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Griff

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Everything posted by Griff

  1. When I used 55-60 grains of 2F I had lots of comments about how stout my loads were. I've dropped back to 40 grains of 2F and have noticed no difference in how they take KDs.
  2. AFAIK, they still shoot the 1st weekend of the month.
  3. I tried it, but swapped back, muscle memory kept me searching for the right trigger in front of the left.
  4. IMO, the perfect starter press is either the Dillon Square Deal or a 550C. I started reloading on a RCBS Jr and upgraded to a 550B in 1987 (IIRC the 650 was introduced a year later) when I started supplying 3 shooters. The Dillon was recommended to me by two shooters I trusted and both offered me the opportunity to try before I bought by using their setups. One was a Square Deal and the other had a 450 (replaced by the 550 by the time I purchased). I've since bought a second 550 so I have one machine set up for large primers and one for small. I had never used carbide dies until I bought the Dillon. And, it wasn't strictly necessary, still isn't. But, it will add a step to your reloading by either using a lube pad or spray lube. I still don't own a case or bullet feeder, don't see the need for my use. IMO, the only necessary items needed besides the machine and dies (caliber conversion kit) are: Primer flip tray powder scale Dial caliper Everything else is simply "nice to have." One of those is multiple primer tubes. I also recommend finding someone to act as a mentor, Check with your club and ask if anyone would be willing... preferable more than one person with diverse equipment so you can see 1st hand how they work and what fits with your budget, needs or simply wants. Ignoring your "want" will only lead to dissatisfaction. The 550 can be pushed to load ~500 rounds/hour, but I can leisurely load 350 rounds in an hour.
  5. This is the product that I use: ONE SHOT® SONIC CLEAN™ CARTRIDGE CASE SOLUTION Non-toxic and uniquely formulated to clean brass cases. Quickly removes most tarnish, oxidation and carbon buildup. Designed specifically for the Hornady® Lock-N-Load® Sonic Cleaners.™ 32 fl oz. Item #043355 1 Gallon Item #043356 At 40 parts water to one part solution, MSDS is at: chrome-extension://oemmndcbldboiebfnladdacbdfmadadm/https://feeds.brownells.com/userdocs/MSDS/100-031-842_LNL_SONIC_BRASS_SOLUTION_1QT.pdf
  6. Yeah, my only 45-70 is a lever gun. I wouldn't hesitate to reload them.
  7. More permanent than marking with paint or ink, as a way to ensure the case is always oriented in the chamber the same way each time. By chance was the prior owner a BPCR competitor? I would feel absolutely fine reloading them and using them in a single shot... a repeater, I'd watch how they look after the first time... If no ill effect, I'd continue using them.
  8. I just finished a mix batch of .45 caliber brass, 45ACP, 45 Colt & C45S with some cut down nickel 45 Colt brass mixed in. Using the Hornady One Shot sonic cleaner solution doesn't discolor either the brass or nickel cases.
  9. I tried the Hornady Sonic cleaner on a batch of .32-40 & .30-30 brass today. Smokeless rounds and deprimed before tumbling. I gotta say, looks better than new brass! I'd say the primer pockets look as good as the outside! Thanks for the idea!
  10. I've shot cowboy with a .45 rifle since 1987, and the recoil difference between it and a .38 is miniscule, but, in terms of time, yes, recoil impulse is slower, takes longer to absorb, but in terms of felt recoil... unless you're leaning against a wall, you can (probably) hardly tell the difference in felt recoil. If your .38 loads are near the minimum PF for cowboy, you might notice a difference, but, if you're using a 105 or 125 bullet at >650 fps, not likely. A PF of 150 wasn't that much greater than my CAS loads... so, to simplify my reloading, all my 45 Colt ammo for shooting either CAS or WB is the same. I'm using a 200 grain RFN loaded to run slightly above 800fps. Back when I first shot WB, I built a Marlin 1984 to shoot the C45S cartridge and while it's easier to load for a PF of 150, (less volume so higher load density), once I short stroked the '73 it didn't offer a real advantage over the '73 in 45 Colt. And the C45S in the '73, isn't that distinctly different than an equivalent loading in the 45 Colt. (Just easier to attain without an issue of powder position). The game of Wild Bunch is geared (centered) on the 1911 in 45ACP. And if one likes shooting that particular gun and round, the other aspects of WB are meaningless. And, FWIW, other barrel lengths for the 1911 didn't begin to show up until well after WWII. So, using my EDC Commander would present an visual anachronism. A Colt New Frontier or Ruger Blackhawk present much the same visual, IMO in regards to CAS. As for other autoloaders of the pre-WWI period, I'd bet to say that fewer than 5% of potential ROs for WB would be able to tell you the specific manual-of-arms for a Broomhandle & it's safety features. Maybe even a Luger. That presents a problem in "safely conducting the shooter thru the course of fire." And since local MDs are (and always have) the freedom to be more inclusive than SASS sanctioned matches, it's kinda like beatin' a dead horse. It ain't very likely it'll happen, even long term. Rank points stands a better chance of returning. Both games are fun, distinctly different with the change to a 7-round magazine previously approved for WB definitely made it not "cowboy with a 1911", because, when it was first trotted out, that is exactly what it felt like. The latest changes open the door for more folks to at least give it a try. Anyway, ain't not owning a 1911 sorta like not owning a .30-30... un-American!
