I had a pro 1000 for years and, after initial difficulties for a new reloader, it worked well. I shot a lot back then, mostly light loads for indoor ppc league. Then I started having issues, same as others have already mentioned.

I recently picked up a 550. I am now trying to figure out why I didn't upgrade sooner!! There is absolutely no comparison between the two machines. Do whatever it takes and get a Dillon, you will not be disappointed!

Quote from: my_old_glock on September 26 2017 07:10:34 PM MDT

If a specific bullet requires (X) amount of energy/power to completely pass through a bear, there is little reason to shoot a bullet that gives you (X + some extra power). If a 200-grain solid bullet needs 600ft/lbs of energy to pass through a bear and that can be achieved with a G20, there is no reason to get the longer barreled G40 to increase the energy.

In a perfect world on a relaxed critter I'd say this is true. In the real world we all know stuff happens, so the X amount of energy required theory doesn't work. Hunters, as one example, everywhere have stories of the "perfect shot" that failed to achieve the desired result. Again stuff happens. To say I only need X amount of energy is silly, in my opinion. Most definitely, in many cases this theory is sound. I think it's fairly safe to say though, that most of us aren't armed because of the normal situations in every day life. We're armed for the, admittedly few (hopefully never!), occasions when things go south in a hurry. In those instances I bet there are very few who didn't wish for the biggest, baddest gun/load available. More, short of total overkill, IS better.

Thanks again! Agreed, revolvers (single action Ruger Bisleys in my case) are too heavy for hiking. I don't put on too many miles hunting, so it's not much of an issue for me.

Thank you for all the load info. What was the reason for the longer tube (not that any of us need one), state hunting regs? Off the shelf barrel?

Is that a 7" barrel on the G40 Ridgerunner?? I'm contemplating an aftermarket bbl for mine, for shooting heavy hardcast. The thought has crossed my mind to go a bit longer, if for no other reason than to be able to tell at a glance which one is in the gun.

Back to the topic at hand, I got the G40 for solo hiking in black bear country. 5-1/2" is minimum barrel length legal for hunting where I live, so it only made sense. While I might hunt with it just because, I have handguns that are better suited to that task....

Thanks guys for all the info, and the OP for starting the thread.

I really like this one http://www.2aholster.com/product/litepath-chest-holster/  muzzle down, for my Glock 40 mos. Great guy to deal with too.....and fast!

At what ranges, and conditions, do you routinely practice??? Beyond that is too far.

With my single actions I sight in at 50 yards and shoot out to 75. Beyond 75 is too far for me, with those handguns. We'll see what happens when I get my grock 40.....

Please elaborate for me on the problems with cast bullets. They're all I use in my hunting handguns with excellent results, both internally and externally. All copper bullets, in my limited experience with rifles, have their own set of problems.