C.N. Double

Almost there! I've attained absolute minimum for PF, but I'm going to load them a little hotter to give that cushion. My goal is about 165 PF. There is no felt recoil difference between these Xtra-light loads compared to my reference .45 Colt and .45 Auto loads, but the 1911 and the .45 Auto brass did seem a little cleaner than the WST loads. I'll compare again with the final loads. Xtra-lite costs about 2.1% more than Titegroup, but I'm using 23% and 33% less for .45 Colt and .38 Spl, respectively. XL is significantly cheaper than WST, and I'm using ~17% less of the XL for the same PF. Accuracy tests will be next, but here is the latest set of data: .45 Colt 205gn RNFP moly coated bullet (Bear Creek) Firm crimp Test gun: 73' Uberti rifle - 18" barrel 3.6gn Extra-lite Avg: 716fps PF: 146.8 3.8gn Extra-lite Avg: 744 PF: 152.5 Note: 1/5 rounds came in below minimum PF velocity at 729 (PF 149.4). Still lots of blow by. .45 Auto 230gn RN hi-tek coated Test gun: Remington R1 5" (factory) 3.1gn Extra-lite Avg: 667fps PF: 153.5 Note: 1/9 shots came in below minimum velocity at 648fps (PF 149)

Initial tests went better than expected with .45 Colt. I need to keep working it up, but it was much more consistent than I expected. I'm guessing the sweet spot will be around 3.7-3.8gn for ~160PF. There was still plenty of sooty blow by, and I didn't check accuracy yet. All loads: 205gn RNFP moly coated bullet (Bear Creek) Firm crimp Test gun: 73' Uberti rifle - 18" barrel 3.1gn Extra-lite Avg: 625fps PF: 128 3.2gn Extra-lite Avg: 632 PF: 129 3.4gn Extra-lite Avg:667 PF:136 Stay tuned.

Loading only one powder isn't really the goal. I agree it doesn't matter how many different powders one uses. This is more about trying something new and discovering things that haven't been widely published. You know, for fun. However, if I find something that works, it's a bonus to save a little on powder and stocking fewer containers. Extra-lite is supposed to be very clean (though I've heard the same about WST and Titegroup that I don't find to be true). A lot of it has to do with pressure curves and chamber sealing. Nonetheless, if my guns are cleaner, that's another bonus. It's just for fun, and I thought y'all might be interested to see the results.

OK, maybe not BAMM loads, but hear me out... A thread over on the other wire got me looking into Alliant Extra-Lite for multiple calibers. I'm lazy, unorganized, cheap as hell, and I can't leave good enough alone, so I wanna fix what ain't broke and try a single powder to load most of my ammo at reduced rates. Based on some boozy research, here's what I'm going to start with: .38 SPL - 1.8gn behind 105gn TCFP (I can hear the farts now) .45 Auto - 3.4gn behind 230gn RN .45 Colt - 3.0gn (?) behind 205gn RNFP (This is a throw-the-dart guess, so we'll see what happens. Squib rod has fallen in and is awaiting orders) 12ga - 9.2gn behind whatever wad and shot I can cram in there For reference, here are my current proven loads (same projectiles as above): .38 SPL - 3.0gn Titegroup (~80PF) .45 Auto - 4.0gn WST (~170PF) .45 Colt - 5.2gn Titegroup (~170PF) 12ga -- Ain't nobody got time to load 12ga Alliant doesn't publish any data for this powder aside from 12ga, so it will be an adventure. This stuff supposedly burns faster than Clays and is fairly bulky. I'll update with my findings, but it may take some time -- see note above about being lazy. Cheers, Pardners.

Hey, I shot my '97 12 times in the shootoff! But yes, I did have a few minor issues with it during the WB match. I'm looking for a M12 myself.

Thanks, Pards. I just drove a few tacks at 100 and 200yds, so I'll be ready for anything. See y'all next week!

Does anyone have any information on the distances we'll be shooting the BAMM at EoT? Most matches I've seen have have centered around 100yds, but I shot one a few weeks ago with 100,200, and 300 yd targets in the same course of fire -- it was challenging! Thanks for any info.

