Reloading Woes...

So some time last spring, I ran into a guy selling a Lee Loadmaster for $150 all set and ready to go for .45ACP.

I figured it was a good deal and that it would be a good press to learn on, so far all I've learned is that I should have bought a Dillon. Now some of this is probably my fault as I did take the press apart to clean and lube it when I finally got to mounting it on the bench (almost a year since I purchased it) and have not been able to get it running right since. Initially I was fighting with the case feeder, that was a loose/loose situation as the instructions that come with the press are garbage and even with the improved media I've found on line I couldn't make the case feeder work. So I abandoned the case feeder, you really don't need one anyway right?

Then there was that stupid chain that actuates the powder measure, don't even get me started on that, It seems I won the lottery on that one when I called Lee to order some replacement parts only to break that chain a couple times. I finally ended up using an old dog tag chain I had laying around and got that part of the press working.

I got the press indexing properly, adjusted the bullet seating depth and started to load, after about the 5th round (including the ones that were not the proper length) the priming system, which is mostly cheap plastic jammed up on me when a primer got sent up sideways through the trough and completely mangled the primer slider and the top piece of the primer trough. Having tried to call Lee several times and not being able to get through, I called Factory Sales and was able to order FIVE primer sliders and two primer troughs, although even after confirming over the phone that the troughs I ordered were for the Loadmaster...they really aren't so I need to send the wrong ones back and order the correct parts.

Not to be discouraged, I took another go at it after cleaning up the mangled primer trough and inserting the new primer slider, I managed to get ten rounds loaded up that were correct and about 5 rounds with mangled / up-side-down primers loaded before the priming system locked up again.

So I think I'm going to order the correct troughs and give it one more try before melting that POS down and ordering a Dillon 650, actually I think I'm just going to order a 650 anyway and call it a day.

Decisions, Decisions...

That income tax refund time is coming and the Mrs. and I are doing our gun shopping...

I'm truly torn on what I want, we're all ready talking of attending a training class this summer/fall as part of a vacation package and we're both looking at some new options.

For years I've been pining over the Sig 226X5 Tactical, I've always enjoyed shooting the 226, and a single action 226 just seems like too much of a good thing. It's just too bad that to get a regular 226 SAO only exists as a Master Shop gun running around $3K. I the Tactical would be a shoe in if it weren't for limited holster selection.

 Sig 226 X5 Tactical

Next on the list is a Dan Wesson VBOB, what's not to like? All ready have mags and holsters, I can't think of one negative aspect to this gun. It's exactly what I want in a carry 1911 and the price is reasonable.

 

 Dan Wesson Valor Bobtail

I've also been anticipating the coming of the HK P30LS 9mm, but I'm somewhat less than enthusiastic now that it's arrived. Mags are expensive, HK customer service has a less than stellar reputation, and did I mention the mags are expensive?

 HK P30LS

I HATE topics on "Which gun should I buy" but I'm just having a hard time deciding on this one, I don't think I could go wrong with any purchase and these three are not common enough to be able to shoot them at a range with rentals.

I've shot plenty of 226s and Bobtailed 1911s, but never a P30, so I'm thinking the P30LS just needs to stay on the bottom of the want list. Which leaves the X5 and the VBOB.

The VBOB would be easier to conceal, but I've had no problems concealing full size 1911s or the XDM and the X5 is pretty close in size. I'll for carry and IDPA, so it's a matter of what division I want to shoot. I all ready shoot Custom Defense Pistol (CDP) with my Les Baer and do well, and if my wife starts shooting she'll probably be shooting in Enhanced Service Pistol (ESP) or Stock Service Pistol (SSP) and I don't want to compete directly against her...of course I could always buy the Sig and still shoot CDP with my Baer and not worry about it and just use the 226 as a range gun/carry gun but not for competition, but I don't see that happening if I make that purchase.

Blade Tech does make holsters for the X5, but I'd rather have wider options, I'm wondering if a MTAC slide would do the trick?

Oh well, I've 10-16 weeks to ponder over it...

And my Sheriff Thinks "We" Shouldn't be Armed.

These signs are hung on the door ways of our Sheriff's office and are visible when exiting the building from the staff entryways.

 

Oh yeah, I "feel" safer all ready. 

It's Been Said Time and Time Again...

Having the right belt really does make a difference.

While my precious belt was tough/sturdy enough for carry duty, two of my favorite 1911 OWBs have 1-3/4" slots while my belts have been 1.5". I was noticing a hitch in my draw and finally caved in and bought a 1-3/4" belt from 5.11 to use for those two holsters and it really does make a difference.

So, just for the sake of redundancy, having a good belt that is of appropriate quality to carry a load and matches the slots of your holster really is a must. You don't have to spend $50+ for a good belt, the 5.11 belt while no stellar piece of work is low cost and seems serviceable, if I can wear this thing out I'll let you know.