I’m not a competition shooter, just a big kid who appreciates fine craftsmanship (thank you Kirk & co.) and enjoys things that go boom! There are some who know 10 times as much!
The final two educational sources have been trial & error. Here’s what I’ve learned, so far;- Norma brass is great. I bought 100 cases from Huntington (http://www.huntingtons.com/CasesNorma.html)
21123 45 Sharps Basic 2.88" (Bag of 20) 28.98
- On Kenny’s recommendation, I use Goex 1f canon powder. Using 1f In the Pacific Northwet, fouling is not an issue. So far, I’ve shot 20 rounds between cleaning patches and accuracy is still within 1 MOA (assuming I do my part and can actually see the target through the smoke!).
- The Norma cases require surprisingly little trimming but I made the bonehead mistake of trimming the new brass to 2.874” before FL sizing. Don’t do that or you, too will wonder why your cartridge won’t chamber. You’ll then re-measure the case and discover it is now at 2.900”. FL size and [u]then[/u] trim to length.
- Don’t try to adjust your new Buffalo Arms compression die until you are ready to load, or you, too will discover that the case mouth must be properly flared via the expander die to avoid dinging your new, expensive brass!
- My Dillon 550B press works great, although for the 45-110 I revert to ‘manual’ – progressing one shell at a time.
- The folks at Redding were very friendly and helpful with my die selection.
Here’s my load ‘recipe’ – use at your own risk;
1. Full-length size Norma brass
2. Trim brass to 2.874”
3. Prime using Federal 210
4. Flare case mouth just enough to seat bullet and guide BA compression die
5. Drop 108.5 grains of Goex 1f
6. Install BA .060 poly wad over powder column
7. Compress overpowder wad & powder to obtain OAL of 3.658” with Lyman 457132 (0.784 below case mouth)
8. Size Lyman 457132 535 grain Postell bullet to .458” & lube with SPG
9. Seat bullet against overpowder wad **
10. Full-length size completed cartridge a second time to ensure proper chambering
** Run the seating stem in enough so that cartridge is not roll crimped.
Finally, the most important thing I’ve learned is that nothing can compare with the feeling you get when your 8-year old son wants to help Dad cast bullets and load cartridges for the “Squigley”. Ray J got to shoot it for the first time yesterday, too. Talk about a look of wide-eyed surprise tinged with pride! Wow!!
Thank you all for your friendly, informative posts and Merry Christmas, too!
All the Best,
Steve
It'll never out shoot a 45/90 
, more on that later 
,) and 
, Mr. Gunny- AKA-knuckle dragger, I'll be at that DAM match and with a 45/90, straight black load and all, I'll use my tried and true 45/70 for that DAM grudge match and you better be packing MR. Gunny and I don't mean your luggage for a trip. Want to make a side bet 
What say Mr. Gunny 
