RobfromME

Good morning, gng4life, I didn't take a before measurement. However, the taper crimp was so much that you could actually see that it was depressing the sides of the bullet. It was really over done. When I reset the crimp die, I crimped only until the neck measurement matched the manual; I believe it was 0.422" or 0.423" (I'm at work so I can't say for sure). Once I reached the measurement, I made sure that it wasn't deforming the bullet. Everything was fine from then on. It was amazing how much different the performance was...8-10" keyhole groups at 10 yds when overcrimped and 3-4" groups at 25 yds (from bench) when crimped as noted above. Hope that helps. I initially blamed the bullets and bought some regular jacketed bullets, but my blame was misguided. I should have known better since plated bullets had served me well for a long time. Warmest regards, Rob

I overcrimped some plated bullets in 40S&W and ended up with keyholes at 10 yds. After re-adjusting to just remove the flare, everything works as it should again. There's been no problems with bullet setback either. I've checked by pushing on the bench and also after the slide chambers them and they're fine...no change in OAL. Warmest regards, Rob

Good afternoon, I use 4.0 grains Power Pistol with a Berry's 147 grain RN bullet. Works and shoots great. 921 fps in an XD9 Tactical (5" bbl). 857 fps in a HK P2000. I've been very happy with Berry's and Rainier. But I love Zero, Precision Delta, and Montana Gold, too. All have been great. Warmest regards, Rob

Good afternoon, Here's what I've used for 40 minor: 3.5 grains Titegroup Rainier RNFP 180 grain bullet CCI 500 primer 1.127" OAL Temp that day was 70F..still makes minor at 30F. I shoot that in my G22 with a reduced power (15 lb) recoil spring. It will function fine with the factory spring, but the slide won't lock back on an empty mag. With the 15 lb spring, everything works as it should. It does, however, make my hands look like they're covered in black flies after shooting a stage! But, the gun stays clean and functions well. It also drops the brass right at your feet. Warmest regards, Rob

I've used plated bullets with great luck. I've not found them to be too velocity sensitive, but they sure were crimp sensitive. I over-crimped some in my 40 S&W and they keyholed at 10 yards! But then again, my crimp was just excessive. For fun one time, I loaded up my 124 grain plated bullets (Rainier and Berry's)in my 357 SIG P226 and saw how fast I could push them. By the time I reached maximum manual loads, they still held together and shot great! Like any 9mm bullet in a 357 SIG, getting the neck tension right took a bit of care, but no big deal. I wouldn't go so far as to say that plated bullets are great for 357 SIG, but they sure shoot well out of my P226! I got up to 1420 fps with them. Once again, I was just experimenting, so take it all with a grain of salt! I'm an engineer by trade and sometimes I just can't help myself...I have to experiment! Warmest regards, Rob

Good afternoon, JAFO, The ES and SD reported by chronographs is usually based on a 10 round string, depending on the chrono. That's really too small a statistical sample to get a reliable SD. That's certainly the norm, though, but from an engineering standpoint you need a lot larger sample. I've had two strings of the same exact load fired one after the other with noticeable differences in SD even though each charge was weighed, same case, etc. I was bored one day and wanted to see what would happen so that's why I did that exercise. And as before, my two strings are hardly a good sized sample! Didn't mean to get off track...just thought I'd toss it out there for conversation. Warmest regards, Rob

I'd actually suggest Power Pistol. I always get great velocity well below the max loads listed in reloading manuals. I'd tend to agree that there's more flash than some other choices, but I don't notice it and I like the fact that it's good velocity for the pressures. I love Power Pistol for my 147 grain 9mm IDPA loads...it makes PF easy and the sights hardly move. I used to use it for my SIG P229 in Limited 10, too. Just haven't shot that gun in a while or I'd still be shooting it. I'm not a particularly good shooter, so someone with a better skill set might have different experiences. Let us know how you make out. Warmest regards, Rob

Good morning, all, Has the website for Wil Schuemann's company changed? I only get an error when I try to go to the website. Warmest regards, Rob

Good afternoon, cali shot doc, Here's a couple links that may be helpful: http://www.brianenos.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=110534 http://www.brianenos.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=108075 I was facing the same dilemma a while back and bought the Powder River Precision kit and installed it. However, I wouldn't hesitate to buy the Springer or the Canyon Creek from all the positive reviews they receive. If you're not comfortable doing the work yourself, that's OK, too, since all three will install it if you send them your firearm. Hope this helps. Warmest regards, Rob

