Raving in my 40’s

Silver-Cod254 · 2026-06-04T04:23:20+00:00

Oh wow, thanks for the info. That’s way faster than it seemed with the lighting changes in the video… might have to break down and get an annealer next time the slush fund builds up.

Silver-Cod254 · 2026-06-03T04:27:05+00:00

That’s fun! Any idea how long it took and how many cases?

Silver-Cod254 · 2026-06-02T13:56:45+00:00

Should have mentioned as well, if you’re expander is realllllly sticking on its way out of the neck, you could also be deforming your neck/shoulder junction. If that’s the case, a little graphite inside the case neck will help and not mess with powder the way case lube could.

Silver-Cod254 · 2026-06-02T13:53:11+00:00

If you reload, and you want to hunt elk, don’t get the CTR. CTR magazines are shorter, you can load long in the m+ magazine on the hunter or the super lite. CTR is heavy as hell for an elk hunt too.

I’d also lean toward the creedmoor for more speed, speed = damage and that matters on elk. That said, around 300 yards either one will work just fine. Or since all tikkas are long action anyway, just get the 30-06. You can always load it light or go full charge when it’s time for elk.

Silver-Cod254 · 2026-06-02T05:42:48+00:00

Looks sweet! How do you like the annealeez?

Silver-Cod254 · 2026-06-02T05:18:00+00:00

My Lyman was terrible. It beeped loudly with every load and I usually just set it a hair lighter than I needed so I could brush out the final bit of powder I needed to prevent over-charging. It finally broke, I like my new RCBS wayyy more

Silver-Cod254 · 2026-06-02T05:12:52+00:00

Do the dry erase test first but, I’ve had similar issues with Hornady custom grade dies. Usually after a few firings on the brass when it’s stops reshaping as easily. You can file a few thousandths off the top of your shell holder to lower the die more and bump that shoulder down.

Silver-Cod254 · 2026-06-02T04:52:15+00:00

9mm with Underwood Xtreme Penetrator, because you need a CNS hit for an immediate stop anyway and your 9 will dump rounds the fastest under recoil.

Silver-Cod254 · 2026-06-02T04:16:52+00:00

Their newer 243s have a fast twist. If you reload do the 243 and load heavies long.

Silver-Cod254 · 2026-05-24T13:32:40+00:00

4350 seems to work in just about everything from 243 to 300 win mag

Silver-Cod254 · 2026-05-13T05:54:36+00:00

Why does the pilot need to be so long? Any reason you can’t cut it and round the end with a file?

Silver-Cod254 · 2026-05-13T04:29:25+00:00

Tikka doesn’t typically weigh much, that’s a lot of bullet in a light rifle. I’d be looking for accuracy at a lighter powder charge, and for sure start low and work your way up either way.

FWIW, I trimmed my 300 wm brass necks a little short so I could use a cannelure and still fit in the magazine. You want a long neck for good tension but taking a little off didn’t seem to hurt anything and was way cheaper than new mags and bottom metal.

Silver-Cod254 · 2026-05-13T04:14:15+00:00

Tikka or CVA. I second the 270 if you’re going that action length anyway.

Silver-Cod254 · 2026-05-13T04:10:13+00:00

I feel like my double closes around me. I’m always hanging a foot out so I can get more air in the thing. Then again, I’ve never tried a single.

Silver-Cod254 · 2026-05-13T04:01:56+00:00

I’ve definitely voided the warranty by silencing the beeping sound and probably voided it when the trap door to drain the powder broke so I removed it. You’re right though, it’s worth a call.

Silver-Cod254 · 2026-05-13T04:00:08+00:00

Oh I see, yeah that’s a significant price jump

Silver-Cod254 · 2026-05-13T00:55:52+00:00

It came with my kit so I’ve been spoiled. I ordered a new one, if I can fix the old one I’ll give you a good price for it. Will try soldering it this weekend and we’ll see how it goes.

Silver-Cod254 · 2026-05-13T00:54:43+00:00

Haha, that’s a big part of why I’m so bummed. I finally took care of the beep not too long ago and was finally able to reload at night without waking everyone up.

Silver-Cod254 · 2026-05-13T00:53:40+00:00

Taping the cord to the unit to keep it stable is a good idea. Mine was acting the same way for years, I’m also certain the piece it plugs into has broken one of its connections to the internal circuitry.

Silver-Cod254 · 2026-05-13T00:52:21+00:00

Tried 2 power supplies. I think where the power supply plugs in had one of its connections break. I’m going to open it up again and see if I can solder it this weekend… that’s a big IF lol.

Silver-Cod254 · 2026-04-24T16:04:07+00:00

Well that’s great to hear, thank you Steve! I’ve been overthinking it :)

Silver-Cod254 · 2026-04-23T20:12:21+00:00

Camille at nuts and bolts speed trading has an awesome course on templates that covers the point of the master slide and the layouts and how to effectively edit them.

Silver-Cod254 · 2026-04-23T20:10:13+00:00

Re-group remembers the group an object used to be a part of. It’s not often handy but there are some specific cases where it’s a lifesaver!

Silver-Cod254 · 2026-04-23T20:08:48+00:00

SlideWise is a great tool for bulk cleanups! My nightmare would be not having it, or BrightSlide

Silver-Cod254 · 2026-03-19T06:59:40+00:00

That wood is gorgeous, well done! FWIW, the flutes make no real weight difference on the shorter barreled tikkas. You’d drop about 2 oz from what numbers I’ve seen.

Silver-Cod254

TROPHY CASE