TonyT

I was hoping that S&W would offer a 22 conversion unit for their M&P9Pro. Instead S&W decided to go with a look a like version of an M&P much like the 1911 look alikes you see in 22LR. S&W probably felt that the investment would not pay off. If they did not want to develop it in house they could have contracted with Tactical Soluitions to develop a unit. The TacSol 1911 unit is first rate (although not bullseye level quality) and they have announced a unit for the Glock-17.

As I remember Starline at one time offered to modify the powder funnel/expander of the Dillon machines which were causing difficulties with their 45 ACP brass. You might want to contact Starline. I beieve the problem only occcurs with new Starline brass. I have never experienced any problem using fired Starline brass.

Jarvis also makes top quality barrels.

I believe the plated bullet manufacturers rcommend using lead bullet data. In my limited testing the same amount of powder produced lower velocity with plated bullets than with lead bullets of the same weight. The Vihtavouri manual has data for their powders with rainieer bullets. You can get it from the Vihtavouri website. I have used either VV N-320 or Trail Boss powder with Rainier and Berry's plated bullets. I prefer Trail Boss in those old long staright walled cases since it is virtually impossible to double charge or not see the powder chargebefore bullet seating.

I have one of the factoru 686's in 38 Super. a great gun through which I only shoot minor loads (151 gr at 919 fps) in ICORE, USPSA and steel challenge. For heavier loads I go to my 625.

I believe you can do no better than a K-frame S&W for SSR. For msome reason my K-frame triggers seems to be better tan those on my L-frames (perhaps it's my imagination). $350 with holster is a steal - grab it quickly before there is a change of mind.

I love my S&W646 with minor loads. I would never shoot it with major loads since the recoil is too much for me. For heavier loads my preference is for the S&W625. I have one of the factory chambered 686's in 38 Super which I also shoot with minor loads. I do not remeber any significant difference between it and the 646 - both use the same Ranch Products moonclips.

Forgot to mention something in my porevious post. I have both the S&W 686 and 627 factory versions in 38 Super. The 686 shoots 124 to 1151 gr. plated bullest with equal accuracy while the 627 has a definite preference for the 147 & 151 gr. plated bullets.

I am using the Bladetech Stingray with DOH for my M&P9Pro. Works well for me.

I have a supply of the old 147 gr. Star FMJ bullets which I have been using. I have used 3.5 gr. Bullseye, 4.0 gr. VV N-330 and 4.1 gr. WSF with WSP for ca 900 to 920 fps. No keyholiong observed. 4.1 gr. WST seems like a very hot load. I have never seen WST recommended by W-W for use in 9mm. Attached are pages form the Alliant 2005 and W-W 14th Edition reloading guides.

I have used the Triple-K mags for a S&W 59/5906 when other manufacturers full size mags were unavailable between 1994 and 2004. They were totally reliable in both my S&W 59 and S&W 5906.

You might also consider the S&W99/Walther P99 they have a unique ambidextrous safety which I particularly enjoy using. The S&W99/Wlther P99 atre at least as accurate as the G-17/G34 and equally reliable. I shoot both but have a slight preference for the S&W99.

There are two books on S&W's by Jinks. The first one by Neal & Jinks is my favorite it has the X-ray photos showing the relationship of the interior parts.

The Marvel unit #1 is designed for standard velocity ammo. I have two units and both function flawlessly using Wolf Match target, SKJagd Pistol Match and Aguilla SE SV ammo. I use either the Metalform, Ciener or Kimber magazines. The only time I leaded the bore of a 22 pistol was using Remington Thunderbolt and not allowing the barrel to cool after ca 20 shots. Remington Golden Bullet is very dirty and while it has a velocity similar to the Federal HV HP Copper washed bulk pack ammo it feels snappier and spits out a lot of fire. I purchased a case of Remington Target SV ammo at Camp Perry a few years ago and it functioned well but, as with the other Remington ammo,I expereinced several ignition failures. I recently purchased a case of the Aguilla SE SV from the CMP and it functions with total reliability.

Replacin g that bushing requires some special tools and experience. I would send it in to S&W for repair.

I have obtained the best accuracy with the 147 gr. Berry's RN bullet designed for 9mm (0.356" diam) and either 3.6 gr. Titegroup or 3.4 gr. WST. WST burns a lot cleaner than titegroup. W-231 alos provides excellent accuracy and is clean burning.

The Hoeppner & Schumann Speed Sec holster is now available from CED for 1911's. I placed my order but the first shipment has not yet arrived from Germany. It is a speed holster which I have used for many years with both a Sig 226 and a S&W revolver.

A number of years ago I managed to purchase some small pistol magnum primers and loaded a few hundred mild 40 S&W rounds (180 gr. plated at ca 750 fps). When I chonographed those loads in comparison with those primed with the standard primer the difference was ca 10 fps. You could get that type of velocity average variation with two shot strings.

In 50+ years of relaoding I have never measured the case length on any straight walled pistol cartridge.

For my light load I use 3.5 gr. VV N-310, Federal LP primer and 230 gr. Rainier plated bullet - ca 600 fps. Soft, accurate and knocks down steel with authority. A fellow shooter uses 3.8 gr. Trail Boss with the same bullet and primer for the same approximate velocity. The VV N-310 load is quite a bit cleaner burning and is my favorite.

FNilo, If you intend to stick with the Production class then you might consider a 9mm such as the S&W M&P9 or Glock17. If you are dedicated to the 45ACP then you might want to consider the Single Stack class and purchase a 1911 style pistol.

Never tried it with a Glock magazine but the 10 round Sig 229 Sport mags in 40 S&W have reliably fed 9mm ammo.

everal years ago I made the mistaake of not loolking carefully before removing primers from the stores shelf and mistakenly purchased the SP magnum variety. I did not realize it untilI had used ca 500 in some mild 40 S&W loads ( American Slect, 180 gr. Berry's at ca 800 fps). When I chronographed those loads they produced ca 20fps more average velocity than those primed with standard primers.

The only time I had a priming issue was with one of the solid primer arms which would bind. The only other issue is replacing the cotter pin on the primer catcher with a bent piece of paper clip. Otherwise no problems with more than 50,000 rounds.

Steve, My super accurate 25 yard bullseye pistol load was 3.8 gr. HS-700X,Rem 2.5 behind the 185 gr. Star LSWCHP bullet. Velocity ca.720 fps - mild and accurate. I seat the LSWC's with a base to shoulder length of 0.937" - ca 1mm exposed bullet base.