Good evening, JWard79, Hi...RobfromME again here. I was interested to see the attention given by Loves2Shoot regarding this post. I think this speaks very well for his concern for the customer's satisfaction. It is no small feat to try and monitor the many forums to try and keep pace with customers. You'll also note that he recognizes the various skill levels of his customers by offering both his kits for you to install with all the assistance he can provide, or he also will do it for you. You have a choice (not like Obamacare!) I didn't purchase the Springer kit, I bought the PRP (Powder River Precision) kit. However, based upon the reputation of Springer, and the attention and concern of Loves2Shoot for the customer, I wouldn't hesitate to purchase a Springer kit. What I'm seeing in this post is what made my decision to pick so difficult...they're both so damned good with good people behind them. I understand Canyon Creek is the same from the other posts I read, but I'm not as familiar with them. How did I pick PRP? Just did the eenie-meenie-minee-mo thing! I knew I couldn't go wrong either way! Each offers something different in the application, but has the same results...a MUCH better trigger. We're pretty fortunate as XD shooters....no matter which we choose, we'll be happy! And each one will do the work if we're not so inclined. It's so true our experiences and skills differ widely. I would let my youngest daughter help me rebuild airplane structure, but some of my peers I would be reluctant to let change my water filter!! I worked in tool and die shops to help pay for college way back when, and I've always been mechanically inclined. But if you're not, no harm done; send you gun to Springer or Powder River and you're sure to be happy. Check the forums out, too...there's been guys & gals who tried and really messed things up on their own, but guess what? Both Springer and Powder River were there to support them, too. I, too, found getting the over travel stop fitted took the most time, but I didn't find it difficult, just time consuming. But I enjoy doing that kind of thing as well as shooting so it was fun. If you don't just send it to the experts at PRP or Springer. Warmest regards, Rob

Good afternoon, JWard79, I was agonizing over which trigger to buy for my XD45 Tactical. The Powder River Precision, Springer Precision, and Canyon Creek triggers all have good reviews, and that made the decision more difficult. I finally settled on the Powder River Precision match/target easy fit trigger kit. I couldn't be happier! I installed it myself and found it to be straight forward and very well made. The best part is my trigger is better than what I ever dreamed!! It is the closest I've ever had a striker fired pistol feel like a 1911 trigger, no overtravel (you can adjust to suit you), very short reset, crisp, well defined release. I was really shocked at how good it was. I watched the video he has linked to on his website that shows the installation before I did it, and it was very helpful if you're not familiar with the XD or if you're used to a Glock. I was so happy with it, I just bought another Powder River Precision kit for my XD9 Tactical. Daniel at Powder River Precision was fantastic to deal with...very fast shipping, and very responsive to questions before the purchase, and after the purchase. He's really a top notch guy. The good news is, it appears that all three of the vendors have solid reputations with excellent products and the customer service to back it up. Although I can only speak for Powder River Precision, I would bet you'd be happy with any of the kits. I am still amazed at how nice my XD trigger is! It's factory trigger used to be the worst trigger I'd had on a handgun, now it's nearly the best! Warmest regards, Rob

Thanks to everyone for the valuable information. I purchased the ICE and had it on my G22 Gen II in minutes. It fit like a glove and is a quality piece. Once again, I appreciate the time and input from everyone. Thank you! Warmest regards, Rob

Good morning, I installed the Powder River Precision Match Target Easy Fit kit (p/n PRP-030) in my XD45 Tactical last night and found it to be incredible! The take-up is reduced, the over-travel is adjusted during install and is almost no existent, and the reset is very short. I wish I'd done this a couple years ago now. I was expecting improvement, but not an entirely new trigger feel; I was pleasantly surprised...I can't wait to take it out and start shooting with it. It's almost like a 1911 trigger now...even better than my Glock with the Ghost Connector, which I'm very pleased with. The price for the PRP kit was nice as well...Around $90 shipped. I'd looked at the various offerings, but after reviewing the XDtalk.com forum, most seemed to think that all offerings were excellent, but that the PRP kit was excellent with an excellent price...I tend to agree. By the way, I didn't need or use the optional "new trigger safety" that was included. I used the two springs, striker safety lever, and over travel stop. Two punches were required to disassemble and it was very easy. If you have any doubts or concerns during the work, there is one particular video on youtube that is helpful; I've posted the link below. If you like to work on your own guns, I'm confident you wouldn't have any trouble. Here's the youtube.com link: Good luck with the XD trigger work. Regardless of the kit you decide to use, I'm sure you'll be very pleased. Warmest regards, Rob

Thanks, Micah. I was on the fence between the Glockmiester and the Dawson. I really only considered the Glockmiester since it specifically mentioned the older frame style (non-finger groove) like I shoot. However, it's good to know the Dawson will do fine...it looks like the best of the batch in my (very!) limited experience. Thanks again for the input. Warmest regards, Rob

Thanks so much for the info! Did you have to remove material from the magwell or the grip frame? Thanks again for taking the time to help. Warmest regards, Rob

Good afternoon, all, Will the Dawson ICE Magwell for a Glock 22 work on a Gen 2 frame without fitting? I noticed that the one made by Glockmiester is specific as to whether or not the gun has finger grooves. Thank you in advance for any help you can offer. Warmest regards, Rob

Be sure to fill us in on what you learn! You bet. I'll let you know what I learn. Warmest regards, Rob

