tomjerry1

I get this on my 550, but not with 40, but 38 super, not sure why, the crimp is fine, just a nuisance I guess. It happens on the up stroke, and seems like the case is slightly stuck until the ram lowers enough and the case pops out of the crimp die.

Ya, seems like the 32 round stages are becoming very popular, most the folks in my area seem to have more 140's than 170,s I have a Caspian, and mag options are limited. I am going to get a couple MBX and see what works, they are expensive, but not really as compared to welded up mags. I will be making the switch from Limited to Open next year, still trying to figure this thing out, always wondered about chasing the dot.

I use a Taylor Freelance magwell on my RIA with no problems, guess I was lucky, also have been using STI mags with Dawson base pads? they work, but the bullet has to ride the ramp into the chamber, I have modified STI's to help with this, but got a chance to try an MBX, and it locks into the mag release higher for better alignment to the chamber. I know they are expensive, but you can feel the difference when racking a round into the chamber. You can get a 3# trigger out of the stock parts. My biggest issue with my RIA was the barrel, sewer pipe, have a KKM in it now and life is much better. When all is said and done, knowing what I know now, if you can find a reasonably priced used Edge(folks think they have gold),you will have about the same cost into the RIA, and you will be shooting better sooner, than working the issues as time progresses with the RIA.

I just bought an open gun and am wondering what maybe the correct combination of magazines, 1-170 and 2-140, or the opposite? Any other combinations?

MBX work great in the Pro Match 40, I had been using STI, but the MBX holds higher than the STI mag, and the bullets have a straighter shot to the chamber

Try Nobel Vecton 9.5, 5 grains 180 HAP

Thanks all for the help, feel better about my issue, will shoot SC the majority of time, but nice to know I can shoot super also.

I am just getting started in Open, bought a used Caspian set up for 38SC w/AFTEC extractor, wondering if using 38S will damage the AFTEC?

I don't know about 9mm, but works great in 40, my new go to to replace VIT320.

When I was looking for a barrel last year, all I could find was KKM, the quality is 1st class. I went with bull barrel for limited.

5 grains Vectan 9.5 Hornady 180 HAP CCI SSP Federal Cases OAL1.18 169 PF 5" KKM barrel RIA Works as good as VIT320 for half the price. VIT320 is good tho

I appreciate the look, going to my smith to fix this issue

No experience with SPS, but have been using STI for three years, and recently MBX. The STI are a tad low at the mag catch, but I've had few problems with them. Got MBX, was really happy with the first ones I bought, mag catch is right, feeds great. But I just got two more, not as good, they are wider at the feed lips and the mag catch slot on the mag body, they will not release. I e-mailed MBX, but no response yet. I don't want to fix until I talk with them, maybe get a couple of more for replacement. I'm having a hard time taking a hammer and large vice to something that costs as much as they do. I finally learned that if I wanted the STI mags to run, I had to get the mag tuning kit and make them run. I have had good luck with a cutoff wheel trimming the STI mags to a feed lip profile similar to the MBX, gets the top bullet more aligned with the chamber.

probably the route i'm going to take

Go to Brazos site and read their magazine articles on how to tune an extractor, I still am using the RI extractor with no issues. Also, am switching to MBX mags, yes I know they are expensive, but they fit my Pro 40, an get the bullets more in line with the chamber, they feed great.

Would appreciate it, this is my first experience in open guns, and am really use to a mag button. I understand Caspian mag releases are extended, but no holes for button.

I am looking for an extended mag release, or a mag release that has been drilled and tapped for a button for a Caspian high cap frame ???

I use a Rick Island and STI mags, thought I was having problems at Area 1 last week, so tried an MBX made for my pistol. No real difference in function between STI or the MBX, so for the money, I will stay with STI. Oh, the issue I was having turned out to be the new barrel, had to round the edge of the ramp transition to the chamber.

Shooting Chrony

the range I'm using has about 10' ceilings with fluorescent lighting running in rows the length of the room. I have used this chrono outdoors with no issues, but inside the range w/lighted screens, I'm getting variations in speed from 250 to 1100fps. I am also getting errors for the front or rear sensor not seeing the round. I am considering building a cardboard cover for the chrono and try to use it like a chrono trap for qualification at a match. I have yet been to the range to try turning off the fluorescent lights, will try this first, one less thing to pack around.

OAL maybe to long, use a caliper to measure your chamber and case gauge depth

I should have known

no I haven't, will give it a try, if possible

I purchased a set of illuminated shields for my chrono and am trying to use them at an indoor range. The lighting is fluorescent, I am getting errors for front or rear sensor, and the velocities are low or hi??? All power for the chrono and shields are good, and I have noticed that if I shoot just above the sensors, the readings are more inline with what I would expect. Has anyone else had experience with indoor chrono? and any suggestions on obtaining more consistent readings?

I sort and use one manufacture, only for consistency. As you stated, there are large differences, and a specific load can vary greatly in fps between them. Because I load to meet a power factor, I try to get as close to it with out falling below it. Using different cases can make this a gamble, and at the cost of going to a level 3 match, and getting bumped into another class, I think it is worth it.