Howdy Blaze -- There isn't much formal literature on BAMM, but there are a lot of good threads here discussing stage planning, etc. Here is what the SHB says (p17): "The rifle must be an original caliber bolt-action rifle issued by any country to its military forces through the end of WWII. It must be as issued with original iron battle sights and NO external modifications. Internal modifications are allowed. Faithful reproductions are allowed." The matches I've shot have been very flexible. You don't necessarily need 100yd+ range -- you can just use smaller targets, shoot offhand, etc. -- whatever it takes to shoot a match! Here's an example course of fire from the Western Territorial a couple of weeks ago: - Two untimed sighter shots allowed - Four targets at 75, 100, 125, and 150yds - From seated/supported position, load five rounds with bolt open. 1. ATB, starting on 125yd target, alternate between it and 150yd target for 5 rounds 2. Move to standing (offhand or supported) position and reload. 3. Starting on 75yd target, alternate on it and 100yd target for 5 rounds. 4. Smile because it was so much fun (I did it three times). If you are thinking about an 03a3, you are always welcome to handle and shoot mine. I'm hoping with reduced loads (<1600fps) we'll be able to put a regular local match together soon.

Aww, thanks pards. Mokaac Kid put on one helluva match, and he's a fantastic guy to boot. The guy stays so calm, despite running so many events. He's a fantastic shooter, and he put up with my begging for a BAMM. Dixie Desperados were the real winners here -- they put on an excellent match and took great care of the shooters. It doesn't matter where you live -- you should plan to attend Legends next year (April 20-25, 2020).

Disclaimer: I still consider myself an FNG, so keep that in mind... I agree with Flash that more meaningful scoring data helps me better understand how I stack up against other shooters. After reading this thread and re-reading Pecos Clyde's stickied post explaining the SPSS, I think I understand it better now. How are procedurals and MSVs handled? Do they simply subtract 20 and 60 stage points, respectively? The most challenging part of the game for me is maintaining consistency. I can burn a stage down, but then come up with several misses on the next. Keeping your head in the game is tough. It seems the SPSS might be more forgiving to shooters who are less consistent (whether it be hitting targets or getting penalties), and I don't think I prefer it. If you earn a stage DQ for being unsafe, SPSS is more forgiving than total time (as Frank pointed out). But, are you really a "better" shooter if you make mistakes that earn penalties or DQs? To me, it's being consistent and safe for the entire match that makes a better shooter, and it seems total time might reflect that better.

I tested my loads today, and the results were interesting. IMR4895, despite throwing +/- 0.4gn on each charge, was the most consistent in both velocity and accuracy. H4895 did OK, but I had a couple of malfunctions with the lighter loads. Overall, I think I'll keep loading the "tried and true" load with IMR4895 and not worry about the powder measure throwing imperfect charges. If I start shooting longer distances or more competitively, I'll have to tighten up these numbers. I only had one 6th round stoppage (in 9 clips), so I just gave that clip to a guy at the range who got excited every time he heard the *ping*. Win/win. Here is all the data I collected today. All loads used Winchester LR primers, .310 Hi-tek GCSil 170gn bullets from Norm Purcella, and mixed brass. 16 shots each. H4895 charge: 33.0gn (+/- 0.2gn) Avg velocity = 1899fps Std Deviation = 31fps High/low velocities = 1963/1839 H4895 charge = 34.0gn (+/- 0.2gn) Avg velocity = 1960fps Std Deviation = 52fps (yikes) High/low velocities = 2048/1823 ** I didn't shoot the ones loaded with 35.0gn of H4895 since velocities were already higher than I expected. IMR4895 charge = 35.8gn (+/- 0.4gn) Avg velocity = 1963fps Std Deviation = 31 fps High/low velocities = 2011/1899 Thanks again for all the help.

