[Level II holsters for 3Gun?]

6 hours ago, ClangClang said:

 

Happy to help. I *think* yours will come with the UBL (Universal Belt Loop) Mid Ride which is the correct height for 90% of people.

I did order the Mid Ride holster and paid the extra for the QLS kit. Planing on using the thigh rig also.

Yup to the Loctite 242, have several tubes. A guns smith turned me onto another thread locker, Vibra-tite VC-3. Works for any screws that might need to loosen and re-tighten. They claim can loosen and tighten up to six times before need to reapply. I've started using it for optic mounts

[CO pistols in 3-gun?]

Kept trying to access info regarding what time the match started and all the links either were 404 not found or went to the Google page to sign up/log in to access calendar info. I don't do Google. I did finally find some description on the MN3Gun page that looks like match starts at 10:00 after registration, set up, brief etc.

[Level II holsters for 3Gun?]

Hey ClangClang! This is the kind of info I was hoping for! You're right about the holster finder. Took forever and kept coming back nothing would fit my M&P. Contacted Safariland customer service and they repeatedly told me they don't have a holster that will fit an M&P Pro. See photos above that were part of that conversation. I did end up ordering their level I holster:

 

Model: 6390RDS

SKU:      1206178

Part:      6390RDS-8192-131

 

Also ordered it with the QLS kit. I'll be ordering the drop leg mount later as I can get that in a few days where Safariland is saying 3 to 4 weeks. I did pick up the drop leg a while back and tried to use with my Bladetech rig but not compatible so ended up having to return it. I currently have the Boss with the Bladetech for the M&P and the Black Scorpion drop bracket for my CZ S2

 

Thanks for the video also!!

[CO pistols in 3-gun?]

Hey travail, I did see that and put it in my calendar to seriously consider making the drive. Thank you for the heads up. Thinks it about 45 to 50 mile's from me as I'm SE of St Paul. At this time I would be observing and collecting information but that's what I do. I attended a couple PRS matches with a buddy for the same reasons and had my gear together before my first match.  Have a PRS match up in Harris MN next week at Gopher.

Any chance you are planing on the SCAPSA match?

[Level II holsters for 3Gun?]

Had an interesting exchange with Safariland customer service via email over a few days. Was asking about compatible holsters to fit my M&P9 Pro CORE with 5" barrel and response was they don't have a holster that works with the Pro. They responded they only have a holster for the M&P9L CORE. Couple back and forth and I pulled the case the gun came in. I'm attaching the photos I ended up sending to Safariland.

FYI... I did order the holster.

[Level II holsters for 3Gun?]

dtunes, I'm curious where your information comes from. Everything I've seen pertaining to the Safariland ALS system states it is a mechanical lock that engages with the ejection port of the firearm. How would light/no light change that?

[Level II holsters for 3Gun?]

Looks like I may be wrong. Several hours of web searches and they all came back to Safariland.  More digging and found a holster that looks like it should work. The 6395RDS-ALS looks like it does the two main things I would want for 3Gun, positive locking system and a hood to cover my optic. Don't care about the other level II and III gadgets to keep someone from wrestling the gun away. Only down side is they don't make that holster without the option for a light. Although having the option to add a Surefire X300U-A later might not be a bad thing.

Anyone else using this type of holster?

[Level II holsters for 3Gun?]

Been running in USPSA for years now and run tactical drills at my gun club because they're fun. Sling AR, engage steel targets, mag change, sling AR and switch to pistol. Looking seriously at getting into 3Gun to round out the drills I'm already practicing. End of season in my part of the country so working on getting set up next season. Already have a bunch of competition belts in various configurations, pretty easy to swap one out to work with 3Gun. Problem I'm running into is the holster. I run a custom CZ Shadow2 CO for USPSA complete with *thumb rest [generic]*. Great gun for USPSA but I think a bit heavy for 3Gun. For tactical drills I run an M&P 9 Pro Core with optic. Gun is HIGHLY customized and runs great!! This is the one I would likely use for 3Gun. Problem is the holster. I have a lot of different holsters and almost all of the competition holsters are Bladetech or at least Tek-lok compatible. Competition based for fast draw but probably not good for 3Gun. I have spent a LOT of time searching for level II holsters to fit my M&P Pro and shocked to not be able to find a single one. Even Safariland is a no go. Also found out Safariland is proprietary mount, have to use their attachments, not compatible with Tek-Lok.

Anyone have any sources or additional info?

[Loading 300 Blk for accuracy]

More loading nurdyness attachedSeriesData_PSA-300 #1042_09-29-22 (H110@18.8) 125g Target.pdf

[Loading 300 Blk for accuracy]

Side comment. The 125 bullets are not boat tail and are flat base with cannelure. As part of the seating process I chamfer the inside of the neck and then do a separate pass using the Lyman M die and do the 2nd stage, open neck to receive bullet but no bell. The Dillon does a separate seat and crimp. I have a separate tool head just for decapping and sizing prep only.

[Loading 300 Blk for accuracy]

I was able to work up a 300 Blk load for subsonic and 220g bullets that pretty consistently give me groups under 1" at 50 yards using Lil' Gun. Trying to work up loads for supersonic and getting frustrated. Started with 150g Hornadys FMJ-BT, used QuickLoad and did multiple ladder load test still using Lil' Gun. Groups look great if they were a shot gun pattern. Was talking with JB (John Paul) and he recommended 125g SMK's and H110 for supersonic.  Found my ingredients and started over with the 125g but Hornady 125 FMJ with cannelure. Better groups but still not consistent. Done full ladders starting from 18.2 of H110 to 19.6 in .2 increments, (20) rounds per, four strings of five. Do get and occasional four shot single touching hole with a flyer but really rare. Problem is loading on the Dillon 650 I'm getting SD's from 15 to 25, some time higher.

 

Now to next option. I load my precision rifle loads on the Forester with all the prep and get SD's between 5 and 8. Those are for bolt gun and using neck tension. Black out is a gas gun so crimping at the cannelure for those loads. I'm using the three die Redding Comp set on the Dillon and with the small power bar for the subsonic loads getting very good loads. For the larger loads and large powder bar getting variance in powder drops up to .2 grains. I don't want to have to hand load my charges but thinking I may have too to get consistency. I have two single stage presses so could do seating with one press and crimp with the 2nd. I can't find a Redding crimp die for 300 Blk.

 

How are others loading 300 Blk for supersonic and what results?

I'm attaching my load results for any loading nerds to see what I've done so far.

Reloading Recipes-Rifle (PSA 300 AAC BLK) revised2_09-29-22.pdf

[CO pistols in 3-gun?]

Did a lot of clicking around and found the MN 3Gun Group. Found the section for Match Rules updated March 21, 2022 which included the Modified Optics Division. Good news, should fit right in. I did not see mention in those rules regarding the max dimensions for pistol. Saw another set of rules during the travels that had maximum length of 9", max height 7" (round numbers) These rules stated could have optic mounted or extended mag but not both. Based on my checking my Shadow2 CO it was close to 7-1/2" H with my TTI mag.

 

Also found two clubs around 40 miles away in Forest Lake and St Cloud that are hosting 3Gun matches. My local club does USPSA but not 3Gun.

[CO pistols in 3-gun?]

Hey Tony, middle of nowhere, N central IL.  Probably been there and started a bit south of ya. Peoria.

Use to getting my butt kicked (lets protect the balls) but point is to have fun while doing it.

[CO pistols in 3-gun?]

This is why I was wondering. Standard CO is slide mounted optic. Based on everything I'm seeing I already have everything needed to step into 3-gun except the SRO on my S2. Long way away from open for everything. End of season here since in the warm and balmy Great North but thinking about next year and drills to work on in the mean time.

 

When I jumped to CO I was one of the first and had to spend $$$ to get a Shadow 2 customized to meet all the requirements for CO. Couple years later all the rules changed and no big deal, lots of people packing CZ S2 CO guns. Love that gun, wuold love to run it in 3-gun.

[CO pistols in 3-gun?]

I'm a part of that aging demographic that my eyes don't play well with pistol iron tights. Ive been shooting USPSA CO for multiple years now and have transitioned nearly all my pistols to red dots. I do drills at my local club with AR and pistol transitions, steel stages etc etc. Recently added a Mossberg 930 SPX to the play list which now has me thinking about 3-gun. After doing some research, looks like I don't get to play unless I go Open Division as my CZ S2 is CO. Been looking for most recent rules and haven't seen anything that allows red dot on pistol plus optics on AR. Most of the videos and info I'm finding date back several years but look like 3-guns is still anti CO, no optics other than on the AR. Is this till correct?

[300 AAC bullets or 308?]

Had to send the 8.5" BLK upper back to manufacturer for repair, "please allow up to 30 days to complete repair".

Been working up new pistol loads so yesterday was finally able to make it to the 100yd to run some test on the BLK. Plan is to set up the 8.5 for subsonic loads and the 16" for super. Mounted the new LPVO 1-8 optic on the 16" upper.

Loaded a small batch of the 150 FMJ-BT at 15.8 of Lil-Gun as a test point and had pretty consistent velocity of 1,983fps average with (20) rounds, four strings. Took my data for the loads and velocity and set it all up in QuickLoad and was surprised that my velocity hit the Optimum Barrel Time Node right on but according to QL that load is five lines into the "DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE" ?? Hornady manual says 15.7 is at 1,800fps but not sure barrel length. 15.8 looks like perfectly good load??

 

While at the range ran into JP (JP Precision Rifle), had a good catch-up chat and talked loads. He recommended skipping the 150s and load 125 for supersonic. From what I've been seeing/reading H110 which is what I can get locally is the recommended powder for that weight and supersonic. Down side, having trouble finding 125g bullets at a decent price.

 

Opinions on Lil-Gun / H110?

Experience with loads at 125 & 150?

Preferred velocities with 16"

[300 AAC bullets or 308?]

While the diameter is the same I was slightly concerned about bullet length. The bullets that are listed as blackout are spirepoint which is slightly more rounded, bit shorter point. Magazine length is a hard measurement and makes a difference. I found with my bolt guns they like a short jump to lands and bullets like Sierra worked great but Hornady ELDs where breaking the tips of. Wasn't sure if the profile of the average 308 was different and longer since totally difference magazines.

 

I did make the long road trip to my local supplier and pick up (500) of the Hornady 150g 308 FMJ-BT and going to try Starline brass this time. Been using Carolina Brass so far which is re-manufactured 223 and 5.56 but a LOT of prep time chamfering and beveling the necks and chamfering/sizing the primer pockets. Primers still crunch a bit in the Dillon.

[300 AAC bullets or 308?]

I have Berry's Bullets in 220g and 150g spire point currently. Have the 220g worked up for subsonic at 1,090 FPS with 16" barrel and suppressor. Built the 16" gun so I didn't have to deal with the NFA. Decided to "bit the bullet" and did the paperwork for the SBR, that's submitted, approved, now waiting for stamp. I've already received my 8.5" barreled upper, new optics ordered and will now have two blackout guns, one 16" one 8.5", both suppressed. I want to keep the SBR running at 1,090 FPS but going supersonic with the long barrel.

With all that said, Berry's are rated not to exceed 1,650 FPS for the 150g. I really want to run more in the 1,900 FPS range or slightly more depending on what the barrel likes for groups. Haven't been having much luck finding 150g reload bullets for blackout. My question is, do 308 bullets work in 300 AAC? I believe they SHOULD work but that doesn't mean they actually do. Can get Hornady 308 150g FMJ-BT in bulk locally but don't want to make the road trip and spend the money if not going to work as anticipated.

