Bangbangman

True enough- I've seen this with brass fired in a "generous chamber" then overworked during FL sizing in a "tight die". Incorrect annealing can also contribute (accidentally annealing the web.) Hmm. "Generous chamber" and "tight die" sound like euphemisms for something.

Language evolves, true, but not always for the better. While the widespread misuse of "literally" (usually in place of "figuratively") can be amusing ("I literally **** myself laughing"), it means there is literally no alternative word to convey that an incredible statement is an actuality. It may seem like pedantry to moan about the misuse of "head" but this term is already in use in describing another part of the cartridge (or more specifically, cartridge case.) If case-head separation occurs when you fire your gun does this describe: A) the projectile leaving the case and travelling down the barrel in the desired fashion? B) the result of dangerously high pressure causing catastrophic failure of the case?

I agree entirely, Mick. I think the annoying misnomer "bullet head" has gained a foothold because it avoids misunderstandings about "cartridges" (or rounds) versus "bullets". Unfortunately, "head" was already in use.

Thanks guys. Apparently Lovex D063, while "similar" to A1680, isn't the same. This, from another reloader: "DO63 and AA1680 are not the same thing. As stated in their reloading manual. D063 High density, double base, ball propellant similar to Accurate 1680 suitable for 7.62 x 39 cartridge. Also suitable for small capacity cartridges such as the T/CU series, the .222 Remington and the .223 Remington with lighter bullets. You can also compare their loads too. AA1680 with a 123 grain bullet in the 7.62x39 M43 uses 28 grains maximum, DO63 only uses 25.0 grains for about the same velocity. Put 28 grains in and it's probably kaboom time! Explosia did make a lot of powders for Accurate in the past, but that doesn't mean the two are the same. Hence the word 'similar'." Western Powders are certainly keen to distance themselves from Explosia and their Lovex powders, but then they might have commercial reasons for that:

Does anyone know where I could buy Accurate A1680 powder. I'm in S Wales but travel to Bisley once a month and elsewhere, less frequently. Thanks.

I know of one young lad who is nearer the autism end of the spectrum who has done just that. Now lives in Cheltenham...

I am pro-moderator but have experienced extreme loss of accuracy on two occasions. One was .308 (.30 cal mod) and the other a .22LR. In both cases, bullets were clipping one side of the final "baffle"/end cap. If you are experiencing dramatic loss of accuracy (rather than shift of POI) with a mod fitted, get a DECENT gunsmith to check your muzzle-threading and moderator. Not all threading jobs are done well... I've also seen bullet-clipping with mod that has loosened during a string of shots (not me). Bullets that haven't stabilised (twist too slow, heavy subs for e.g.) can hit the mod but would also show poor accuracy without mod. A change in barrel harmonics could certainly cause point of impact to be higher but how would fps be increased by a mod?

I once shot a huge dog fox that had attacked a dog (West Highland terrier) in broad daylight. The dog was being walked through a wood. The fox was in excellent condition (apart from the bullet hole) so why the attack, I don't know. If a dog came across a dead cat (roadkill, for e.g.), I'm sure it would take the carcass. This might give the impression it had killed the cat, which I'm sure it's capable of (tastes like chicken, after all.)

I've had this problem but mine is a "slip-on" type. It has a thick rubber tube (stiff) that slides over the eyepiece of the scope. Twice now I've had inexcusable misses, rezero'd and it's been bang-on thereafter. I now check zero in the field, before hunting. I think the zero shift is because the tube can move in relation to the scope if pushed or twisted (though not easily.)

I've had some that were supersonic and impacted significantly above the rest of the group.

My .357 says "Super Redhawk" on the barrel. I didn't know the "Redhawk" was over here in LBR guise, though I'm not up on this.

Not wanting to seem selfish but I'm glad the gun shop is ok.

Oh no! I go there quite regularly.

Do you mean Super Redhawk?

Thank you for putting the icing on the cake! Mine were the lucky kids and I'm grateful to you and AdgeCutler for the opportunity this gives them.

Whether it's deliberate or not, you are right. This is what *should* happen but of those involved in the process, GP,/Police/applicant, only one has any motive for making it work- the applicant.

