Recent content by a__l__a__n

My 10-10 has the rolling dial for tenths of grains and 1-10 grains. It was rolling sluggishly. I've cleaned it up with some gun scrubber and some things have improved. However, the balance doesn't settle consistently. Sometimes it returns to level and sometimes it is off by a half of a tick...

Ok my RCBS test weights arrived today. My Ohaus 5-0-5 scale is perfect across the range of these test weights (#98991). My Ohaus 10-10, OTOH, is not. It shows low readings for weights in the < 2 grain range, and also in the 20+ grain range. I think it actually has a sluggish pivot point...

To illustrate why this matters to me: I'm loading 3.2 grains of HP-38 with a 90 grain XTP for 380 auto. I want velocities from my LCP II to be in the 800 to 850 fps range, which seems to give the best performance based on the youtube gel tests (FWIW). So if that's my design goal, I can...

Project355, thanks for that link. Amazing, excellent instructions!!!

BTW I also prefer the 5-0-5. It's just a lot easier to verify the zero on that one without disturbing the base, as well as being easier to set the target weight, and also easier to measure the unknown weight of an object (as opposed to setting the intended weight of a charge).

Ok, RCBS check weight set on order. Exactly what I was hoping to find! I've dragged the knife edges ever so lightly and carefully across an Arkansas stone for just a couple of inches, and cleaned the knife edges and agates with alcohol. It does seem to have helped - the two scales seem to be...

I try for loads in a range that can tolerate +/- 1 grain on the powder dropper / measure, and with some room for variation in the case volume, the OAL, etc... Variation in the scale is in addition to all those other variables. At some point all those added together could matter. I think I'll...

I have a couple of old (maybe 50 years old) Ohaus scales: a 5-0-5 and a 10-10. They don't agree on light loads. The discrepancy is about 0.1 grain for weights around 4 grains, with the 10-10 giving the lower reading. The discrepancy is consistent and repeatable, even after moving and...

My extractor passes the test shown in this Wilson Combat video: However I suspect it might actually have too much tension (too tight a grip on the case rim). I can shake the slide quite vigorously without the case coming lose. Much more vigorously than the example in the video. If the...

That's kinda what I'm thinking. Anyway, I'm not particularly recoil shy (but my experience is more with 44 magnum / 357 magnum revolvers rather than big bore semi-autos)

Tossing the brass is an issue. About half the time the brass hits me in the head. And most of the ejected brass has a dent in the rim. Maybe I need to do something with the ejector face. OTOH the previous owner used this gun in competition, so I presume it wasn't doing that for him. Maybe...

I thought of that - part of why I ordered new springs. I'm guessing that the pound rating on these springs is really lbs/inch (F=Kx so 20 lbs deflects the spring 1 inch, etc). On that theory I could test this spring to see what it has left in it. It does cycle various other ammo, as long as...

Light load function??? The problem happens with Golden Sabers. Light loads run fine.

I've recently acquired my first 1911 (used ATI Commander GI) and am learning as I go. I've found a couple of types of range ammo that work ok, and am planning to reload my own moderate rounds (200 gn RN at maybe 750 fps) when that runs out. Meanwhile, I picked up a couple of boxes of 185...

I'm thinking it has more to do with hitting the ramp and/or the rim of the chamber (in my situation). All of these rounds are 1.260" OAL or below and all appear to be head spacing on the rim.