Dave Shooter

They don't recommend it because the 9mm case has a slight taper to it. I personally use Redding for 9mm. Their size die has given zero problems and the cases chamber in everything. If you have problems with the bulge I'd use EGW U die (made by Lee). I have 'em in 40 and 38 Super and they work very well without the extra step of pushing cases all the way through an extra die. Undersize Reloading Dies: Evolution Gun Works Inc.

Well, just about every conventional behind the hip "real world" holster breaks the 180 and I bet they don't complain about those. Tell 'em to get with the program!

Mike, appendix holsters are legal in USPSA matches except for Production and Single Stack Divisions; the holster just has to comply with Rule 5.2.6 and 5.2.7. They used to be quite popular for handgun matches. A lot of folks want something with strong retention for 3-gun since you may do a lot of running before you draw. 5.2.6 USPSA Handgun matches will not require the use of a particular type or brand of holster. However, the Range Master may deem that a competitor’s holster is unsafe and order that it be improved to his satisfaction, failing which it must be withdrawn from the match. Divisions may restrict a specific type of holster. 5.2.7 Competitors must not be permitted to commence a course of fire wearing: 5.2.7.1 A shoulder holster or “tie-down†rig (visible or otherwise), except as specified in Rule 5.2.8, 5.2.7.2 A holster with the heel of the butt of the handgun below the top of the belt, except as specified in Appendix D, or otherwise indicated in Rule 5.2.8. 5.2.7.3 A holster with the muzzle of the handgun pointing further than 3 feet from the competitor’s feet while standing relaxed, 5.2.7.4 A holster which does not completely prevent access to, or activation of, the trigger of the handgun while holstered.

What are you looking to upgrade? Accuracy, handling, cosmetics? There're about a half billion parts on the market for 1911s. Some you can drop in or bolt on and some need professional fitting. A reliable gun with sights you can see and a trigger you can use would be a good starting place with only your imagination and your wallet the limit after that.

My sigophile friend has one, I've even gotten to shoot it. Watches made in Switzerland come close to the precision of this thing.

Blown4v, I'll echo that 9mm is way to go unless you're shooting USPSA/Comstock/San Angelo scoring which rewards Major power factor. Glocks are very popular and M&P is making inroads. Don't see many XDs, it might be the high bore axis? The striker fired guns have a slight advantage at some matches in that you can ground them without having to completely clear them (finger off the trigger = safety engaged) which saves time. Make sure of the rules at the match you're at before you do that! If I were to shoot striker fired gun I'd use my M&P Pro, since I'm not real fond of the Glock grip angle either. Unless you're spending big money on matches (or are a very competitive person ) you might just shoot the pistol you have for a while. Whatever shotgun you decide reliabiltiy is very important as clearing shotgun jams seems to take an unholy amount of time. Good Luck!

Caster, have you called Lyman? They may have a fix and/or replacement.

Matt, do you hate reshoots yet?

Best info I know of for loading for M-1A. http://www.zediker.com/downloads/14_loading.pdf

158 x 1235 = 195310 power factor (momentum) 125 x 1450 = 181250 230 x 880 = 202400 I'm NOT saying they're equal, just that there are multiple ways to look at things, some of which don't overvalue velocity.

Issue M-9.

Lester, one other possibility is an intentional "annular ring" in the chamber. Some mostly obscure 9mm blowback pistols had this to help delay extraction till pressure dropped.

Better yet, bring your brother, your sister, and her friend. Have 'em all shoot.

Can't quite tell from the pic but those look like the standard Glock smeer that comes with those guns. Maybe fire some factory and compare.

If he's NEVER shot anything before maybe start with a couple of full size .22s. Start off with something least likely to induce flinch, blinking or other flaws, get some good technique down, then switch to 9mm. Concur. Then go shoot the ones he likes best. Again I'd avoid the stubby barrels for first rounds. Good Luck!

Green River club at Bowling Green has long gun side matches and hosted a tac rifle match which was well attended. Maybe a little far from Knoxville.

Glen Zediker wrote an outstanding article on loading for M-14s. http://www.zediker.com/downloads/14_loading.pdf Even if you're not loading for a gas gun there is still much good information.

Bob, another neat one is when someone fires a 223 in a 222Mag chamber (not recommended). It fireforms leaving just a tiny shoulder and probably about to have a case head separation.

More options to shoot, yes! BTW, Fort Campbell is trying to start USPSA matches 4th Sunday also. Currently only for folks with access to FtC, but they are trying to get it opened to non-govt types as well.

Sounds like you've got lots of experience loading rifle. I would say the main difference of AR vs bolt gun loading (or focus area) is to make the gun run--full length sizing and a narrower acceptable pressure window. Since you'd orignially posted a specific bullet and powder I'd assumed you were set on those. I haven't loaded 748 so couldn't comment first hand; I load 55s, including practice ammo with AA2230 in a fairly warm load. It's cycled every 5.56 chambered AR (including full auto) that it's been shot in perfectly without pressure signs although gave slightly cratered primers in 223 bolt gun. It gives 3070 fps in my 16" AR.

Yes, in lead bullets. Jacketed 158s velocity is pathetic in the short barrels. For SD factory 38 158 LHPs, when I discovered the Buffalo Bore I went to them as I don't think CorBon loads this anymore. The BBs aren't bad in a steel frame, they are a handful in a lightweight.

Why don't you load up about 20 of each load, take em out and chrono them, function check, look for pressure signs, and see how they compare to your non-practice ammo. If both meet your needs then less powder equals less money.

Plugs are definitely nice in hot weather. Note that if you are around big boomers the concussion can actually transmit through bone and cause damage; muffs help defend against this unlike plugs.

Definitley not a waste if you shoot around other people. It's nice to be able to carry on a conversation, hear range commands, etc. I've worn out a pair of ProEars Dimension1s. Pricey but they only cut out the gunfire and let you hear just about everything else; they have a very fast reset time. I've also got a set of the $30 Caldwell electronic muffs. They have a noticable lag in reset but do work for general shooting. The quality of construction isn't as nice either.