Recent content by Cloudpeak

When setting up to load a new bullet, I always make a dummy round or two and use the removed barrel to check for fit. If the case head is not flush with the barrel hood, I seat the bullet deeper until it is. I set the bullet just a few thousandths deeper to assure the odd round won't have a...

I found I shoot steel pistols (CZ & 1911) better than plastic (XD40 & M&P 9mm). I never could figure out why. I have a 9mm STI Trojan with over 6,000 rounds through it and it's a tack driver. But, kinda pricey. My CZ75 was a Compact and was very accurate. I sold it due to a grip/finger...

I have a STI Trojan in 9mm with over 6,000 trouble free cast bullet reloads through it. It's my steel plate pistol. The fit and finish is excellent but the blued finish will show wear. That's not a problem for me as I bought this pistol to shoot and kind of like the "patina" of a worn, blued...

I think bullet "fit" has more to do with leading than bullet hardness. An undersized bullet for your bore can cause leading problems. I like to size my bullets .002" greater than bore diameter and slug all of my barrels using pure lead bullets (some folks use lead sinkers of the appropriate...

I'd bet that Springfield will send you a new extractor for free. You're not dropping a round in the chamber and dropping the slide, are you?

One advantage to the 45 Colt I didn't see mentioned is you can have the cylinder milled to accept moon clips and can then shoot 45 ACP's for target practice and plinking. Lots of cheap brass for 45 ACP and moon clips make for a fast reload.

Or, go out to the barn and grab a cattle ear tag. I made a cushion (shown below) for my former CZ and my 1911's. I was pleasantly surprised today to find I could modify one to work in my new Smith & Wesson 620 .357 7 shot. I have no idea if it would work in a Ruger with the transfer bar...

I'd give Kimber a call and see what they say. I would think that a broken guide rod assembly would be covered even though you are the second owner. Kimber had problems with their external extractor models and went back to internal's. I've read accounts where, when a pistol is sent back, a...

The downside might be re-installing the slide stop against recoil spring pressure, especially if you have older, "less functioning" hands. Holding the slide back with one hand while inserting the slide stop so it "pops" into "battery" could work or the slide stop might just take a trip across...

I have over 5,800 rounds of cast bullet reloads through my STI Trojan 9mm and it's been 100% with the factory single spring/guide rod configuration. Although, by all accounts, the Recoil Master recoil system is good for many thousand rounds, they are expensive to replace. If you decided to...

I have a STI Trojan 9mm that's a hoot to shoot. I use it for shooting plates. 5,893 rounds of cast bullet handloads and it's been 100%. (I also have a 45 CBOB and Kimber U.C. but shoot the STI the most so my lead supply will last forever!)

I worked through loads of 4.0 to 5.0 grains of W231 using Lyman 200 SWC (452630) bullets. My accuracy loads in my CBOB were 4.6 and 5.0 grains. I settled on 5.0. 4.6 and 5.0 loads were also the most accurate in a 5" Springfield loaded I used to own.

Handload cost calculator http://www.handloads.com/calc/loadingCosts.asp

I've had this problem with my UCll and my STI Trojan. If you're handy, you can "de-sensitize" your grip safety so it releases a bit earlier. I just got finished doing this to my UC. Or, it's an easy job for a 1911 gunsmith to accomplish. Just a little metal needs to be removed so the safety...

New or old officer? How many rounds? I assume you mean the fired brass is partially extracted and not ejected, not a loaded round. Consistent position of the fired case when it's jammed? Got a picture of the jam? Have you always used the same ammunition and did the pistol operate 100%...