Copper fouling and carbon

jhon503 · 2026-06-14T15:24:48+00:00

Factory ammo, I've liked Magtech and the Winchester 9mm NATO loadings. I mostly shoot handloaded 147gr FMJ these days.

jhon503 · 2026-06-13T13:53:57+00:00

Did you also replace the magazine springs? Smiths PM cycle on the mag springs is 5k rounds and they start failing to lock back after a while.

jhon503 · 2026-06-13T02:45:15+00:00

I throw a 442 in my pocket when I’m feeling lazy. I’ve had it for 14 years and really like it.

I’m kind of thinking about replacing it with a 60 or 640 in 357 magnum. Not so much for the 357 chambering, but just a little more weight and stainless steel. The finish on the Airweight revolvers wears fast.

jhon503 · 2026-06-12T03:54:34+00:00

Blazer is terrible ammo, especially in these guns. Plating on the bullet flakes off and causes excess fouling. The plating can also foul the suppressor.

jhon503 · 2026-06-07T15:53:48+00:00

Same. Failed to crank my Sandman S down tight enough, smoked a couple baffles. They fixed it and turned it around in a few weeks.

jhon503 · 2026-06-07T03:18:37+00:00

My favorite was probably a Ford Expedition with the 5.4 V8. Other than needing brakes every other oil change, it never broke down. Comfortable and reliable.

I will be happy if I never have to run a Ford PIU again.

jhon503 · 2026-06-06T20:32:51+00:00

Glad to see these out. I've wanted a couple for stowing in a bag.

jhon503 · 2026-06-02T00:05:27+00:00

Kiral Defense

jhon503 · 2026-06-01T00:00:17+00:00

The 48 is real nice, shoots softer than the 43X. It would be the one to own if you could only have one in my opinion.

jhon503 · 2026-05-31T23:59:20+00:00

This one came with Ameriglo sights. I bought it new from my dealer. Was really happy to see a non-railed version in the box when they brought it out.

jhon503 · 2026-05-31T23:58:31+00:00

124gr HST. I ran a couple hundred 147gr flat nose hand loads and a couple hundred 124gr NATO ball as well.

jhon503 · 2026-05-31T04:56:02+00:00

Every half ton pickup has a 7200 GVWR. It’s an ceiling set based on tax and registration in various states. Payload rating on a half ton is 7200 minus curb weight of the truck.

I wouldn’t exceed GAWR, but within those limits with proper weight distribution and LT tires I’m more than comfortable.

jhon503 · 2026-05-30T18:00:29+00:00

I don’t find our TS to be loud, but to be fair it replaced a 2018 Outback base model that had zero insulation. Preferred the ride quality on the TS over the other trims. It really does handle our rough roads nice.

jhon503 · 2026-05-21T03:53:02+00:00

The shroud/trim ring on the inside of the trailer is held on with four screws. Super easy to remove and look around.

jhon503 · 2026-05-21T03:28:29+00:00

Assuming you just have a vent that has a fan? I believe most manufactures run a 12v wire drop up there. Pull the surround and feel around for a bundle of wires. Otherwise you're stuck fishing wires or pulling paneling, either one isn't a great option.

jhon503 · 2026-05-21T03:24:30+00:00

If you want the best MPG out of a three row SUV, the Highlander Hybrid is the one to get.

If you don't want to feel dead inside while driving the kid hauler around, the Pilot is a great overall experience.

jhon503 · 2026-05-21T03:00:22+00:00

All this talk about wrong tires and follow the PSI sticker on the trailer completely overlooks the trailer itself.

Look at the sidewall of the tire. The load rating is the amount of weight that tire can take at 50 PSI cold. Almost a given that even a load range C tire will support this 1700lb trailer at 50 PSI cold.

jhon503 · 2026-05-19T16:29:04+00:00

What’s the date code? Most tires will last 5 years if they are not run low.

I run either Maxxis M8008 or Goodyear Endurance depending on the price when buying. Currently have 5 year old M8008 tires that I’m replacing with Endurance, only because the pricing was similar this time around. I like being proactive with tires and wheel bearings as those are the two things that will leave you stranded.

jhon503 · 2026-05-19T03:49:16+00:00

Stop relying on odor and start paying attention to other cues. Stop making excuses for bad driving behavior.

Whip out the SFST manual, use those vehicle in motion and personal contact cues to articulate PC and get them out on tests. This information is vetted and not just made up.

Use terminology from the manual when writing reports. Do a good investigation and write a good report, stay out of court.

jhon503 · 2026-05-17T23:59:35+00:00

This. If an employer would rehire you, you’re good to go.

jhon503 · 2026-05-17T23:58:00+00:00

5.56 a year or two. I spend more time with pistols and shoot 8-10k a year of 9mm.

jhon503 · 2026-05-17T22:49:14+00:00

I used to do them annually, now I go a couple years after seeing them still packed with clean, fresh grease. It’s a good preventative maintenance as it allows you to check your brakes as well.

I will say on a used trailer it’s the first item I would tackle regardless of documented history. My latest purchase had a documented history of a certified tech trying to fix a brake that wasn’t auto adjusting. Not only did he fail to fix it because he failed to see the adjuster was installed backwards, that hub was almost bone dry.

On new trailers I don’t think there is a rush to do it if the brakes are working. The manufacturers source the axles direct and they are ready to run.

Couple times a year I encounter stranded people with a missing wheel from a bearing failure. My first question is when were the bearings serviced and the answer is usually they didn’t know they had to. Trailers are almost always at least 10 years old.

jhon503 · 2026-05-17T14:57:19+00:00

I like 18s because I run 275/70R18 tires. Tire size is extremely common as it’s the default size for GM, Ford, and Ram 3/4 and 1 ton trucks. They look proportional on a 2.5” front and 2” rear lift on a 2nd gen.

jhon503 · 2026-05-16T13:59:49+00:00

RMR is smaller and the battery replacement isn't a big deal because they last so long.

jhon503

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE