IAN27

I just got an email from STI re the problem with the extractor. They were very helpful and suggested they could shorten it to help, but there is only so much they could do without thinning the hook too much. They said the best fix currently is to install a 38/9mm extractor, and would happily do this under warranty. I have heard of the Aftec extractor and just wonder if I should fit one of these. Anyone have any experience with the Aftec extractor or have any views regarding this. Thanks to all who have replied so far. I appreciate it!!!!!!!!!!

A friend bought a new STI Executive .40 and he has put about 600 rounds through it. The other night we were reloading some of the cases fired in this pistol and as usual I started to check a few with a case guage. Out of 20 rounds, 8 would not fully go into the guage. I checked them an discovered a small burr on the side of the case on the forward edge of the extractor groove. I then checked all the brass that had been fired in the pistol and found that all the cases have a burr on this edge. Some are worse than others. I realise that this is being caused by the extractor, but wonder if anyone else is having the same problem, to the extent were some cases will not guage. The force of the action will probably cycle these rounds, but was just wondering. I have fired many pistols in my time and have never seen the brass getting burred like this.

I only recently set up an XL650 to use N320 and have been totally amazed at how consistant the charges were. For the first couple of hundred rounds I checked every 4th or 5th round with an RCBS 1010 scale and they were spot on every time. The press is not that old and I have only loaded about eight hundred rounds on it, and have not polished the inside of the powder measure. You must be having some sort of problem with static.

Thanks guys for your help, it is appreciated!! I'll be giving those loads a try. Thanks again, Ian

I went to the range yesterday to try out a new STI Executive .40. The pistol was ordered as standard apart from a fibre optic sight and black grips. I first tried some rounds loaded with Unique powder. They were loaded with Frontier 180gr CMJ over 5.2grns of Unique with an OAL of 1.140. The pistol functioned well with these rounds and accuracy was good. I then tried several different loadings I had using N320. I loaded a few batches using the same Frontier 180gr CMJ bullet. I started at 4.2grns and worked up in 0.1grn increments to 4.6grns. I set the OAL at 1.160. I realise with the STI that I can load longer, but just used that OAL as a starting poiint. The 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4grn loads were hopeless with the spent cases failing to eject numerous times. Once I moved on to the 4.5 and 4.6grn loads the ejection problem disappeared, but the slide failed to remain in the rearward position after firing the last round. Unfortunately I did not have a chrono set up. I am really only looking for a good accurate load and do not need to make major. The slide failing to remain rearward after firing the last round makes me wonder if the 4.5 and 4.6grn loads are still on the light side for the pistol. I was just wandering if anyone else is using a similar pistol using N320 powder and 180grn CMJ bullets. Any advice would be appreciated.

I started loading .40 cal a while back, and the only bullets that dealers seem to stock here are Frontier 180grn CMJ RNFP. I have loaded them for a CZ Champion and an H&k and have had no problems. I have always found them to very accurate (obviously depending on the shooter ). I know other guys who use them in Glocks, Para Ordnance and STI's, they all give very favourable reports. I have always used very light crimp.

http://www.edsbrassandreloaders.com ; I have bought brass from this guy and it has always arrived clean, no dirt or debris in the cases. He usually throws in a few extra cases. Can't fault it at all and cheap!!!! I wouldnt spend the extra on processed brass, when this stuff is so good! I'm ordering it from Ireland and it is still cheap even with the postage, so you could buy it for next to nothing!

I'm paying 50.00 GBP for 1K 180g Frontier TMJ in N Ireland and its they're the only bullets that are available. Time to emigrate!!!!

Hi guys, Thanks for all the replys and information. I thought you might like an update. I received an email today from Steve Chavez at Dillon. He said that the indexer was designed to break if there is any stress on the machine that could cause more serious damage. He said that a likely cause could be that the set screw was loose. I checked and sure enough it was loose. He said that if I sent him my address he would send me a new indexer. This is customer service at its best!!!!! I am delighted and would highly recommend Dillon to anyone!!!!

About 2 months ago I purchased an XL650 set up for 40 S&W. I have only reloaded approximately 600 rounds on it. Today I decided to reload some ammo and on lowering the lever the first time I felt a crunch and a piece of black plastic dropped on to my bench. I discovered that the Ring Indexer on the ram had broken in two. I can't understand how this happened. I did not have to use any great force to lower the lever. The press is still operating but due to the indexer having broken I now have a non progressive XL650. As you can imagine, I am not a happy camper!!!! I live in N. Ireland and the dealer I bought the press off does not stock any parts. I sent an email to Dillon today asking re the availability of this part. I am wondering if this is a common fault with this press, has anybody else had the same problem? Is there something I can do to avoid this happening again? Thanks in advance. Regards Ian

Hi Kevin I should have said that I live in N. Ireland. Since the ban on handguns in the United Kingdom, the gun dealers there have not got the market for pistol powders any more. Gun Dealers in N Ireland are getting some powder from dealers in the UK, but it has to be shipped via Ship under very stringent conditions. For most dealers here it isnt worth the effort. I have asked, but it seems that Titegroup and Vithavuori pistol powders are nigh on impossible to get hold of. Hence it looks like I'll have to make do with Unique and Power Pistol and the 180gr Frontier bullets. Regards Ian

I recently enquired as to what loads I could use with Unique powder for 40 cal. It seems most people are using Clays, Titegroup,, Vihtavuori etc. My problem is that where I live there is a severe lack of any good suppliers of powder and bullets. Powder supply is a major problem and it seems that the only powders I will be able to get with any regularity are Unique and Power Pistol. It seems that the rest are nigh on impossible to get a hold of. Bullet supply it seems is also going to be a problem. I should however be able to get a hold of plenty of Frontier 180gr CMJ RNFP and 180gr Lead FP. Any help re loads for Unique and Power Pistol would be appreciated. I will be loading for STI Executive, CZ Champion and Glock pistols. Factory ammo is way way overpriced so that is not an option. Thanks Ian

Carlos, That maybe explains why nobody seems to be using Unique. I'll have to get hold of some Titegroup and give that a go.Many thanks for your assistance. Regards Ian

Hi, I have been reloading now for a couple of months, mainly 38 special and 45 colt. A friend has just purchased an STI Executive .40 S&W and as I can't work at the minute, I told him I would reload a pile of ammo for him. I am aware that the STI's feed better with longer cartridges and am wondering if anyone has any other tips for reloading for this pistol. I have bought some Frontier 180gr CMJ RNFP bullets and have plenty of Alliant Unique powder. I would appreciate it if anyone could advise me on loads using this. Regards Ian