LCDRJGB

I agree w/ @fiddler. 40 s&w brass is so cheap and easy to get that i have a hard time justifying the use of previously bulged brass in any of my guns.

RCBS chargemaster. If I shot more I would own and use 2 side by side.

I taught a good friend about 1.5 years ago. He had so much confidence afterwards that he went straight to a progressive! There were some growing pains. I think it is best to show the basics on a single stage, then a progressive, then have them move on. You really learn how to to reload when doing it all by yourself.

This looks like a pretty promising swage tool that I'm thinking about purchasing: https://www.ch4d.com/products/equipment/case-tools/psk Has anyone used it with good results?

mine developed a dimple right under the primer seater. when I use Fiocchi primers they sometimes don't seat all the way. I've been using pieces of foil w/ tape as a stop gap, but i'm wondering if others stay away from these type of primers or typically JB weld a dime under the primer seater. thanks

Since you live in CT, it might be better just to get an upper with an integral suppressor because I don't think they let you use a removable muzzle device on an AR. Only need 1 stamp. I think I DD sells something like this. Are you going to use 300 BLK or 5.56?

The manners mcs is my favorite chassis system. I have owned 3 of them, but am down to 1 as I moved them to fund other rifle build projects. They hold their value quite well. Since many receivers use the 700 footprint, they are pretty "modular", but there are a couple of nuances to consider (e.g., relieving some area for a Timney trigger or for a side bolt release). Some receivers have a longer ejection port and may not line up just right if you get one inletted for a Rem 700. Also, the Rem 700 has a swept back handle, so if you are going to use the MCS for multiple receivers, make sure you tell Manners when you order. You may save a few ounces by going the traditional bedding route, but I was not able to shoot the difference with a Surgeon 591 6.5CM in a pillar bedded MCM A5 and a Manners T3 mini-chassis. Also, it will accommodate large after market recoil lugs if you have a custom rig.

Sounds like there is an issue with the barrel. I doubt any cryo treatment is going to fix this. If it was me, I would write it off and get something from white oak or krieger. (Sniper's Hide and AR15.com have some pretty vicious threads regarding Noveske QC.)

Tagging this because I'm interested as well.

If I was you I would scrounge the classifieds on Sniper's Hide for a used vortex PST or HS-T.

LOL! Love it!

Can you please post the lot # for these primers? I had something very similar happen to my 223 bolt action rifle with Rem 7 1/2 primers and needed Gre Tan to put a bushing in the bolt face to fix it. I hope Winchester helps get you fixed up.

I think RCBS dies are a good value. I usually get them instead of more expensive Forster and Redding dies unless I need something with a special use (e.g., EGW undersize die for 40 S&W or F/L die with neck bushing to achieve specific neck tension).

I think most of the bolt gun stuff done to enhance accuracy really just polishes the cannonball. If you get a properly chambered Rem 700 5R and drop it into a bedding block chassis system, put in a descent trigger (e.g., tuned remmy or timney), use match or high quality hand loads, and have descent optics then you can shoot "almost" as well as with all of the accuracy enhancements. Case and point with my wife's 5R (her shooting) at 100 yards: Most important are (1) good barrel, (2) barrel free floated, (3) good ammo, (4) good trigger, (5) good sights/optics, and (6) compensator if a heavy recoil round. You get a little bit extra with stress free bedding, cutting a "match chamber", and truing but at that point I think your scraping the gravy off the sides of the pan. Using quality parts on your AR build should get you all of the attributes above.

How far out does your range go? If you're going for long range, perhaps 22" could be worth it, but I think anything over 18" is too much. For comparison, the MK12 (a 5.56 "sniper rifle") only has an 18" 1/7 barrel. I think twist is a more important factor, but the 1/8 that comes with the JP should be able to handle 75-77gr BTHPs just fine.