[Primer punch sets high on XL650]

Sharko:  Did you use a PVC tube with an ID larger than the vinyl tube OD so the vinyl tube could slide up and down inside the fixed tube?

(I'll probably do another thread pertaining to upgrades and hacks as this one is veering a bit)

[Primer punch sets high on XL650]

dcc: Inspired by your set-up for the spend primer tube I had my buddy bring over couple parts for the systems he's used to experiment with. He didn't like either one so he went back to using the cup. Using material on hand rigged up a similar recovery system to what you showed. Mocked it up on my press to test it and then sent him home with the parts for his machine.

[Primer punch sets high on XL650]

To late for that call, I already ordered the replacement parts. They have already shipped the replacement small primer plunger assembly based on the email I just received.

 

Found another spent primer recovery option that seems to be a blend of the adapter to replace the metal bracket with a hose connection and variation of what you have going. May do a separate thread once I receive it and give it a test. Concept looks good.

[Primer punch sets high on XL650]

dcc: Pulled the Case Insert Slide, couple images attached. Had to use the magnifier lens to look at the pin but figured it out. After cam rod removed had to take small needle nose pliers, push the black plastic clip back from the slide spring pin where it clips into the notch in the pin. Place finger over end of slide while removing the pin so not chasing the spring. Not to bad.

My slide not as bad as the image you shared but also not sure what the slide looks like normally. I'm assuming no notch as shown. Figure time to order a replacement anyway.

[Primer punch sets high on XL650]

Thanks dcc. Has the adapter worked at keeping primers from bouncing all over? I like your idea as trying to anchor the end and flexing the tube creates to much movement.

[Primer punch sets high on XL650]

Thanks ddc. Interesting you mentioned the cammng pin.  I've been running the upgraded version for a few years so that is existing. As part of the various tests to see what might be causing the primmer seater plunger to rest proud I thought the camming pin might be holding the case insert slide back. I adjusted the rod about 1-1/2 full revolutions higher so the roller bearing is still in alignment. Thanks for pointing that out, I should lower it back down as I did not have that case feed issue before the adjustment.

 

On another note. I did go through the tech support page with Dillon and explained the seater plunger problem. They eventually responded that they would send a replacement small primmer seater assembly. I'll be curious to see if a new seater with stronger spring makes a difference.

 

On an unrelated topic as we're looking at the drawings for the platform assembly, I'm curious about the spent primmer assembly. About the only part of my press that has NOT been upgraded is the cup system for spent primers. The only upgrade that I have seen uses a hose feeding to a bottle mounted on the riser base. Lot of motion with the hose that didn't impress me as an upgrade. Buddy of mine installed that upgrade and ended up going back to the original cup. Are you familiar with a different system for capturing spent primers that doesn't bounce large quantities all over the bench and floor?

[Primer punch sets high on XL650]

ddc: I haven't pulled the case block assembly off yet as looks like it's spring loaded, wanted to make sure of what I was doing before I tried to remove. Found the Dillon parts page and printed the drawing for the platform assembly for a better look at the part in question.

 

After lots of cleaning, lubing, tightening, etc ran a batch of 223 last night. Ran into another issue that may be related that I have not had before. About one out of three of the 223 cases were not going all the way into the shell plate and were tipped. I had to manually tip the case vertical or completely reinsert into the locator slide and shell plate. Pulled the station locator slide and tested with a casing and looks like the slide is not capturing the head of the case and I can tip it out of the slide. Don't remember ever having that issue. Also seemed like the full assembly was not pushing the cases all the way into the shell plate. Weak spring?

 

Considering I may have over 10,000 small primer loads run thru the press, what would I be looking for for wear on the case feed assembly block? It does feel rather sloppy when I grab it and wiggle.