The actual time taken to tick the boxes isn't a problem. Getting the records of a patient (who may never have met their GP), reviewing them and then making a judgement (which arguably is more suited to a psychiatrist than a GP) with possible repercussions, all takes time. The first tick box on the form: "do you have concerns about your patient being issued with FAC/Shotgun certificate" might lead many GPs simply to tick "yes" on the basis that they would have concerns about *anybody* having a gun. Remember, very few will have ever shot, but a surprisingly large number will have encountered gunshot trauma in the course of training and electives, or gory forensics lectures at the least. This does not lead Drs to be pro-gun. I'm not a GP but I know primary care is not happy place right now. This FAC issue is not healthcare provision, it is one of the many, many pieces of bureaucracy that add to the workload and contribute to longer waits for appts. The BMA is not the boss of Drs. It can negotiate all it likes but there is nothing binding in agreements it reaches with other organisations. The NHS is dying (being killed, actually) so this is just seems like rearranging chairs on the titanic. Once Virgin health (or one of the other conglomerates) take over, everything will be fine and the fees for this sort of service will drop... oh, wait... no it won't. They will be even more litigation-averse or much more profit-driven. That's what they're in business for.

I'd like to thank Adge Cutler on behalf of my young'uns, as the lucky recipients of his generous donation (and Walker570 for the cartridges.) I told them tonight- they are buzzing with excitement! When the time comes, I'll pass this favour on.

Submitted a response. Had to upload it as a Word file, annoyingly.

From Hodgdon's excellent website, the data for the 69gr Sierra Matchking, below. Sierra say you can load TMKs to same charge and OAL as the SMK but at AR mag length I found the 77gr TMKs are seated further into the case; I dropped the charge a little. I'd work up from the starting load pasted from Hodgdon, below. BULLET WEIGHT 69 GR. SIE HPBT Manufacturer Hodgdon PowderH4895 Bullet Diameter .224" C.O.L. 2.235" Starting Load Grains 24.0 Velocity (ft/s )2,870 Pressure 41,100 CUP Maximum Load Grains 26.0 Velocity (ft/s)3,069 Pressure 49,700 CUP Be aware, some bullet seating dies will dent the jacket of the TMK, especially if high neck tension, poor chamfer, compressed load. I customised my seater to eliminate the issue. Good luck with the TMKs, the guns ai've tried them in, like them.

I like the 95gr SST as a "do anything" bullet in Tikka T3 varmint.. I've used it for fox to fallow buck, but nothing bigger. I prefer it to the 100gr Gameking, Prohunter, Speer SPBT and Hornady offerings. More accurate, a little faster/flatter and expands fine in fox. I believe Hornady sell factory loadings of the 95gr SST as part of their Superformance line-up. A 75gr SST option was in the pipeline a few years ago: would probably be ideal if your biggest quarry is Roe http://edgarbrothers.com/pages/Hornady-Superformance-243-Win-75gr-SST-Ballistic-Tip2.aspx?pageid=3527 The higher velocity of the 75gr bullet might increase meat damage; not a problem I've had with 95gr.

The Volquartsen barrel should be free-floated. If mine was only printing golf-ball groups at 50 I'd be very disappointed. My VQ barrelled 10-22 shoots well with Win subs, Eley Subs, SK-standard plus, Eley Club etc. It's not that fussy but remember not all ammo will chamber in the match chamber. Check the barrel clamp is correctly fitted and tight, free-float the barrel (Boyds Evo stock or similar) and sort the trigger. Don't use mod until it's shooting well without.

Davyo, I've just had the same news from a best mate of my age (early 40's) He's been living out in NZ and just found out he's got widespread cancer. He had palliative radiotherapy and is flying back to UK to meet up with mates and be with family at the end. We are all getting together next weekend for a night out then a music festival! It's what he wants. He's just one of the nicest people I've ever met and led a blameless life. Can't believe it. Next weekend is going to be so strange but I'm just going to try and be his mate as normal. Good luck, be strong.

Is that stress? I'll keep them all from now on, unless there's something else you should do? I'm a novice- it's a genuine question.

Today been out on the kayak off Thurlestone (nr Salcombe, S Devon)- kids were hauling in 5-6 at a time. We returned lots but kept 12 good ones. Stopped fishing after ten mins.