  11. I'm sure if we were having this conversation FTF, I'd have caught it... No, I can't say for other clubs, but locally, it's the same targets.
  12. At Texas Doughboys, WB usually consists of just 6 rifle shots, so Doughboy will only have one 5 shot string & TR usually has the same as WB, as does their Bootlegger category. And both (or all three if counting Bootlegger), require lead bullets, no jackets. Yes, Virginia, for the same reasons as CAS... their customers wanted them.
  13. For those that bemoan the loss of the "old days" of CAS, WB has had the feel (target & distance wise of CAS of the 1980s & early 1990s. The club I occasionally get to shoot at has begun allowing the shooter to start the stage in "condition one." So far, only a couple of months in, no incidents that I've heard of. Condition 2 was no problem for me as that was the way we were required to stand watches in the Navy (1970s). However, for nearly 26 years, as an LEO, and now in my EDC I do carry in condition one. But, falling back on the prior military experience was not a problem. I too, would like to be able to use my Commander, but never had a problem with the 5" bbl requirement. I'm also glad to see the rifle & shotgun requirements relaxed somewhat. However, I'll probably still shoot my Lightning, (Thanks Hoss!). I'll probably drag along one of the .30-30s for TR on occasion. The Texas Doughboys also have a "Bootlegger" category in which a semi-auto rifle/carbine is also legal. We've also had stages where re-engagement of missed targets is allowed. Yee-Haw! More shooting! When WB first started, I didn't own a '97... and had real desire to get one, but I love the 1911 and wanted to shoot! I'd already been using one of several .45 rifles in CAS, so that requirement didn't phase me... but I can see how it would others. I think the changes are in the right direction... Keeping the 1911 as the primary pistol shouldn't really be a problem as they're plentiful and even low-budget versions can be competitive with a bit of work... And it doesn't take a lot. I have two Taylor's Tactical pistols (one should have a backup), that have simply been smoothed over and ramped to feed the 200grn RFN (same bullet I often use in cowboy), to feed reliably and for more'n 6 years, they've been flawless (as long as I remember the lube)! BTW,. what CCB didn't mention, is that the new changes take effect 1-1-24. I highly recommend that you get to a WB match and give it a try... who knows, if you let yourself, you might actually enjoy yourself. Even if you have to use a 1911!
  14. If you think blowby using smokeless is bad, I've shot 45 Colt with BP in my rifles since 1987 when I bought my first 1873 Sporting Rifle. Blowby is a significant problem. I've used charges as low as 28 grains of 2F and have since settled on about 30-32 grains. Using either a 200 grain RFN or a 225 grain TC pill cast in an RCBS 45-225-CAS mold. At one time I used to cut out a wad from a waxed card milk carton behind the bullet. I've found that at CAS distances, this is a needless step. I don't use fillers. I lube with SPG; I've also used as light as a 160 RFN, but found the 200 or 225 grain take up enough space that they're not necessary. I can shoot a 3 day 12 stage match without cleaning or otherwise fiddling with my rifle. I now mostly use a Taylor's 18-½" half rnd/oct short rifle or an 1860, all by Uberti. I clearance all my carriers so fouling doesn't interfere with its operation. Annealing the cases is by far the biggest aid to minimize the blowby. I splurged and bought an automatic annealer, with their "short case" adapter. It leaves a bit more than ¼" of the case exposed to the flame. Simple and easy to set up and operate. I tried setting cases up in a deep cookie pan and covering the rim and part of the case with water then using a propane torch to heat the mouth... probably just as quick at the auto annealer, but, too fiddly for my attention span. I can set the auto machine up and perform other work in the reloading shop while it churns out enough cases for me to then load several hundred at a time. Frankly, I've found that without the annealing, charge weight is a bigger factor in blow-by than either bullet weight or diameter. Use a faster burning powder that shoots cleaner and keep your loads around 800 fps or more. Pay attention to what powders are position sensitive and avoid them. If you wanted to be faster, you'd have gotten a .38!
  15. Only the rainy days are less than fun... but, if I stay dry, they're still enjoyable!
  16. Griff

    CHAMPEEN

    If you really wanted to know what 1899 .38 Specials were like... use a 158-160 bullet... not the little "gamer" 125s!
  17. If you're asking about the one I pictured, yes. All I use, I only have Magtech brass 12 ga hulls.
  18. They might find one up here in No. TX... What primers do the Alcans take?
  19. But, but, but... ya only need the bullet to go 30-35' and make a chunk of steel "ding"! It ain't like you're gonna get any extra penetration!
  20. If you're casting & lubing your own bullets, make sure you wipe any lube that will find it's way onto the base of your bullet. If you plan on a grease cookie, use a tight fitting waxed card over the powder and under the bullet, This keeps lube from migrating into the powder and sticking to the base of the bullet. Probably more with the rifle cartridges than the pistol cartridges used in main match rounds. Lasr=tly, store your loaded rounds nose down.
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