shoozen

Thanks for the insights! Can't be from deprime, though, since these are new cases. However, I will be switching to 9mm this afternoon and those will have spent primers (read: range brass). So good to know, aug1911, I'll be on the lookout. The "firmly but gently" is probably the key in this case. I'm find fewer as I go along, as I'm becoming more comfortable. Much appreciated!

My first run with the new 550: Loading .45 auto in new brass with CCI large pistol primers. I'm noticing an occasional shallow round dent in the primer of newly loaded cartridges. A bit disconcerting, but no 'bangs' as of yet. Primers are seating flush with the case, i.e. not sticking out, nor receding. Dents are usually round, flat (ie. not dimpled like a striker makes), mostly off-center. I have test fired my first loads and all went according to plan and all performed quite nicely including the dented ones. Just can't understand what might be causing this. Must be my noob technique, but don't know for sure. [image attached] Any suggestions are welcomed.

I realize that this thread is a bit dormant now, but for anyone who lands on this now: Redding has released a micro-adjustable crimp available here: http://www.uniquetek.com/site/696296/product/T1458

A monk told Joshu, "I have just entered this monastery. I beg you to teach me." Joshu asked, "Have you eaten your rice porridge?" The monk replied, "I have." "Then," said Joshu, "Go and wash your bowl."

Having good results with a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement from Costco named "Move Free". Noticed results within a couple of days. Not perfect, so a little ibuprofen every now and then. But since the supplement, not as much morning joint pain. btw - I'm 60 y.o.

Thanks for the answer. Almost sorry I asked -- in fear that I might get to know Mike. ;-)

Have installed two now and have suspicions that they might be a bit heavier than I expected originally. I don't have a gauge, though. Good to hear that it mellows with age, like the rest of us. :-) So @aandabooks: Please say more about some of the other points that you've worked on. I pretty much stuck to the video directions, but would like to know more.

@JD - Worth every penny, IMO. I have now installed my second PRP trigger - the Ultimate Match - in my new .45 XD (4" with the dual-spring buffer). This gun is so much fun to shoot now, I'm just blown away. No flies on Sig, top rate, but I can purchase an XDm, PRP kit and accessories, and so on. I now understand internals of the XD/XDm pistols reasonably well for a newcomer. I love the simplicity of their design. I have a .45 acp XDM 5.25 on order and already have a PRP kit waiting for it. So, I think from now on, whenever I purchase another XD/XDm, I'll be factoring in a PRP kit, stainless ejector, replacement striker pins, etc. I've been shooting for around 9 months now and have quickly realized the significance of trigger control. I would estimate that these triggers have reduced the spread of my groups by 2/3. That alone makes them worth the bucks for me.

Hoping to start with first match this week. So, my noob question: What's a mike?

Me == noob, but for what it's worth, I installed the PRP drop-in on my 5.25 9mm in about 45 min. Most of that time was spent going back and forth on the video online to make sure I was doing the right thing. Pretty easy. First trip to the range and my shooting took a huge leap in improvement. Amazing difference. With the stock trigger, I liked the gun okay, but liked my Sig 226 with the SRT much better. Now, I can tear holes with the XDM and don't really care to shoot the Sig anymore. But even with the improvements, I was wishing the trigger to be a little more crisp, so I ordered the PRP replacement sear for the XDM. Had to do a tiny little bit of stone work to fit it, but wow! As a finishing touch, mounted an RMR on the XDM and man, this thing is scary accurate and a joy to shoot.

Hello everyone! Bought my first gun last year at age 60 and am hooked beyond repair! Day job in IT and have discovered "recoil therapy" to be very, very relaxing. Making progress rapidly -- live fire twice a week, dry fire even more. First competition experiences at pin shooting a couple of months ago and want more! Hope to get into some practical shooting events sometime later this year.