Guns and Blowin Shit Up!

[richkrt99]

And now for another chapter in the saga "As Rich's Reloading World Turns"...


Finally installed my RCBS lockout die yesterday.  Received it couple weeks ago after 7 month back order.  It checks the powder in the shell and prevents the press from progressing to the next station if the powder level is not correct (hence lockout die)


Works really well.  Not sure how exactly, but after getting it dialed in, it certainly works.  NO charge or double charge and that sum bitch locks up the press on the ram lift (lever/handle downward) process and will not allow the press to move.


made couple hundred more "sweet" 38 special rounds, 125FP, 4.8gr HP-38.  This is a NICE load.


Now...if only I had some more primers....

[alta]

does .38/.357 use small primers? Or large ?

[alta]

I know I’ve mentioned I’ve switched all my handgun reload recipes to magnum primers. I am still working on two recipes, but they use large primers. So I don’t think I’ll ever use these regular ones. I went to CCI primers years ago because they burn cleaner than most.


I’ve been looking around a bit, and a box of 1000 primers go for about $30, if you can find them and before shipping. So Rich... I propose a trade . This box of 1000 CCI 500s for a bottle of whisky, a 1.75L bottle of American Honey which goes for $53 after tax at the local alphabet store.

[richkrt99]

I know I’ve mentioned I’ve switched all my handgun reload recipes to magnum primers. I am still working on two recipes, but they use large primers. So I don’t think I’ll ever use these regular ones. I went to CCI primers years ago because they burn cleaner than most.


I’ve been looking around a bit, and a box of 1000 primers go for about $30, if you can find them and before shipping. So Rich... I propose a trade . This box of 1000 CCI 500s for a bottle of whisky, a 1.75L bottle of American Honey which goes for $53 after tax at the local alphabet store.

Done.  (I sent you a PM before I saw your last post)


let me know how to arrange it.  And to be fair...the price SHOULD be about $30 for 1000 CCI , but it's literally 10x that on GB right now.  Not that I'd want to deal with that hassle for couple hundred bucks to try and sell something.  Now if I had 100,000 primers on hand....I might be tempted.

[richkrt99]

does .38/.357 use small primers? Or large ?

Small Pistol Magnum....well that's what I used. SPM


The 38 goes regular SP....as the lighter load powders are easy to light.  Actually, I used a light load in my 357 (same powder W231 or HP38) so I would think the SP would be fine for that too, but I used SPM

[richkrt99]

Do you have to get a ATF license to trade whiskey for primers

[alta]

Do you have to get a ATF license to trade whiskey for primers

whiskey and gunpowder have been associated with each other before this country was born

[Mickstix]

Rednecks.. 


 

[alta]

Hey rich, do you use large pistol primers? Cause I can make a deal there too, for some CCI 300, for the same reasons as the small primers

[richkrt99]

Hey rich, do you use large pistol primers? Cause I can make a deal there too, for some CCI 300, for the same reasons as the small primers

You bet.


Colt Gold Cup Trophy says "feed me baby"


and I ALMOST stopped at the alphabet store today.


Have you tried the Honey with the Ghost pepper?  just curious.  Can't figure out if I'd like it.  I like spicy and I like whiskey (although its very rare I drink it), but seems odd to add honey to smooth out the whiskey then spike it with pepper for a kick.  Kind of oxymoronic

[alta]

The box of CCI 300 is missing a tray, so it's 900 instead of 1000. But just like the 500s, I don't think I'll use anymore of them. Ive got several boxes each of 350 and 550(magnums). I should be good until the shelves are restocked. Between that and this mask bullshit my range time was cut in half this past year anyway. Plus I've got plenty of assembled stuff that will last quite a while.

I know where that tray of 300s went too, .45 auto. 45 +P runs 950-990 fps, standard 45 runs about 830 fps. I made up a bunch that are in between the two. On paper they do about 900 fps with 230 ball, and I like em. They run well out of the Camp 45 too...

Winchester FMJRN 230gr
True Blue 7.7gr
CCI 300
mixed cases(range pickup)

if you aren't running recoil buffers you need to get them




and one of these days I will buy a chronograph

[alta]

I like spicy food, but ghost peppers aren't food. Proper spice is all about flavor, like good Cajun food. This ghost pepper crap is about inflicting pain

[richkrt99]

I like spicy food, but ghost peppers aren't food. Proper spice is all about flavor, like good Cajun food. This ghost pepper crap is about inflicting pain

which is what I didn't understand about putting it in a "mild" whiskey.

[richkrt99]

Ever use any Accurate Powders?  Accurate #5 specifically.


Came across some at actual reasonable price.  Looks pretty comparable to HP-38 from everything I've read on forums folks seem to be happy with it.  I've been happy with the HP-38 (W231).  Have use it in my 9mm and 38spcl.

[richkrt99]

The box of CCI 300 is missing a tray, so it's 900 instead of 1000. But just like the 500s, I don't think I'll use anymore of them. Ive got several boxes each of 350 and 550(magnums). I should be good until the shelves are restocked. Between that and this mask bullshit my range time was cut in half this past year anyway. Plus I've got plenty of assembled stuff that will last quite a while.

I know where that tray of 300s went too, .45 auto. 45 +P runs 950-990 fps, standard 45 runs about 830 fps. I made up a bunch that are in between the two. On paper they do about 900 fps with 230 ball, and I like em. They run well out of the Camp 45 too...

if you aren't running recoil buffers you need to get them

I'm definitely a go for those CCI 300 as well.


