Rez805

Per the Practiscore Page 18 stages 400+ rounds Plan accordingly, of course.

It looks like they have a specific page for the 2.0 version. It looks like the Duty/Carry stuff has been listed, but not the competition-oriented stuff. Seems a bit strange since the the biggest difference are the springs (i.e., sear is the same, striker block is the same). https://store.apextactical.com/WebDirect/Products/Category?categoryId=71

This might sound a bit odd, but if you have something like an uplula . . . try "wiggling" the uplula as you try to get past the 18th round. I found that the spring sometimes catches on something on the inside.

I'm paid and squadded. I'm in area 2. I got the email Sunday afternoon.

Dang. Speedy recovery to Ken and Bkreutz.

Negative. I'm in area two and was listed as #61 out of 725. I haven't received any email aside from the update from the MD back in October. My personal link shows that I haven't even been approved yet. Here's hoping!

If you are thinking about the Speed Shooters Specialties rod Tungsten Non-Captured: 1.2 oz. Tungsten Captured: 1.5 oz. Stock: 0.917 oz (or 26 grams) WITH the stock spring. I found the stock specs in a post from 8 years ago. Here's a link I can't really speak to the math/physics that the poster lays out. I can't speak to the effectiveness of the tungsten rod either. Per Appendix D4 of the Rulebook: Maximum weight (for Production): Yes, 2 ounces with empty magazine inserted over weight listed on approved pistol list. I've only been to one Level 2, but I don't recall them weighing my gun.

Okay, I'm not super up-to-speed on this forum software. Pretty much Apex everything. I did run into light strikes with the competition striker spring kit. Switched it to stock and I can't think of any light strikes that have occurred. I listed some combinations that I have tried in a recent thread in this section. I can only speak to my 7 months of running this barrel (I'd say that 5k-6k rounds to date would be a fair guess). Here are some combinations that I have tried: 11lb with 100-105pf Steel Challenge handloads (105 grain Bayou. I also ran about 100 of the 95 grain bayou) = No problems. Even running all 8 stages twice in one day on a monthly basis. 11lb with ~130pf handloads (147 Grain Bayou) = Works, but I don't feel comfortable with this combo. Could end up wrecking the frame. In fact, I might have already wrecked it. I'm fairly certain that the sear housing block is NOT supposed to elevate from the frame when you pull the trigger hard. I'm sincerely hoping it's just the block or the roll pin. I don't relish the prospect of having to shell out ~$800 for what is truly a $400-500 gun in any other state. 13lb with 100-105pf Steel Challenge handloads (105 grain Bayou) = Rarely enough energy to properly function. 15lb with 100pf . . . it feels like (what I imagine) a non-recoiling prop gun feels like--the slide opened a tiny bit, but the case didn't fly out. Only made that mistake once. 13lb with ~130pf handloads (147 Grain Bayou) = No problems. 15lb with ~130pf handloads (147 Grain Bayou) = No problems. This actually feels great. I'm sticking with this setup 15lb with ~130pf handloads (124 Berrys Plated Flat Nose) = No problems. 15lb with ~131pf Atlanta Arms Select (124 grain @1060fps per their box) = No problems. Match vid that kind of shows the setup I currently have: USPSA Match with 15lb and 147 Bayous @~130PF Here is where it get tricky. Have I experienced Failures to return to battery? Yes, but it's tough to say exactly what caused it. I used to never gauge my handloads, but when I started to get a few failures I ponied up the cash for a gauge. Now that I have removed the non-gauging rounds from my bag . . . no more failures to return to battery--even with the possibly damaged frame.

Double Tap

I'm not a gunsmith or anything, but I have dabbled with different spring and load combinations with the Apex Gunsmith fit barrel. One of the first videos I watched regarding this was posted by NicTaylor00 on youtube. You'll see some high-speed (600fps) footage of the different combinations starting around the 3 minute mark. Hope that helps a bit.

It might just be me, and I've definitely heard the APEX team talk about the barrel being designed around the stock spring, but I think that's more of a general cautionary statement (kind of like "for off-road use only" or "Do not feed the bears"). I have a 4.25" Gunsmith Fit with the non-captured SSS guide rod along with ISMI 11lb, 13lb, and 15lb springs. I was fortunate enough to have the crew at Apex do the fitting. The SSS guide rod fits with no issue. Data I can only speak to my 7 months of running this barrel (I'd say that 5k-6k rounds to date would be a fair guess). Here are some combinations that I have tried: 11lb with 100-105pf Steel Challenge handloads (105 grain Bayou. I also ran about 100 of the 95 grain bayou) = No problems. Even running all 8 stages twice in one day on a monthly basis. 11lb with ~130pf handloads (147 Grain Bayou) = Works, but I don't feel comfortable with this combo. Could end up wrecking the frame. 13lb with 100-105pf Steel Challenge handloads (105 grain Bayou) = Rarely enough energy to properly function. 15lb with 100pf . . . it feels like (what I imagine) a non-recoiling prop gun feels like--the slide opened a tiny bit, but the case didn't fly out. Only made that mistake once. 13lb with ~130pf handloads (147 Grain Bayou) = No problems. 15lb with ~130pf handloads (147 Grain Bayou) = No problems. This actually feels great. I'm sticking with this setup 15lb with ~130pf handloads (124 Berrys Plated Flat Nose) = No problems. 15lb with ~131pf Atlanta Arms Select (124 grain @1060fps per their box) = No problems. Match vid that kind of shows the setup I currently have: USPSA Match with 15lb and 147 Bayous @~130PF Remarks In the end I think I'll stick with the 15lb for USPSA and 11lb for Steel Challenge. I also let the local University's Marksmanship club try it out on their range nights. They've bought Freedom 115's and Winchester White Box--I don't recall the weight. Earlier in the year I had the 13lb spring and since September I've kept my 15lb spring in there and those two brands run fine. Atlanta, Freedom, and Winchester are probably the only factory loads that I can think of that I have run in the barrel thus far. I think I've cleaned my barrel twice since getting it in April of this year. As a small test, I shot the Berry's Steel Open (about a week after I got the barrel with only about 100 rounds through it) where the minimum round count was 500+ or something like that. Worked fine. I have had some hiccups (failure to return to battery), but I'm not quite sure if it's the barrel or the crappy range brass--Recently got a case gauge and I'm leaning towards the latter. Whether or not you pick one up or put the money towards something else is entirely up to you. Hope the data above helps.

