking full size pistols here. If so the XDm having a longer barrel will have greater velocity. So it will feel snappier than the shorter XD. I used to shoot 125's but went to 147's to be able to load down with a lighter recoil spring. Since these are target rounds, Sarge had good advice. Just load them down and shoot 'em up. With new "Light" loads shoot one at a time to make sure they cycle and don't squib. And yes it can happen!!

I have a 550 which does everthing I need it to do. It was used and I spent about 100.00 making it run. A friend of mine has a new 650 and loves it. Never heard of anyone regretting the 650 buy. And there's absolutely no reason to think you won't be able to load on it right away. Learing curve will be about the same. I'd go for it as long as the seller has a legit reason for selling and they tell you whats wrong (if anything) with the machine.

1.250". The 230 RN should have a little shoulder at the tp of the bullet where it makes a transition. Set the seating die so the case comes right to there. I've never measured the crimp, however I can see it. There's a shiny ring when done. It's probably just me but I never want the bullet to get "Set back" during the cycle process of loading into the chamber.

TG is now all I use due to problems locating any other powders. Decided that was the way I was going to go so I would never have that issue again. BBI over TG with no smoke.