I replaced the clip latch spring and the op rod spring -- not sure if those were a problem, but they were cheap, and I wanted to rule them out. When I got this rifle apart, it was very clean and well greased. I only had to add a bit of grease to the bulge in barrel where the op rod rides. When I try it later this week, I'll also see which clips are causing problems. I'm up and running with the IMR4895 load, but it doesn't meter very well in my RCBS Uniflow. I'm going to try H4895 since has a very similar burn rate and supposedly meters better. I'm trying to extrapolate the load data for both IMR and H4895, but it almost looks like I could use these two powders interchangeably for this load. I think I'll start with 35.0gn of H4895 and adjust until I get ~1850fps.

This was a really fun match. The stages included a nice balance of speed, longer shots, movement, and variety of starting/staging/re-staging. The props were awesome, and I especially liked the boardwalks found on most of the stages. There was something pleasing about the rhythmic *tink* *tink *tink* of brass falling on the boardwalk when folks were shooting the rifle. It's little stuff like this that stands out to me. I think my favorite part was the amount of movement and distance between positions. The positions seemed pretty far apart compared to what I've been shooting, so it was fun to be able to nearly sprint between some positions. This was especially true on stage 10 where we moved laterally, downrange, then laterally again. I know lots of movement puts some folks at a disadvantage, but there was a good balance. We had one stand and deliver (stage 1) and a few with only one position change. It was great to see old friends and make new ones. I was lucky to be on the same posse as Pleasant Valley Kid, Sweet Shot Sue, Goatneck Clem, Capt Sam Evans, Last Chance Morales, and the Match Director, Boggus Deal. My experience was enhanced just by being around those folks. This was the coolest match I've been to, and I couldn't even stay for the cowboy match (but my guns stayed dry). The WR Territorial Rangers, Blackjack Zac, Boggus Deal, and everyone else involved did a fantastic job. Kudos to you all! Here is a link to the stages (link expires on 11 Mar 19)

Thanks again, Dusty. I'll try this next time I'm on the range. I have field stripped it (removed trigger group), but I haven't done much else besides scrubbing the bore to remove copper. I need to get it disassembled to inspect everything. I'm reading about 5th, 6th, or 7th round jams, and besides the clips (and how they are loaded), it seems my clip latch spring could be worn. It looks like it's fairly common (and inexpensive) to replace the clip latch spring and op rod spring to troubleshoot some feeding and FTF issues, so I might start there if loading the clips more carefully doesn't resolve the problem. The jam occurred on 6 of the 10 clips I ran through it, but I was reusing the same 3-4 clips, so I may have a bad clip or two. These clips are stamped "AEC" which appear to be OK, according to some Internet strangers. Oh darn, I guess I'm just going to have to keep shooting the thing until I get it figured out 8) BTW, I'm confirmed for Red Dirt this year, so hopefully *cough* the Garand will get used in both TX and OK.

Well Pards, I finally got to shoot the Garand today, and I was able to put 2.5" groups at 100yds with only half of my eyes open. She's a solid shooter. However, on several of the strings, the 6th or 7th cartridge (always the 6th or 7th) would jam into the top left area of the breech. I was able to quickly push it back down into the chamber and let the bolt close, but does anyone have any ideas about this? I'm thinking it's the cheap clips I found on ebay or the way I'm loading them. I found it difficult to get all 8 of the cartridges to sit in the "bottom" (or back) of the clip. Is the Garand pretty fussy about getting rounds lined up perfectly in the clip? Thanks again for your wisdom so far! Cheers, CND

This is what I'm doing, but I sent in my app pretty late, so I'm not sure I made it in. Hope to see y'all there.

Howdy Goatneck, as always, thanks for the excellent information. I think I now have all the information I need to get started -- the rest is up to me! I sent in my Winter Range WB app pretty late (maybe 2 weeks ago), so I'm not sure I made it in. I'll give it another week before I start harassing them. It would be great to shoot with you folks again. Don't forget to stop at the Pima Air and Space Museum on your way through Tucson -- take I-10 exit 267 (Valencia Rd.), turn East, then the museum will be on your right in about 1.5mi.

