jonnnyboy

Hunter .44 Magnum CF Blued/Black - 22” length with DEAD-ON Mount Would you cut this to 16 or 18 or leave it longer before threading? I'm thinking 18" barrel using a 300gr bullet traveling 1000fps would be perfect for a can.

A few years ago I went through a phase where I was very interested in NFA items but also very unhappy with the attendant long wait to acquire such items. Now, with the possibility of the Hearing Protection Act going through this session, I am once again thinking in terms of silence. During my earlier phase, I enjoyed handloading "mouse fart" or "cat sneeze" loads for many of my guns including a 44mag single shot rifle. I was able to get a small dose of Red Dot to reliably cause the bullet to exit and create a very low-tenored sound signature. It wasn't good for much except the occasional backyard rabbit or marauding possum in the flowerbeds as the rainbow trajectory negated any distance shooting. Now, I'm thinking of the possibility of a can on the end of that single shot rifle and subsonic handloads. From all of my research and limited playtime, I am interested in trying to develop a load that stays subsonic with the heaviest bullets and fastest powders. I think this would take the basic 3ooblk up to a whole new level without the added problems of having to make the gun's action cycle or rounds fit a magazine. I started to ask Dolomite privately but changed my mind and figured I wasn't the first to have these crazy ideas. What do you guys think?

"Which came first; the chicken or the egg!" Or in other words, do you choose your favorite gun and then reload for it OR do you choose your favorite gun because you can reload for it? (Does that even make sense? LOL!) I find that my favorite gun is always one that I can also enjoy the handloading development process for it. When I feel like reloading 38s or 357 magnums, usually a revolver or the H&R becomes the number one gun I pick up to take to the range. During hunting season, the favorite gun became either the deer rifle or the 300 blackout I was experimenting with. Now, I have a new favorite. I'm on a reloading trek for 9mm. Lots of 9mm. 9mm in all flavors! Recently, I was able to finish the Palmetto State Armory AR9 that I have been waiting on for almost 9 months. They finally got the upper in that I was hoping for and it's now paired with the Glock lower and an inexpensive red dot sight bought on sale from Amazon. I discovered that with that gun and some of my handloads, I can consistently ring the 6" gong at 100 yards. It's a hoot getting that small gong swinging and trying to hit it as fast as you can. Is it a problem that I have to reload a lot of new 9mm ammo? What's your favorite fun gun right now?

In today's market, I believe the single shot rifle is a "niche" gun. The prevalence of bolt, semi-autos (both military style and civi-style) and even pump rifles all outweigh the firepower of a single shot rifle. Yet, I like them. They force me to enjoy the whole experience of shooting and not just the thrill of pulling the trigger and hearing "bang" like the semi-autos do! When I shoot my single shot rifles, I take much more time preparing the shot and then following through. For me, it is a natural partner to my handloading endeavors. I took a friend who is just beginning to shoot to the range today and let them shoot my H&R Handi in 357. A whole handful of 38's took almost 30 minutes to shoot and we spent more time smiling than shooting because of the tinny plink sound that slow bullet made on the steel out at 110 yards. It's a whole different kind of fun shooting those bullets just one at a time. Thinking back over the last few years, I would have been just as adept at hunting with a single shot rifle as with my bolts. Each of the last 6 or 7 deer were one shot drops, something that a single shot could have accomplished. Still, I grab that bolt .308 as if my life depends on it!!! LOL! Anyway, I just like 'em and I'm glad there's another manufacturer to fill H&R's vacuum. Now if only Henry would make a single shot rifle in 357 and price it competitively with CVA, I would be a happy boy.

I've always been enamored of single shot guns. Just something about their simplicity catches my attention and I enjoy taking my time in the shooting of them. It's very hard to "spray and pray" with a single shot. With the conclusion of H&R, I've been watching CVA on Bud's closely for a 44 magnum rifle. I really like that stainless and camoed stock 44 they are carrying. Now, within the last couple of days there arises a newcomer! https://www.henryusa.com/rifles/single-shot-rifle/ Hhmmmmm!

If you can get it at a good deal, get it. You won't be sorry. Easily used across many calibers with lots of load data available.

I think the reason I asked this question is I am waiting now to see what will happen in the first 12 months of the new presidency. I've jumped through the hoops once for that initial 22 suppressor and I have to admit it was worth it. My issue is there are a number of other options I would like to try and the prohibitive cost of the suppressor coupled with the tax stamp really puts a wet blanket on things. Even waiting on the Form 1 for so long just seems too prolonged to maintain the excitement of development and discovery! I'm hoping for a situation where building, owning, shooting a suppressor will be totally sans tax stamp. I would love to design my own can or even source the materials from the firearms market that I think would develop; think AR-15 style parts availability. Just thinking out loud here . . .

threaded barrel?

What does the "Hearing Protection Act" mean to those who might want to build their own suppressors?

I've never completely bought into the black rifle mystique but slowly over time I'm coming around. The versatility and changeability of the system make it attractive to the firearms enthusiast who likes to play with gun stuff. It really is the "Barbie Doll" for guys that I always heard it was. Of the three calibers I've played with in this format (5.56, 300blk, 9mm) the 9mm is my present "fun gun." With all that said, "black rifles" may continue to increase market share based solely on its availability and appeal to younger shooters. I hope so just to see where all this development goes. Very interesting!!! I hope the prices continue to lower if for no other reason than it allows more folks to become involved in shooting.

I just checked Kentucky Gun Co website and they are listing an Anderson AM-15 optic ready for $429.99. That's one of the cheapest prices I've seen in a while. I'm hoping this is a portent of things to come.

