TonyT

I use mostly Federal primers in my Dillon 550 since I shoot a lot of revolver loads.

There is a different recoil sensation between a semi-auto and revolver with the same 45 ACP loads. In the revolver you don't have the clanging of the slide.

I believe that CZ's represent one of the best values in handguns. I own both a CZ-75SA and a CZ-40B. I personally like the ergonomics of the CZ-75 types. Both of the guns are reasonably accurate and utterly reliable with reloads from very low velocity to full power.

I have used 4.0 gr. WSF with either the 147 gr. Berry or Star FMJ's with excellent results.

I purchased one of the factory demo 5906's from CDNN a while back. It's a great gun and very reliable. I have used it in the local IDPA and IPSC matches. It's not quite as accurate as my Po18-9 or Sig 226 Sport at the longer distances but more than adequate. However if you are used to using a 1911 type then youn have to re-learn the position of the safety which is on the slide - no real problem

I own a 686 in 38 Suoper and sold a NIB 627 in 38 Super. I would buy both a 6 or 7 shot L-frame and 8 shot N-frame S&W in 9mm. They would be the ultimate competition revolver. it would reduce my need to inventory and reload 2 different calibers.

Hodgdon lists 4.0 gr. of Clays as a maximum load with the 230 gr. jacketed bullet.

I have used 3.8 gr. of VV N-310 behind the 185 gr. Star LSWCHP and WLP with excellent results. Very consistent and accurate out to 50 yards.

I enjoy shooting light 40 S&W loads in my S&W 646 and CZ-40B. Very accurate and easy on the wrist.

I pick up once fired 40 S&W brass from the local range after LE use, mostly SIG but some Glock. I discard the cases after 4 reloads.

I like to use the Barry's or Rainier 147 gr. bullets in my 9mm. They do a nice job on stell plates at ca 900 fps or slightly less.

I don't load the small calibers for major so most of my loads are light to moderate for IDPA, IPSC and steel plate use. I have used the following powders with excellent results: 9mm - WSF & Bullseye 38 Super - W-231 38 Spec/357 Mag - W-231, Bullseye, American Select 40 S&W - WST, American Select 45 ACP - WST, American Select W-231 burns clean in my 38 Super loads and in the heavier 38 Special loads. American select and WST burn clean in 38/357, 40 S&W and 45 ACP.

I prefer a faster clean burning powder in 45 ACP such as WST, Clays, American Select, VV N-310. Of the powders you mention the only one I would use would be W-231 (HP-38) but I would prefer the choices previously mentioned.

I have not used WSF at such low velocities and believe that it would be a poor choice. For low velocity loads a faster powder like WST is better. The W-W 14th Edition reloading manual list the following data for 40 S&W with WST: 200gr. FMJ -3.8 - 4.5 gr. WST = 740-810 fps = 24200-29900 psi 200gr. Lead - 3.5 gr. WST = 750 fps = 25200 psi MAXIMUM load Hope this helps. I use 155 and 180 gr. Star FMJ's behind 3.6 of WST for light loads in my 40 S&W revolvers, CZ-40's and PO16-40 with lighter recoil spring.

Check the Alliant powder website. They have lots of data for 40 S&W with Bullseye. I think Bullseye and W-231 are the most versatile pistol powders.

I have used the 147 gr. Berry's plated bullets in 9mm with good accuracy.

I have had a similar experience as yours with the springer. Using both plated and jacketed bullets in my S&W 99 and Springfield 1911 I have found that in all cases the shorter barreled S&W 99 outshot my Springfield 1911.

In my single stack SA 1911 in 9mm I use the Metalform 38 Super mags and they function flawlessly.

What powder are you using? I have found that the denser powders like W540, HS-6 meter without droppiong any excess pwder whereas Titegroup always drops a bit on the shellplate. I use mostly American Select, Bullseye, WST, W-231, WSF and Power Pistol and have not expereinced a problem.

Clays is an excellent clean burning powder with jacketed and plated bullets. I experienced some leading with lead bullets which I did not experience with either HS-700X, WST or American Select at the same velocities.

I have used HS-700X for several years with the 185 gr. Star LSWCHP. Using 3.8 to 4.1 gr. of HS-700X, Rem 2 1/2 gives me 720 to 780 fps with outstanding accuracy in S&W945PC, Pardini GT-45, PO14-45 and SA Trophy Match.

WST has been one of the most consistent powders in my Dillon 550. No metering problems whatsoever. I would check your setup of the 650.

I have only used WST in light loads (ca. 750 - 800 fps) of 3.6 to 3.9 gr. with 155 to 180 gr.FMJ or plated bullets.

I have used either N-320 or WSF with the 124 gr. bullets both are less smoky than Titegroup.

It appears to me that your load is too hot for the 38 Special case. try using the same load in the 357 mag case.