Thanks, GJ! I have some mil-spec .30-06 made by the Belgian company Fabrique Nationale Herstal (headstamp reads ".30 80 FNB"). I've read that it's comparable to M2 ball and non-corrosive. To be safe, I'll chrono it with my 03a3 before trying it in the Garand. I have some lead Garand loads on the way, and I still have some lead loads Hoodoo Brown loaded for me for the 03a3. I understand the Garand loads should be a little hotter. I also talked with Norm Purcella today, and he's got some bullets headed my way (.310 hi-tek GC 170gn). I've read several of the threads here about 03a3 loads and M1 loads. I'm hoping to use Norm's 170gn bullets, and Winchester primers, but what about powder for both 03 and M1? Since IMR 4759 is not available, what should I start with? Should I not use the 170gn bullets in the M1, even at ~1650fps?

Well, I may have won the CMP lottery today. My M1 arrived, and the condition card (service-grade) indicates a ME of 0 and TE of 1. The wood is pretty banged up -- all good news for a rifle I plan to shoot. The serial number indicates it was built in May, 1945. All in all, a very pleasant and easy experience with the CMP, and the mandatory membership with the Garand Collector's Association is a good deal too. I think I'm going to need a lot of ammo... ;D

I also want to echo how great it was to read another fantastic article by Dusty Boddams! It was fun to read about the match and see photos of some of the good folks I met last year in Cleburne. In fact, it got me curious about the 2019 OK State WB match... I got in contact with Hondo Tweed, who quickly and enthusiastically encouraged me, and now I'm considering a grand October adventure that includes OK State WB (Oct 4-6), then monthly matches with the folks in OKC the following weekend (Oct 12th CAS and 13th WB), then heading down to Cleburne for the TX State match (Oct 18-20?), and finally heading home just in time to host our own big WB and BAM (hopefully) matches at Bordertown 2019 (Oct 22-27). Thanks again to all those TX and OK pards who do so much for our sport, and for helping me buy rifles I didn't know I needed :)

Thanks, Dusty. I may get to participate in the TX state GAMM this year 8)

Howdy, I'm toying with the idea of toting an M1 Garand to the next GAMM I can find (thanks to the fine folks in TX and OK), and CMP still has some service-grade rifles for sale. I understand the requirements for buying from the CMP, but I guess I'm just looking for any advice on purchasing from the CMP and if a service-grade rifle (muzzle 3 or less and throat less than 5) is worth getting if I want to actually shoot the thing. They do have special grade rifles as well (new wood and barrel) -- do you think that would be worth nearly double the price considering I want to shoot it and I'm less concerned about original parts? It seems pretty straightforward to me, but I'd be interested to hear if this is a good idea or not. If not, what are some alternatives besides browsing GB? http://thecmp.org/cmp_sales/rifle_sales/m1-garand/ Thanks in advance!

Thanks again for the great info, pards. I'm going to try some Bore Tech CU+2 to get the copper out, and I'll practice reloading and shooting from various positions. October is going to be a busy month! Nevada State CAS the first week, then Texas State WBAS, then Bordertown. Yeehaw!

I just had a great day at the range with the Remington, and I wanted post a quick update. I ended up going for the Remington for many of the reasons already discussed, but it was a tough decision. I was able to put 5 shots in a 4.5" group at 100 yards from a seated supported position. And another 3 shots in a 6" group after making a final sight adjustment. This was after walking the target out from 25yds, to 50yds, then finally 100yds, as suggested by Hoodoo Brown. With my last four rounds, I made an 11" group from a standing unsupported position, which I assume will be the most common position in a BAMM. I have no idea how good or bad this is, but it sure was fun to shoot. Thanks again for the advice, and big thanks to Hoodoo Brown for outfitting me with ammo. I can't wait to compete in my first BAMM at the Texas WBAS Championship! Edit: After doing some research, it looks like my groups weren't great, but I may not have cleaned the copper fouling out well enough. I've also not done very much precise shooting, so I think I have some learning to do. I'm confident it's more me than anything else ;D

Thanks for reaching out! I sent you a PM and an e-mail (I think) -- please let me know if you don't get it. I'm still getting used to the WB forums.