Recent content by drayks

I bought virgin 450 SMC brass from Double Tap and use that small primer stout brass for keeping loads for my PCCs easy to tell apart from my 45 pistol loadings. It helps that the PCCs have a fully supported chamber and can be loaded to higher levels (+P) than pistol, so far has worked great for...

There would be no way to find copies of the original stamps. On a "sporterized" K98 from the father-in-law, I did stamp the caliber (8x57JS) on the barrel just so some future person would know for sure what ammo it takes. Still can't believe the world's militaries didn't mark caliber as a...

The ORIGINAL twist rate for military M16 was 1/14. In Arctic cold weather (dense air) testing they found out bullets wouldn't stabilize, hence VERY poor accuracy. Went to 1/12 immediately for 20" barrel and 55 grain FMJ used in Vietnam era. As poster BB57 states excellently, every lead core...

I sort my small primer 45 Auto brass by headstamp, then case weight after trimming for my PCCs only. I have seen case weights from 78 to 93 grains for Winchester brass, this is extremely hard to manage that much variation and KNOW when the powder charge weight is off. The BLAZER and *FEDERAL*...

Historical Note. Our word cartridge derives from the French word "cartouche" which was the paper(cardboard) tubular wrap that enclosed the ball(bullet) and powder(propellant) for one loading. The ripped open paper was used as wadding so the bullet didn't roll out of a lowered musket barrel...

MidwayUSA offers a Universal Screwdriver Set. 100+ driver and bit set with many specialty bits like rebound spring installer. Some guys critiqued the set as brittle, but I have been EXTREMELY happy with set so far, using it more than Brownells set and S&W set I have. The price a few months ago...

80 degrees F is optimum vehicle battery output ability temperature. Cold reduces output ability because of slower chemical reactions. 0 degrees F battery output is between 1/4 and 1/2 of optimal. The purpose of putting battery in freezer for storage is to essentially stop internal chemical...

For long term lead/acid battery storage, have battery in fully charged state, remove from vehicle, clean outside of battery with water to remove any acid residues, and place in FREEZER. When going to reconnect in vehicle, allow time for battery to adjust to ambient temperature. Reconnect and...

I was really glad when someone started offering a glass replacement for my DUO-Measure reservoir. Can't remember the company name, but got one that is pretty TALL. Wish he offered a Short one too, but glad to have measure back in service. Anyone suggest something for outlet spout replacement?

Just reminding the uninitiated that a reamer is NEVER turned backwards-to do so will damage and dull the cutting flute edge. Use tap fluid and very gradual light pressure to start-not like boring hole with drill bit. $.02

Put a low mount Allchin on my 617, only problem is then finding a holster. Anyone have an answer for that?

Primer cup sheared I bought a couple thousand commercially reloaded 45ACPs from a National once-fired brass supplier. They apparently had been in a FLOOD and underwater. They were sold as takedowns ONLY, just for components. When I tried to fire some, about 1 in 8 would not fire. Either the...

I have to agree with the 21st Century priming tool as the BEST as far as adjustable and precision function. Has changeable center for Large or Small primer size, changeable outer ring set for particular cartridge rim. Also, precision adjustable for depth of seating. Still have (3) other...

Loctite 222 I like to "snug" gun screws to easy-does-it tight, but find use of NON Hardening Loctite is my go-to. Loctite #222 is rated at LOW strength and will keep a screw from backing out from vibration or firing. Great to use on optics. Just remember to clean screw and threads of oil and...

Looking to buy VFG brand 22 Cal barrel cleaning wool felts that are INTENSIVE (green). Have other caliber felts to swap if desired. PM if you are interested in sell/swap.