Jamie Jackson

I use a [url=http://www.smokersoutletonline.com/topomatic-cigarette-machine.html] TopoMatic[/url] machine to make my own (MYO) cigarettes.    I have tried a couple of methods for tobacco (smoking type) storage since '08.   I vacuum sealed 2 pounds of tobacco. I placed one in the deep freezer and one in one of my Gamma Lid 5 gallon buckets I use for intermittent storage goods.   I tried the Gamma Bucket after 1 year...it was as good as when I first sealed it. The next year I tried the one from the freezer...same results...good as new.   I am currently using a commercially package "can" (cardboard with vac and foiled sealed top on it) of [url=http://www.smokes-spirits.com/Productdetails.aspx/Tobacco/TopTobacco/opt/product/202/store/16/category/1763/campaign/0]Top tobacco[/url] I picked up at Walmart for about $9.00 IIRC. This one has simply been setting in a Gamma lidded bucket since '09. There was a hint of dryness to it when I opened it. I poured the tobacco into a 6"x11" Tupperware-like container, moistened a strip of paper towel, and placed it on top of the tobacco. I left it unopened for 2 hours. When I opened the container, the paper towel was dry and the tobacco re-moistened. Worked great.     FWIW...I've also stored [url=http://www.smokersoutletonline.com/backwoods-cigars.html%5D Backwoods Cigars%5B/url in my %5Burl=http://beprepared.com/food-storage/storage-containers.html?SC=GOOGLE&OC=GOOG035018&brand=40&gclid=CPLehID19LUCFQbqnAodokUAlA] Gamma Sealed[/url] bucket with good results after one year.   I would think that with the inherent moisture content of chewing tobacco it shouldn't be too difficult to store for a length of time.   I will probably pick up a few pouches to give it a try. Since I haven't been a tobacco chewing fella, could anyone recommend a good brand for my storage.experiment ?

I didn't know this was an option. Pretty interesting actually.   I received an e-mail with the below link related to this topic over the past few days. For others also unaware, here's that link: http://proteinwisdom.com/?p=46620

  I understand that many folks use lead bullets in Glocks, and that's a choice they're comfortable with. My personal preference is not to take that risk.   I use a Lone Wolf barrel in my 17 and really like that sucker for lead bullets.   I have loaded and shot more than 10,000 Berry's plated bullets through my Glock 19 with not a worry. Berry's has info on Glocks at their website IIRC. [url=http://www.berrysmfg.com/default.aspx?n=454414]Berry's Bullets[/url].       I've posted [url=http://www.humanevents.com/2010/06/08/barrels-and-bullets-conventional-versus-polygonal-rifling/] this link[/url] regarding polygonal rifling vs conventional in a previous thread. You might find the info helpful. I hope so. But to each their own.  Happy shooting. :pleased:

  Well...that'd explain why I never tried to use it...LOL     I have an extra of the old round type Autoprime stuck back. It's good to know the handle from the newer one will work. I have broken the handle on one or two...but definitely being able to feel the primer seat properly.

    I honestly do.   I've taken 4 hr and 8 hr classes and I've definitely found them worthwhile, more so dependent on the instructor and venue. I've taken 2-3 and 6 day classes as well. Fatigue can be a factor in prolonged classes, but it's dependent on the structure as to how that may impact your learning.   A multi day class scenario allows you the time to begin to develop skills to practice, but more importantly allows the instructor an honest chance to observe, monitor, and give the appropriate feedback and correction to subtleties they may notice. Perfect practice makes perfect, and it's very difficult, if not impossible, to view ourselves through unbiased lens. imho, that viewing and feedback is why we pay the instructors.   But whatever your choice, take the plunge into professional training. I think you'll honestly appreciate the true value in it.   Good Luck to you.

Welcome aboard.   I'm a transplant from Pearl River County MS. They haven't brought out the tar and feathers...yet... :cool:

I still have and use my Lee single stage press, primarily for rifle cartridges, and .38 spl. I've had it since the mid 1980's. I've always used an Autoprime in conjunction with this press...no problems at all.   I've never used the press priming function.   Good Luck.

Some of my fondest childhood memories are snipe hunting in MS...late at night until the wee hours.   I didn't realize there were any in TN. I have a few friends I need to take snipe hunting.   Burlap bags just aren't as easy to find anymore...

Just an addendum to my above post. There's always a level on trepidation recommending a source to a group as knowledgeable as the folks here. So it's good to hear positive feedback related to the recommendation. Thanks guys.