Thanks, guys. I'll be calling Dawson today to confirm. I, too, had trouble measuring the one I saw. I hadn't found the info published anywhere, but I thought I'd check here first before troubling them with a call in case I missed something. Thanks again! Warmest regards, Rob

Good morning, Sarge, My experience has been the same as yours. I was concerned several years ago that since the 9mm is very sensitive to case volume changes due to bullet seating, that perhaps it was also sensitive to any changes between case manufacturers and the minor internal dimension variances that are not tightly controlled by the cartridge manufacturers. After several months of case sorting and many, many trips to the range with the chrono, there was no statistical difference in velocity between case manufacturers. I used the same cases for 4 different reloadings to try and minimize any effects of resizing, and I used the same powders and their respective lot #'s, CCI500 primers of the same lot #, and the same box of Rainier 115 grain bullets. I also used 2 boxes of factory ammo (same lot #) as a control to account for temperature and range conditions between range sessions. As you've probably guessed, I'm afflicted with being an engineer so I couldn't help myself with being so anal-retentive about it. So, the results were no statistical difference for the lot sizes tested (admittedly not a huge sample, but enough to satisfy me), as long as everything else was the same. However, that's not to say results won't vary, more tests would validate, but heck, the enjoyment of shooting trumps my engineer gene so I won't be concerned with it anymore! Also, all loads were within a 25 fps average velocity of the factory control ammo. Sorry to ramble on, Sarge...I'll let you recover from my rambling now! Warmest regards, Rob

Good morning, What is the height of the Dawson fixed rear sight? If I know the height of the rear sight, then I can get the correct front for my particular gun and how it shoots. I have a Glock 22 that shoots 3.5" high at 25 yds with factory sights, and 3.5" high with Warren Tactical rear and 0.215" front sight. I changed the Warren front to a 0.245" and it now shoots to point of aim out to 25 yds. Thanks in advance for your help and input. As a side note, I've not been partial to the "U" shaped rear notch of the Warren Tactical, and although I could replace with the Sevigny carry to correct the notch, I find the sights snag more often than I prefer and the Dawson's protrude much less with fewer sharp angles. Once again, thanks to all in advance for your time and interest. Warmest regards, Rob

Good morning, I have a 40 Minor load that uses 180 grain bullets (Berry's and Rainier) over 3.6 grains of Titegroup. COL = 1.127" It shoots softer than a 9mm and the brass collects at my feet. The Glock 22 and Glock 23 function reliably with the load, but won't lock the slide back on an empty magazine. Changing to an ISMI 15lb recoil spring in the G22 did the trick, though (I haven't changed the G23 spring yet). I really like the load and in my G22 the PF is 131. No variance in velocity was noted in 38F temps the first time I used my chronograph with them, and 70F temps the second time. Warmest regards, Rob

Good afternoon, all, I really enjoyed the following books that I recently read: The Hunter, The Hammer, & Heaven by Robert Young Pelton Robert's Ridge by Malcolm MacPherson (heart breaking story, these guys are incredible) Snubby Revolver by Ed Lovette And my long time favorites (sorry guys, they're all flying books...I love guns and shooting, but my passion is flying!) Company of Eagles by Ernest Gann Flying Circus by Ernest Gann Fate is the Hunter by Ernest Gann Fly for your Life by Larry Forrester (about Robert Stanford Tuck) Scream of Eagles by Robert Wilcox MIG Pilot by Victor Belenko Warthog: Flying the A-10 in the Gulf War by William Smallwood Strike Eagle: Flying the F-15E in the Gulf War by William Smallwood Stick and Rudder by Wolfgang Langewiesche Warmest regards, Rob

Good afternoon, I have a G19 that is my favorite gun to shoot. I'm an amateur to be sure, but I find that with 147 grain bullets and Titegroup powder the G19 is just a dream to shoot. I can't honestly tell you why, but I like it better and seem to shoot it better than a G17 or G22(loaded down to minor). Probably all in my head. I'd give it a shot and see how you like it. If nothing else, it will be great experience and you can't put a price on the camaraderie and enjoyment of shooting regardless of how you place! I could come in dead last, but shooting my G19 I'd still be a happy camper, and I get to enjoy my friends at the range. Take care, and enjoy. Warmest regards, Rob

Good morning OHtard, What range is the poa/poi coincident? I found at 25 yds I had to hold at the bottom of a black 5 1/4" bullseye to get center hits (hits 2 5/8" high @ 25 yds). This is true of: A G22 and TruGlo tritium night sights A G22 and Warren Tactical sights A G23 with Meprolight night sights However, with a 0.245" front sight, the point of impact would be 1.9" low at 25 yds (assuming straight line bullet travel so as to use simple trig functions). These were shot off a rest, so although it doesn't eliminate my poor shooting quality, it helps to give a bit better results. Thanks in advance for the feedback. Warmest regards, Rob