I just made C class in Limited and Production (A90454). May I join?

With respect to the "Never start with a Progressive Press" idea, you can always load a single cartridge when you are getting your feet wet. That way, you can see how the product advances through the stages. As for the cost per round portion, there are several websites that help you calculate the cost per round by entering in the cost for each component and the amount of powder you plan on using. You'll have to include any hazmat and shipping fees if you want a true answer for the cost per round. And of course, you have the cost of the equipment itself. You may end up thinking of it as "with the savings that I get from reloading (and not counting the "value of my time") it will take x thousand rounds to cover the cost of equipment. From there, the savings portion of reloading will become more evident." Of course, it's not just the savings that attracts a lot of us to loading our own. It becomes a hobby (and even a passion for some). Do your homework (over and over and over), don't rush it, and stay focused. You'll be rewarded in many ways.

I have also found that FMJ splatters to be worse than lead or coated bullets. I have also noticed that our set of steel challenge plates are slightly convex (even the rectangles) and rarely spit back. We also run flat knockdown plates for Pro-Am style matches and those tend to hit people more often. Perhaps someone with more experience can speak to the curvature portion.

It looks like it's official. http://steelchallenge.com/steel-challenge-news-details.php?WSSC-Dates-and-Range-Announced.-14

Try them both! I started with IDPA and now shoot USPSA as well. I love them both for what they are. You'll be frustrated going in either direction, but I feel that the IDPA then USPSA route is a different type of frustration. You'll be frustrated because in USPSA you can shoot whichever target you want whenever you want as long as you are in the shooting area and respect the safety line. My mind was blown. I feel like if you go the USPSA to IDPA route, you'll be frustrated by the rules. You'll basically have to shoot where they tell you to in IDPA. And there are rules regarding reloading. Oh, and open guns are usually frowned upon in IDPA. I think our score keeper gave an M&P CORE with a Leupold Deltapoint the designation of "Cheatin' Gun". LOL. I would sum it up as this: You can take every rule that you have to abide by in IDPA and bring it over to USPSA, but you just won't place very well. There are many things you'll do in USPSA that will result in a penalty in IDPA. It has to do with the core concept of IDPA. It's still fun, but USPSA offers a bit more freedom in terms of how you approach a "shooting problem". Generally speaking, 9mm is great for Minor Power Factor and .40/.45 is great for Major Power Factor especially if you are shooting factory ammunition. Your range will probably allow you to sign up the second gun if you feel comfortable bringing all of your equipment. I shoot production (Minor Power Factor, 9mm) and find that I can get by with 5 magazines that each hold 10 rounds--that 10 round rule is specific to Production and Limited 10. The stage descriptions will tell you the minimum number of rounds required. But being able to have 40-50 rounds on you all but guarantees that you'll be able to complete the stages. Don't worry too much about hit factor scoring in USPSA for your first few runs. It really becomes a big factor when you're trying to classify.

I heard the same thing at the Steel Challenge Match on Sunday. Art seems pretty serious about it.

Greetings from the Central Coast of California (SLO to be specific). I am fortunate to call SLOSA/Hogue Action Pistol Range my home range and I'm doing my best to participate in everything that I can. I started with IDPA in January of 2014 (I think) and jumped into USPSA/IPSC (what an eye opener!) and Steel Challenge in January of 2015. The range is now offering a Pro-Am style shoot every other Thursday so there's always plenty to do. I picked up my first gun in 2012 (XD .45), but sold that and went with a M&P 9mm (FS) in 2013. I worked with the stock trigger until a few weeks ago. I went with the APEX DCAEK and it has made a noticeable difference. I actually ended up keeping the stock trigger return spring as the duty spring was heavier than I anticipated. I have no real idea as to where I stand in terms of "skill level". My first classifier for IDPA should be right around the corner in July and I only have 2 USPSA classifiers recorded (Somewhere in the "C" class). I'm looking forward to learning how to improve all aspects of my shooting. The opportunities for practice are not an issue, it's all about making sure that the practice is meaningful.