I have not used recoil buffer...actually had to look it up.  Although I really have not been shooting 45.  I just got the Gold Cup couple months ago and fired it only the one time.  I'm getting ready to start loading for it next probably.


My 1911 is a Gold Cup Trophy, series 80. and I've been reading on forums about the recoil spring.  I think the Trophy models have a lighter spring, but I can't verify that.  I don't know what mine has, but I'm planning on shooting 230 Gr almost exclusively (as I have 1500 bullets at that weight) for reloading plus a stock of several hundred (maybe 700) 230gr factory loads on hand.  I can't find the Colt Trophy factory specs (have not really looked) on what this gun came with.  I bought it used and it was advertised as a "safe queen" that had only been fired a handful of times.  Assuming that's true, the original factory springs should be just fine.


So I actually found in the beginning of the manual that the Gold Cup comes with lighter recoil spring (green end) for shooting lighter SWC loads, as well as a heavier spring for heavier loads - but it does not specify the spring weight of either.  Now I'm going to have to go home and look, but I don't recall seeing another spring in the case.


Should I just get/use a new 18.5# spring?  That appears to be the standard weight spring for 230GR.  I really have not shot but maybe 20-30 rounds through the Gold Cup so I'm a total novice with it.


I have a Sig P320 Compact 45 I bought as my carry gun a few years ago and have shot a several hundred rounds through, but it's a different animal altogether. (although it's not really what I would consider a compact).  It's just slightly smaller than a full size.  It is no longer my carry gun so it doesn't get used as much anymore.

[richkrt99]

Well Fuck a Duck.  I should have bought that Accurate #5 when I first saw it.  $170 for 8# jug
Had it in my cart this morning and decided to research it a little and then it was out of stock when I went back to purchase 


Stupid me.   

[alta]

The only Accurate I have used is 2015 for the 6.8spc. I have barely used it though because my current 6.8 load is with IMR 4198.


The best place to find info on what recoil spring to use in that 1911 is either the Colt forum or the 1911 forum. I bought a bunch of different weight springs for mine but really havent played with em. All mine are running 18-22 pound springs, including the 10s. I think 22 is too much though, for both, even with +P. If you are shooting lighter loads you could probably even go #16. Based on what I've gone through, the recoil springs should be changed about every 5000 rounds.

[alta]

also, when this horseshit ends and components become more readily available, you need to get a Blackhawk in .30 carbine. Or, if you can find .32-20 brass and bullets, get one now. I bet you'd like that round in a revolver.

[richkrt99]

also, when this horseshit ends and components become more readily available, you need to get a Blackhawk in .30 carbine. Or, if you can find .32-20 brass and bullets, get one now. I bet you'd like that round in a revolver.

Interesting.  Do you own one?


I actually never owned or even fired a single action.  My Ruger 357 mag (GP-100, 6" stainless) is DA.  I guess technically it is considered SA/DA, but really if you can pull the trigger without cocking back the hammer and rotate the cylinder to fire then its DA in my book.


I read the SA guns are intended to fire with one hand (like a cowboy on a horse) so the grip is quite a bit different on the SA guns.
I just started shooting my 357 again recently and I used to fire it with 2 hands, but the grip feels so awkward now because I've been shooting autos for the last 15 years.  I need to relearn it anyway, so I guess I'd have to do the same with a new SA.  Now that I've discovered the 38 special, shooting one handed is pretty easy.  Owned the magnum for 30+ years and never fired a 38 special through until this year - and then only because I found a downright bargain on some PRIMED 38 brass.  I bought 1000 rounds of PRIMED 38 Speer Brass for $182.  That's $.18/round for Primed Brass.  I can't even by the brass for that IF I could find it.  (Hell primers are selling for that now- crazy)


I went to the Ruger website and also saw they sell a "convertible" Blackhawk Model.  Comes with two cylinders that swap out without tools so you can fire 9mm or .357 from the same gun - or 45 Colt and 45 Auto.
That's kind of cool in a day an age when ammo is scarce.  If I didn't already own a 357, I'd consider that just for fun.


A Blackhawk in any caliber (other than 357) would be a new round for me so I'd have to find the dies and such....and ammo parts...


But like you said, after this horseshit ends...


I'd like to try a blackhawk, but not sure I really want to shoot a 44 magnum one handed.  My name's not Harry.  The .30 carbine is interesting.  Be interested to know what it's like to shoot it.
Maybe one day with I've got more time and money than I know what to do with


Damn but this is an expensive hobby.  Should have collected butterflies or something instead.

[alta]

I got a .30 years ago. Stopped shooting it for a while because the .30 brass would stick in a cylinder every now and then. It got very annoying very quickly, almost sold it. After some research I found guys are using .32-20 brass instead of the .30 to get rid of sticking cases, but that only works on new model Blackhawks. I also went to 125gr bullets for it. The standard is 90 or 110. While researching that I found guys are shooting cast 135 to 150 out of it. I don't like shooting cast, just a personal preference. And one of these days I will send it out to have the barrel cut down to 4 5/8", they are only avalible in 7 1/2.


I have a .45/.45 convertible, I have never used the acp cylinder. The standard Blackhawk grips are ok, unless you are shooting hot .357/.45 colt or .44 mag. Then you want a bisley grip, a little bigger and far more comfortable for the higher powered loads.

both are Super Blackhawk .44mag, top one is the standard Blackhawk/Super Blackhawk grip, bottom is the Bisley grip...