Griff

I don't know if I'm a "Gamer", "Super Gamer" or a "Super-Duper Gamer"? I have most of the super duper "go-fast" parts in my guns... shoot a slicked up shotgun, (maybe not the best), slicked-up and lightened springs in my six-guns & rifles, shoot specialized cartridges in my six-guns, occasionally in the rifle, LNLR in the shotgun, and the lightest bullets that're half-assed accurate in rifle & six-guns. I like to figure out the BEST way to shoot a stage, (when allowed... round count stages or gun options), stage my guns within a hair of legal, hover over 'em in preparation of grabbin' & usin' 'em. And seldom shoot faster'n about 45 seconds or so for a 10-10-4 stage. Most of the time in high 50's! The same applies when I shoot FC or Frontiersman. If I really screw up, I'll shoot a high 20 second stage... I've been hounded to shoot faster... asked if I'd shoot an entire match like I intended to win (as if!)!!! I can barely shoot a stage as if I intended to win! My best finish at an EOT was around 35th, the worst, dead last... if you don't count the SDQ & MDQs behind me... I have a wall of plaques and awards, mostly side match wins and a few 1st, 2nd & 3rd Category finishes... I'm probably most proud of that EOT that I finished in the rain, with one 180+ second stage, dead last... but CLEAN, shooting Frontiersman. My J-O-B keeps from shooting as often as I'd like, & practice must be the dirtiest word in the English language according my participation in it! If it's a sin, then I'm a Saint! If there's nothing wrong with running lightened springs that will only set off Federal primers... then why bring it up? Long live the Gamers in our Sport, any sort of "gamer"! The only folks worthy of derision and shame are the cheats.

OLG, this was a problem 37 years ago. It could have been related to "new-user-ignorance"... but it's been so long ago that at the time all I could attribute it to was the CCIs... I couldn't even tell you if was only large or small, or both... I can tell you that I didn't change primers due to the problem... it's just that I got a deal on Winchester primers and the problem disappeared. I'm still using CCI Mag large rifle for the 7mm Rem Mag, but since it only gets a few rounds a year, it'll be some time before they're used up... and only loaded on the RockChucker.

550B purchased in the same year. It just seemed as tho' with the CCIs I experienced a inordinate number of primers that flipped sideways and were crushed in the seating process, When I changed to Winchester primers that ceased.

I have used Winchester primers ever since I started loading on a progressive press. Prior to that (1987) I had used CCi exclusively. For some reason, which is still a puzzle, I had trouble seating the CCIs with my Dillon. I have a couple K of Fed LR and never had any issues with the !3K that I've used. (Just don't like the oversize container)!

Until I hit my '60s, I was strictly a Paul Bond working cowboy boot kinda guy. Now they're solely for riding... walking in riding boots got too rough on the feet. I now pretty much wear Justin crepe soled walkers...

Not at all... I have 5 pair if I count the Patersons

I gotta admit that I'm ambivalent on this issue. But, the deciding issue is more about what one plans for their gun. One the one hand it's a 1st Gen Colt, but produced prior to when Colt certified their guns for smokeless. Close to the cusp of that, but, in my mind unless one has information otherwise, it'd get treated like a BP era gun. ergo, if I was to want to shoot it, it'd be with BP loads only. And if I wanted to compete with it in cowboy action... I doubt it would survive long in stock form. Which at a minimum means a main spring change... While there's folks that defarb their guns to look like yours... I'm of the camp that if in my "pretend west" it's 1886, my SAA Colt, Winchester, even at 13 years old ain't looking like it's 151 years old. (Or in this case, 123). 'Tis why my 38 year old 1851 is going to get a refinish to replace what's been lost in it CAS career! Can't have my 1860 Henry looking newer than it... right? On the other hand, when it comes to antique firearms, there's the crowd that feels we're simply custodians of 'em for awhile. And should keep them in a condition that honors their wear & tear, while maintaining them to a high mechanical degree. And as I think Phantom alluded, especially if they have an important provenance. But, hey, that's just my opinion, other folks feel differently. It's YOUR gun, do with it what you will. I have guns that show their age... and I ain't gonna change 'em... They've earned their warts... I have a low SASS #, & ergo, am obviously not a good source of info. 😛