This is my first year with the 300 BLK so no hunting results yet there. It actually was the 300 that caused me to research and try the light for caliber Nosler with the 308. I'm hoping to put both to the test here in a couple of weeks. I've only found one 150gr bullet over the years from the 308 and that was a lengthwise shot that ended up under the skin under the neck. What a mess! I had a quartering away shot that was solid until the deer hunched down to jump a small limb just as the trigger broke. No blood for about 25 yards through a very tight thicket but at 30 yards the blood trail was unmistakeable. I salvaged the meat by acting fast to get him cleaned up and washed out but I hope to never make one of those shots again.

I've been loading some 300 BLK and 308 win for a while now trying to get them dialed in. The 300 BLK is on at 100 yards for me with the Hornady 125 SST but I recently got my hands on some Barnes Blacktips 110 that I want to give a try as well. Everyone speaks well of them, so thought I would jump on board also. The 308 is shooting well with 125 Nosler Ballistic Tips. I really like the 125 grainers after years of shooting 150's and 180's. Nice little thump on both ends of the gun!!

plunk test always works for me

plunk test always works for me

Since the bcg is the same between 556 and 300blk, I would pull a bcg out of a working gun and try it in the pistol. This will give you some idea of which parts are being problematic. I'm betting a new extractor will be your answer. PSA AR15 Extractor - 1346 $13.99 in stock at Palmetto State Armory

I vote a good revolver, blue and chambered in 38 special accompanied with his first personal reloading manual.

I have never used Hornady dies and have always been pleased with my Lee dies. I get the "bump" sometimes as well and notice it occurs with certain types of brass, also. If the "bump" bothers you, then by all means try another brand. Life is too short to be irritated over little things! Sell the set you don't want and two people will be happy, you with new dies and someone else with new-to-them dies. Let us know what you find with another set of dies, please.

A while back I put together a 300blk pistol that I really enjoy shooting. Now, I'm giving some thought to SBR'ing that upper. I have been researching different sites including this one and find a bewildering array of information. I'm not a complete neophyte when it comes to NFA as I did a Form 4 for a suppressor about 3 years ago. Still, I have a lot of questions concerning engraving and filling out the form (individual) correctly. Are there any websites or web-pages that address the simple facts (LOL, yeah I know!!!) of SBR'ing an ar-15? Where did you guys get your answers? thanks

I spent a few minutes this afternoon shooting and began by marking my brass with a purple Sharpie. Ended up only losing one piece of brass and I'm sure that one was hiding in the grass chuckling at me as I looked high and low. It's nice to look at a brass case and immediately know if it's yours or not. I may also try the unzipped brasscatcher. Thanks Bluemailman.

I'm leaning toward using the Sharpie to mark the cases across the bottom. Also, I'm contemplating a fine-mesh fishing/landing net that could be mounted somehow to catch the flying 223 brass.

i have started reloading 223 and 300 blk after reloading pistol for more than 25 years. I am also a member of a small range where very few pick up their spent brass so I often spend more time just scrounging brass than shooting! LOL! I have been working on small lots of Lake City brass preparing them for my rifles. After shooting, I find that my prepped brass is mingling with the other brass that's already on the ground. It's hard to tell which have been prepped by me and which were already there. Here's my question: how do you all mark your brass so you can easily identify it from others? I could try one of the brass catchers but they don't have universally great reviews and even more costly, I would have to have one for each gun. How do you guys mark your brass? thanks, j

I have been using the Hornady spray lube for a while now but have been reading up on other types of case lube.  One of them is the lanolin/Iso-heet mixture that I keep seeing over and over.  Everyone seems to be pretty happy with the cost and effectiveness of this type.  I have a couple of questions for those who have experience with Lanolin lube:   1. Does the lanolin compromise the primer/powder?   If so, does that mean you must re-clean the brass after sizing and before priming/charging?   2. How do you adequately lube the inside of the case neck?   I find this type lube very interesting as it appeals to my cheap side and appears relatively easy to make.  I'm just trying to make sure I don't misunderstand anything before ordering the lanolin off the internet.   thanks j

I have read many times about reloaders using "pulled" bullets for plinking and practice rounds.  What are your opinions and/or experience with them?  Like or dislike?   Also, where would be a good place for me to get some to try?  I'm especially interested in 30 cal plinkers for a 300blk build.   thanks

Reasons I reload:   1.  I just plain enjoy the hobby.  It's almost mind-numbingly relaxing after a hard day.  Just turn the stereo on with my favs from the 80's and a big glass of sweet tea and I'm off to the races.   2.  It don't matter who is president if I have a big ole bucket of brass, a keg of carefully chosen powder, a couple thousand bullets and some hoarded up primers.  Ammo can disappear from the shelves for a while but I can keep on enjoying my shooting.   3.  Sometimes, I get just a little weird and want to make a unique combination of ammo.  Recently, I wanted to see how quiet a cast 9mm I could load for a pistol cal carbine without sticking a bullet.  I was able make one that would clear the barrel, regularly hit the target at 20 yards and sounded no louder than a finger-snap.  (gave me a big smile)  You can't buy stuff like that.   4.  I like reloading!  (Oh, I mentioned that before.)  You see, I didn't mention saving money.  I don't save money.  My hobbies are not about saving money.  My hobbies give me pleasure and if I can afford them then the money is not the issue.   So, the more important question you might think on would be, "Would I enjoy reloading for it's own sake?"  Give it a try, you might find you really like it, too.