Messages

106

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

« on: August 16, 2008, 01:35:15 pm »

Regarding the mix/sorting of cases, soon after getting the 38 I had a poor lot of BE so started using Clays in the 45. After completing the workup for the 45 I started w/ the 38. I used all nickel to ease ID of the Clay loads. I settled on 2.6 of Clays & loaded a couple hundred . Checked the cases after the 1st string of 5 & found all bulged.

Apparently the nickel cases are stronger. Nickel & brass cases were mixed.

107

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

« on: August 16, 2008, 01:22:07 pm »

Interesting information from all of you! The reason for my interst in 231 is that Jerry Keefer related it's superiority after much testing. This was for revolver & PPC but I understood it to include the 1911.

I have 2 38 1911's, both recent aqusitions. I have many yrs of bullseye shootingl using a 45. The gun I'm currently shooting is by an unknown 'smith.  It has a slide mount. The other is a Giles that looks to have seen light usage.  A friend with many yrs of BE comp opines the gun was done by Clark. I question that as I've always observed Clarks to be marked. The earlier guns on the inside of the slide.

I find the 38 fun to shoot. 

Ron

108

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

« on: August 14, 2008, 04:43:19 pm »

Was there a difference in accuracy between roll & taper crimps? I have a slide mounted red dot so am using slightly more BE than those without.  What is your sight-slide setup?

Thanks,
Ron

109

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

« on: August 14, 2008, 03:58:11 pm »

Can anyone provide the amount of 231 used in the 1911 converted to 38 special? I'm also interested in the type & amount of crimp.

I currently use 2.75 of bullseye & set the crimp by adjusting the seating die with a factory round inserted in that station.

Thanks!

Ron H

110

Star Reloaders / Re: Leaving pdr in mag between loadings

« on: July 22, 2008, 02:59:25 pm »

Thanks for the responce(s)!

111

Star Reloaders / Leaving pdr in mag between loadings

« on: July 19, 2008, 01:36:19 pm »

How many of you do this? I have talked to shooters who say they never remove powder. I always do. I have experienced "caking or bridging" if left for just a few hrs. I have tried stirring it w/ the primer follower before resuming and still had the problem.

Ron

112

Star Reloaders / Re: Powder shut-off reaon?

« on: July 19, 2008, 01:30:42 pm »

It seems to me the best reason for the use of the cutoff would be savings in powder costs. Of course this would vary, depending on how many rnds were run before realizing the durn thing was shutoff!!

Seriously, the drain is prob the best solution if the user percieves a problem.

Ron

113

Star History / Re: star tooling

« on: June 26, 2008, 08:42:19 pm »

Unfortunately this intermittent communication seems to be the "modus operendi".  Fom some of the information on parts he must have a decent supply on hand.

114

Loading Data & Reloading Procedures / Re: Recomended Primer?

« on: June 25, 2008, 03:53:42 pm »

I also have had good exp w/ Win & Fed. CCI's have given me trouble in large pistol. They have been just large enough in dia to feed stubbornly thru 2 of my 3 feed tubes. With the 3rd they drop but not 100%.

In the past they were also of inconsistent height (thickness?) & I used small washers to raise the feed mech to allow clearance. I have only used them due to necessity. For many yrs the old timers warned against using CCI's in progressive loaders.

Al that being said CCI small primers have been OK in my machines.

Ron

115

Survey Says... / Re: Values and prices

« on: June 03, 2008, 04:06:18 pm »

Ken, seen it commented here that final assembly & adjustment of the machines were accomplished by the same person all those yrs at Star & that after he left things fell apart. Would seem from that not just any head could be mounted  and run. George mentioned above getting a "cruddy" machine for much less & after cleaning was fine. It seems that for the seller quality pictures & appearance are all important, but, $515 is pretty high.

Ron H

116

Star Reloaders / Re: Star reloaders

« on: May 30, 2008, 02:29:46 pm »

I would opt for adding the 45 dies, shellplate, primer feed etc to one of the universals. The parts needed should be easy enough to come by on e-bay with a little patience.

Some of those offering parts for auction will have additional parts.

Ron H

117

Star Reloaders / Re: Powder Bars

« on: May 21, 2008, 09:55:30 pm »

I would look at the lrgest bushing to determine how much brass is left for custom enlarement to be sure. I'm not a fan of the adjustables. Consistency. I don't care for the idea of a locknut coming loose when max chg's are involved.

I use 4.2 of bullseye for .45 in bullseye comp. I have a bushing which drops just that-no need for day to day adj for conditions..humidity or whatever.
Ron

118

Star Reloaders / Re: Powder Bars

« on: May 21, 2008, 03:56:08 pm »

Rather than accumulating bars the best course, in my opinion, is to drill one (bar) for Hornady bushings. They are readily obtained online with the help of a table indicating bushing no.'s & the various powders chg's they drop.

Merely obtain the correct bar, 5/8" if mem serves but verify that, drill or have drilled the bar, order the bushings & a no. of "blank" spares & the fun begins!

Ron

119

Star Lubricator & Resizers / Re: Getting Ready to Buy My First

« on: May 19, 2008, 03:44:02 pm »

I haven't sized or cast for a # of yrs but used mine reg for a number of yrs. Advise the heater. Except in summer w/the old soft lubes I use external heat sources, mainly light bulbs. With the hard lubes prevalent now it is a must.

Later a couple of the guys had motorized units & we tried to lube in the summer. Put the sticks in the sun and used a heater. Production was high 40's per min so with many to lube down time was a killer. The softer the lube the easier to change "sticks".

Ron

120

Star Lubricator & Resizers / Re: Can a Hulme case feed tube be fabricated from aftermarket parts?

« on: May 04, 2008, 04:55:41 pm »

A PVC pipe supply house. Lowes, Home Depot. They will not be transparent though. I use the same clear tube as the 45 if you have that. Works fine.
Ron