and Welcome! An old homily that's probably still valid is: "...come for the shooting, stay for the people." Some of my longest term and best friends are folks I met since starting to participate in cowboy action shooting! I won't bother talking about guns, you seem pretty set in your druthers. I shot for a lot of years without a gun cart. Back in the days when we just used one handgun, and not every stage required 4 firearms, & 2 gun stages were not uncommon. If you're the least bit "handy w/tools", a totally adequate gun cart can be built from a used baby stroller or golf bag cart... All that's really needed is a way to hold the long guns, a box for ammo and a couple of empty brass bags. (For, yes, you will want to reload and saving brass from the beginning is a great way to build up an inventory). I used to think that it was best if you started reloading on a single stage to learn and master the process, in a logical step-by-step manner. Maybe because that's what I did, but no longer feel it's a must. I didn't buy my first progressive until I started reloading for 3 shooters in the family. Many folks have started their reloading on a progressive with no ill results. But, your "buy once, cry once" philosophy is sound. Dillon makes good quality equipment and stands behind their product with excellent customer service after the sale. So does Hornady and RCBS... I happen to think that Dillon is the best "bang for your buck". And I happen to know that I'm not alone in that opinion. Your aunt & uncle are probably one of your best resources, and I'd rely on them to steer you straight. If they reload, and are willing, tap them to mentor you thru the process of learning and acquiring your own setup.

Just be sure you get the Hornady One Shot CASE lube. Red can w/black cap. The black can w/red cap is gun cleaner & lube. Different formula.

There ya go.

Choose your bullet carefully. It needs to carry enough lube to still be present at the muzzle. You'll know by whether there's a "star" or smear of lube on the muzzle face after the shot. (That's if you want the fouling soft at the muzzle... and you SHOULD). To get really pertinent advice, folks need to know if you're shooting a single shot or a lever gun. I don't load a .38-55, but a 265 grain bullet should get you to about 500 meters. I prefer Swiss for my long range loads... which by my definition, is beyond 500 meters, which is why I went with a .40 caliber and 330 to 400 grain bullets; depending if I want to knock over a target or just hit it.

I'd say that the best way to get him interested i to introduce him to a few of the saloon gals... but that might not be politically correct. And CS, only lefties are in their right mind. Nope, Speed first... Accuracy will improve with practice... but speed is harder to acquire and maintain. (IMO).

45' might be quite a bit farther for target placement as normally found at most ranges I've shot or visited. I would estimate an average distance closer to 15-20 feet.

To ALL!

What? Who are you, and what have you done with the Phantom that we've all come to know and love?

I was talking to the gunsmith I'm getting a new shotgun from earlier this week about what level of work I wanted on this shotgun... hone the chambers, deburr the extractors & defang the hammers. I've seen some that were so "coned" that the ledge for the rim to sit on was no longer visible.

A what? Good light, Mk 1 eyeball in good condition, and a reasonable pace is sufficient. I shoot so I can reload... the hobby of reloading is an enjoyable pastime, needn't be rushed... but if one is so inclined, and reloads at a pace where visual confirmation isn't possible, a powder check should be a veritable necessity.

1st... it's Cowboy 45 Special. I load it on a Dillon 550C, using a 45 Colt sizing die, a .45 powder thru expander, and a 45ACP Seater/Roll Crimp Die... simple straight forward and produces good ammo. I DON'T use 45ACP load levels. I generally load 3.4 grains of Titegroup under either 160 or 200 RFN bullets. Reasons: 45 Colt dies are straight walled, 45ACP have a very slight taper to aid feeding in semi-autos. The C45S is a straight wall case, the longer 45 Colt dies size cases appropriate to the cartridge. Loads... 45ACP is a 21,000 psi cartridge, the 45 Colt is a 14,000 psi cartridge. My cowboy load, according to QuickLOAD develops a whopping 7,348 PSI and generates about 635 FPS from a 4-¾" revolver. Keep loads under the capacity of the gun. Since I'm loading for both rifle and pistols, I much prefer a roll crimp to even the heaviest of taper crimps.

I have two Stoegers, both from the late 1980s. The only things I've done is to hone the chambers, deburr the extractors and disable the auto-safety. Marauder's articles referenced are good. Good luck with yours.

Really? I quite like mine. I use it in WB and it's been dependable.

These states have seen me either with my guns or borrowed ones. Plus New Zealand. When I get old and retire, I'm hopin' to fill in the many blanks, Europe and Aus (I have a cousin that lives there... so that's my excuse). I planned on a shoot in ID, but that was the weekend that the clocks were turned back... I was way early and got tired waiting...

I'm betting OLG meant pictures of Yul Lose's... If so, so would I! Hint, hint there YL!

I also measure for length. Never found more'n a couple outta spec in a 1,000, but... quick check for max length saves an interruption during loading on a progressive.

The really simple answer is just the propellant.

Used a fair number, collected more from cowboys that didn't reload, and used 'em for BP... Usually one & done with BP. I might even have a couple of boxes of 20 gauge.