1911user

300 yards maximum (length of range).

The LNL-AP has ejection issues with 9mm no matter what crimp die you use (although using an FCD adds to the challenge). I like the 550. It is better (IMO from a cost perspective) for loading several to many different calibers. The 650 could be a better choice if you only do 1 to a few different calibers (caliber conversions are more expensive than the 550). The real question (in my experience) comes down to a casefeeder. If you know that you'll be buying a casefeeder, then get the 650. If no casefeeder, then the 550 is a very viable option. However, you seem focused on a "powder check" of some sort and auto indexing; just get the 650 and sleep better at night. I had the powder check dies, casefeeder, auto-indexing, 5 stations, etc. and left all of that and went back to a 550 for all loading with NO regrets. I had a 550 and was happy with it for several years. Then the LNL-AP looked interesting as a "650 on the cheap", but the devil is in the details (especially loading 9mm) so I sold it and went back to a 550.

I shot an IDPA match several years ago that was ran as a hot range. You load upon arrival (if not already loaded and carrying, most were) and the pistol stays holstered unless shooting a stage. The pistol was topped off before reholstering at the end of each stage. It's not a big deal so long as people don't act stupid. It also placed an emphasis on using a good carry holster. I suspect (don't know for sure) that a dropped pistol would have been an instant DQ.

I had a casefeeder for a hornady lnl-ap (back to dillon 550 now). The "window" that the case falls through was to be set for half the length of the rifle case being fed and fully open for pistol cases. I can't see why the dillon feeder should be set any different, but am willing to be educated. The center of gravity for a rifle case is much closer to the case head due to the solid primer pocket area. A rifle case will start falling when the center of gravity is no longer supported. Having the window half closed means the case neck will be past the window when it starts to fall so it should be base first every time.

I would go for the non-electronic scale and calipers. If you are going to throw money at a dillon tumbler, spend the extra $60 and get the big one. It's much more likely to last longer due to the motor design and construction. At 2K+ rounds per month, you'll be cleaning lots of brass anyway.

I received a bullet order with 3K 9mm recently. It was a full box and well taped; no bulges and within the weight limit (barely). Sorry you're having trouble. Keep going up the food chain at USPS; you'll win this round.

Thanks for the link. I get bad slide bite from using a high grip on a glock (and bought an M&P because of the beavertail). This part might allow glock to be an option in the future.

Ummmm....I don't see anyvideo clips other than TJ's- just transcipts. Unless I am missing something of course- wouldn't be the first time. The AMU guys had good video clips also. I didn't check all of the others. TJ and the AMU videos are a good resource by themselves.

http://www.shootingusa.com/PRO_TIPS/pro_tips.html Here is a direct link to the "pro tips" section of shooting USA. Several big name shooters have video tips (icluding Todd Jarrett).

You are not the only one who has an issue with the hornady expander funnels. http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=289054 If your crimp die will work in the 5th station, I'd use the factory expander die in #2 and drop powder in #3. That seems to be a more satisfactory arrangement.

That's a different twist on the blue vs. red debates..... Dillon equipment is worth the extra effort; it just works well.

Do you use tweezers to put the case and the bullet in place? LOL Nope, I load them on my 550 just fine. (223 shellplate with a 9mm powder funnel)

surprisingly good video! thanks for posting it.

I'm using 3 grain of W231 with Win 95gr FMJ. Max is 3.3 grains. It shoots fine through a p3at and burns fairly clean. I also have some 95gr cast lead RN, but haven't loaded those yet. A pound of W231 will go a long way in this caliber....

rvb, The current catalog quote is "Although scaled down in size, these 2 pieces of equipment are every bit as tough as their full-sized counterparts. We used the same materials in their construction and designed them to work just as hard - and do it in a more compact area." It was talking about both the tumbler and media seperator. Both the large and small tumbler have a one year warranty on the electric motor. Unless things change on motor quality, the best tumbler may be one purchased 10 years ago.

The loctite might not be such a good idea...... EDIT: the reason is the powder die (which holds the powder measure) is set at different heights above the toolhead for different calibers. That will affect how the blue wingnut should be adjusted (and why it probably should not be loctited in one place).

Not since 1986. You are proposing to make a new machinegun (I think) and that's not allowed for US civilian shooters. You can buy a machinegun that had been registered by 1986, but those sell for $10K or more. This could turn in to a hate rant quickly so I'll stop with that.

The ejector wire should be close to the top of the shellplate without rubbing it. I would suspect nicks on the inside of the rim of the 223 cases are the most likely problem. That is where the extractor pulls the case from the chamber and could leave a gouge or mark. I've had this happen mainly with processed military brass.

The USA currently does not have a trigger pull minimum in any division. The vote was for adding a 3 pound minimum to the USA production division. The vote failed so there is no change.

In the other countries, the idea of a citizen carrying a loaded pistol is not common. If they truly need one, they would likely have to remove it from storage and load it. It is much more common in the US to have or carry a loaded pistol specifically for self defense so loaded starts, especially from a holster, are more prevelant. EDIT: another factor for the US is that loaded starts are kind of the way it always has been done.

Check www.powdervalleyinc.com for component pricing. They are just across the border into Kansas so the shipping is cheap to OK.

I completely agree. Many people have issues with the trigger pull (especially for competative use) and there is no easy way to "fix" it. The SW9F is the older model that is no longer sold. The trigger pull on it will be better than a new sigma, but still not realistically adjustable. Either love the stock pistol or don't buy it. For serious use, avoid +p+ ammo. The extra recoil and higher slide velocity keeps the sear block from always resetting properly. It should be fine with normal 9mm ammo. On the new generation sigmas, S&W added a second spring to the sear block and that is a major reason for the heavy trigger pull. With the F model sigma, you'll be limited to older magazines, the ones for the new generation sigma will be slightly too short. If you have the money (find a second job if you don't), get an M&P or a Glock or an XD. The M&P grip feels somewhat like the sigma (that's a good thing), but the stock trigger pull is better and can be improved even more. IMHO the best thing a sigma has going for it now is a selling price of $300 new for something that is reliable.

I have an idea for low-cost, reduced recoil, slug loads, but would like some feedback first. My idea is to use lower cost factory 12 guage trap loads (1-1/8 ounce shot at 1200fps) and replace the shot with a home-cast slug. I could melt the shot (or wheel weight lead) and cast 1 ounce slugs with a Lee slug mold. The slug is designed to be loaded in a trap wad and star crimped. I would put the factory shell back together with the slug and recrimp using an older single-stage shotgun press. The factory primer, powder, and wad would never leave the shell. I'd like to load about 300 slugs for practice and a class so buying new is an expensive option.

STI-American Handgunner World Shoot-off Championship http://www.sanjuanrange.com/ahwsc.htm an excerpt: "For safety reasons, the minimum bullet weight will be 115 GR. Velocity will be 1,200 FPS maximum and NO HOLLOW POINTS due to splatter." I have no connection with the match, but my google-fu is strong tonight.

The free market selling price is based upon the current supply and demand situation; the initial purchase price does not matter. If production starts again, the supply and demand balance will change and it is likely the current "value" of a Valtro will also change.