Messages

46

Loading Data & Reloading Procedures / Re: 38 Special load for 50 yards with W-231

« on: August 28, 2008, 09:45:51 am »

For those who commented about Bo-Mar's demise, there is this company who are making a Bo-Mar type sight.  http://www.championgunsights.com/
They have the std rear sights for hardball type guns, but I did not see the full length rib sight like I have on my Clark Heavy Slides.

47

Loading Data & Reloading Procedures / Re: 38 Special load for 50 yards with W-231

« on: August 26, 2008, 09:03:18 pm »

Does anyone have good information about the current status of the Bo-Mar firm?

Bo-Mar is out of business.  At least that's the last word I got and even Brownells no longer carries their ribs.  Bob passed away unexpectedly last year and IIRC it was an auto accident, but I could be wrong about that.

48

Loading Data & Reloading Procedures / Re: 38 Special load for 50 yards with W-231

« on: August 21, 2008, 08:27:00 am »

Last, does anyone else other than Clark sell magazines for this gun?

Triple K makes magazines that are copies of the Colt mag.  I have two of them and they work just fine.  They run about $50 from Champions Choice.
High Standard obtained the original machining from Colt for their mags.  I have seen them at Camp Perry and they are very very nice.  I think HS sells them for around $69.  www.highstandard.com

I did have a problem with one of the Triple K mags when I got it, but Triple K stands behind their product and they replaced the defective mag with no problems.  It was actually slightly oversize and would not fit in the gun to where rounds would feed properly.  I sent it to San Diego and had the new one in about 4 days.

49

Loading Data & Reloading Procedures / Re: 38 Special load for 50 yards with W-231

« on: August 19, 2008, 11:13:48 pm »

Yep, Clark Jr. does not like to make .38 Specials, that's why the price went up.  Clark Sr. built mine back in 1982.  Mine has a "Colt .38 Special Kit" barrel...that's how it's marked on the top.  Of course, mine has the std 5" barrel and is not a Long Slide.

50

Loading Data & Reloading Procedures / Re: 38 Special load for 50 yards with W-231

« on: August 16, 2008, 03:11:03 pm »

You're right about Clark marking the inside of the slide. Even my newer Clark Heavy Slide has the date stamped on the housing over the firing pin, as does the older one.  Clark also engraved the slides on the outside of every one I've ever seen with his name, type of firearm, e.g. Heavy Slide, and his location.

The only time Clark will not engrave the slide is if they only do part of the conversion.  If they do not do the trigger job, for example, when they build the gun, they will not engrave the slide with their logo.

I've had much better luck with regular brass than the nickel kind with my Clark, BTW.  All the nickel brass I had was sold a long time ago on eBay, when you could do that.

51

Loading Data & Reloading Procedures / Re: 38 Special load for 50 yards with W-231

« on: August 16, 2008, 10:54:31 am »

I started sorting brass back when I was shooting Bullseye matches in the 1970s, so it was easier to know which was mine.  Of course, now, only a few guys shoot .38 Specials in the Centerfire match, so it's not as important.  But, oddly enough, the other day at the Dallas match, I had a guy shooting a Model 52 next to me and another guy with a Clark down a few positions.  Luckily I keep a Sharpie in my gun box for just such an occasion.  The brass catcher doesn't always get them all, but it helps.

I do feel a little more confident in their consistency when I use the same mfg, especially for match loads versus practice.

I know what you mean about the powder slides.  I had one that was supposed to throw 3.0 grains of BE.  When I checked it, it was only throwing 2.7.  I used a fine swiss file to open it up a little, so now it throws right around 2.95; close enough.  I do have a couple of the adjustable slides since I have a separate press for .38s and another for .45 ACPs.

I had to go to a 7 pound recoil spring in the Clark to get it to function with the 2.7 load.  I'm not sure what weight the original spring was, since it had been cut down from a heavier spring.  I had Clark build it in 1982.  I did have a new bushing put in a few years ago when I noticed the groups opening up and I had the slide tightened.  We have a good local gunsmith who works on 1911s.  He built my Hardball gun for me that I used to get my Distinguished Pistol medal.

52

Loading Data & Reloading Procedures / Re: 38 Special load for 50 yards with W-231

« on: August 16, 2008, 08:32:16 am »

Just thought I'd join in the conversation:
I have a Clark Heavy Slide (not Long Slide).  I've tried loads between 2.7 BE and 3.0 BE.  The 2.7 load will shoot inch and half groups at 50 yards from a Ransom Rest.  The 3.0 load shoots three and a half inch groups.  The lighter powder charge is definitely more accurate.  The pistol also shoots the smaller group with Remington factory ammo (unfortunately, I only have two boxes left of it).

Up until last year I was roll crimping, but I picked up a taper crimp die and have used it since then.  I'm getting better feeding and fewer jams since I switched over.  I use Winchester brass, but have a couple ammo cans full of Remington and Federal for when the Winchester goes bad, which won't be any time soon.  Hardly ever have a case go bad with such a light load.

53

Star Reloaders / Re: Decapping pins

« on: August 14, 2008, 09:14:46 am »

I have some original Star decapping pins.  I compared them to some current RCBS decapping pins.  They appear to be the same, so you could always substiute the RCBS pin if all else fails.

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Loading Data & Reloading Procedures / Re: Recomended Primer?

« on: June 23, 2008, 04:30:00 pm »

I've used Winchester, Federal and CCI.  No problems with any of them.

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Star Reloaders / Re: need info on part not shown in diagram

« on: June 03, 2008, 08:00:24 am »

Can you post a photo, so we can get a better idea of what you're looking at?
Thanks.

56

Star Reloaders / Re: Primer tube follower question

« on: February 28, 2008, 04:07:56 pm »

Not sure what the material is on the end...some kind of plastic rod.  I've used Dillon primer tube rods from their Square Deal press with some success.  They do not weigh as much but you can attach a weight at the top and they do work in shutting down the press when the primers run out.

57

Star Reloaders / Re: Star Progressive 38 spec

« on: February 18, 2008, 07:55:27 am »

The .38 Special Progressive model will only load .38s.  A Universal model in .38 could be converted to 9mm but you would need new dies and a new shell plate.  An extra tool head would be nice, so you would not have to change out the dies on the existing tool head.

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Star Reloaders / Re: Star progressive presses?

« on: January 19, 2008, 09:58:00 am »

It would be great if someone started Star production again. However, I am not sure if that would be a practical endeavor. The quality Star standards would most likely raise the price to such a point that sales would be impacted.

I just got some parts from Star Machine Works in Pioneer, CA.  Not sure, but I'm guessing he might have some new mfg machines in stock.  From his last price list, they are not inexpensive.

Also, CH Die Company will custom make Star dies.  Price runs around $40 for a single die, but expect a wait since it would be a custom order.

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Star Reloaders / Re: Tap toolhead or turn down dies?

« on: October 31, 2007, 02:07:11 pm »

I have an email for a guy who will turn down dies, but it's expensive.  Have you checked with Bill at Star Machine Works to see if he has some dies in stock?  I just picked up a .38 Special Taper Crimp die from him for $35 plus shipping.

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Star Reloaders / Re: Star progressive presses?

« on: October 15, 2007, 08:16:47 pm »

This is the place to be to learn about Star presses.  If you read the history section and some of the threads you'll figure out that all of us on here own and use the Star.  I have two; one in .45 ACP and one in .38 Special.  There are Stars out there that can load .223 Rem and .30 Carbine.  I've seen one of the .223 versions; a fellow in Fort Worth has it.

Anyway, most of your questions can be answered by checking out the Star history section.