Easier said than done?

Earlier this week I reloaded all the 45 ACP wadcutter ammo I’ll need (and then some) for this week’s Desert Midwinter 2014 competition.

The cheapest way to get into reloading is the Lee Classic Loader (45 ACP shown here), $26.99 (in 2013) from midwayusa.com.
Be sure to verify the caliber before clicking the purchase button.

Bullet quality is determined by many factors, one of which is weight. When all bullets weigh the same, they are more likely to fly to the same point on the 50 yard target. (I’ve written on this topic before here and also here.)

The shots have all been fired and the scores tallied. Four Springfield Armory 1911s, one for each category, were awarded to the top shooters over the 3600 (2700 plus the service pistol 900) point competition.

After two Timed Fire shots in the centerfire portion of yesterday’s 1800 “postal”, the slide of my 1911 failed to travel forward. I looked quickly to see if it was something I should clear and continue but when I saw the shell of round #2 still in the gun but not attached to the slide, I knew I had some sort of extraction problem. “Slap, rack, bang” would not succeed.

Speculation is a double-charge when reloading caused it. (Shooter had no serious injuries … except to his wallet.)

I think I’ve got it!

Or rather I should say that I think Don Plante figured it out.

Today - er, make that Sunday last - was “test magazines” day.

The hammer hits the firing pin and that hits the primer, but it doesn’t go bang. Removing that round and looking at its backside, the dent in the primer is smaller than it should be.