Excellent  and Thanks guys.   gun sane ...yer right my friend. He helped me with some load development. Buddy is a very nice and helpful guy.     Pretty darn fast shipping biker. Good to hear.     I think you'll be pleased with his products Major Kong.

I just wanted to give a :up:  to a small family business out of  Greenville Texas.   I've recently received my 2nd 1000 rd order of 147 gr LFP bullets from [url=http://www.bslbullet.com/147-grain-flat-point-bevel-base-p-4.html] BSL Bullet Works[/url].   They are currently running $72.00 / 1000 with shipping included. I've run about 500 of them through my Lone Wolf barreled Glock 17 and I've been very pleased with them.   I have absolutely no business connection with BSL. But I repeatedly see posts where folks are saying they are having trouble getting anything and everything related to shooting...so I hope this helps some of you.   My goal is still to cast my own...I'm headed there. :pleased:  But these will help tide me over until I get my act together.   btw...It has taken about 2 weeks from order time to arrival in my limited experience with BSL thus far.   Also...they give a 10% discount for prior Military service and a 15% discount for active Military and Peace Officers. I appreciate that.    

You're welcome M&W.   3D targets are excellent for training.   Back before IDPA got bigtime, we used to host "Tactical" Matches back down in South MS. I would make 3D targets from old IPSC targets, placing balloons at various point...head-chest-pelvic girdle, clothe them and hang them up. Great for Failure Drills as well.   I based them off of these:   http://www.brownells.com/shooting-accessories/targets-accessories/targets/3d-cardboard-targets-prod40206.aspx   http://store.actiontarget.com/3dtargets/3d-target.html     I still have a couple of "Tactical Teds" that help with proper shot placement. I just tape over the holes with masking tape and they still serve well after many years and several classes.   http://thecurmudgeon.freeservers.com/fa-gear-targets-pg4.html   Unfortunately most ranges frown on their use. Some of these range folks are more of a curmudgeon than I am... :cool:

I dry fire and practice dry reloads as mentioned above.   I generally start and finish my range drills with Dot Targets. This helps me maintain focus on the basics, like trigger control, reset, and follow-through.   I reload...but components aren't exactly unlimited... I generally take at least 50 rounds of my 9mm and 50 rounds of .22   There are various Dot targets available to download online:   Example:   http://pistol-training.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/dot-torture-target.pdf   Paul Markel has some YouTube vids with his "Student of the Gun" series. A recent one is entitled: "Ammunition Shortage: Lesson Learned" and it has some decent tips/advice. I'm sure there are others out there in cyberspace.

I would urge you to consider training with Randy/Suarez in Chattanooga.   Seeking professional training such as he offers can be a paradigm shift...quite literally. And well worth the time and money.   There is a huge difference between shooting and learning to think outside the box as it relates to defensive skills (as I'm sure you already know). Randy will move you in the right direction.   Careful though...it can be addictive. :pleased:   As a disclaimer: I've trained with Gabe, and I've trained beside Randy and shot with him (been a while unfortunately), but definitely plan on taking a course from him...hopefully this year.   :2cents:

      Outstanding my Friend. Much obliged! :up:

Thanks for the head's up. :up:   I e-mailed a Buddy that needed some 7.62x39 and he moved on it in time. Much obliged.

You know...these seem to be hit and miss for folks.   I picked up several Kahn mags for my G 17 and G 19 when they first came about. While I agree that the feed lips don't "feel" exactly like my OEM Glock mags, after a bit of minor smoothing with fine grit sandpaper mine have functioned flawlessly. I use them and several of the newer KCI mags for IDPA, practice, and training. They proven very reliable for me. I've taken my factory Glock mags out of the mix. Of course they were around $10.00 each when I purchased them... $14.95 each/5 is pretty decent considering the current climate.   fwiw I only carry OEM Glock mags for CCW.

As long as they're keeping their prices pre- Bravo Sierra I wouldn't have a major issue with it. I do appreciate your frustration. I prefer to purchase my primers in 5000 lots.   The only way I can look at it is that it keeps the "re-sellers" from gouging. I know the best way to stop the gouging is to stop buying from those folks...I don't buy from them...but there's a lot of folks genuinely in need.   That's one of the things I appreciate most about TGO, the majority of members are looking out for each other.     edit: spelling ;)

Southern Ohio Gun (SOG) is a very reputable company. They have my C&R on file, and I dealt with them many years ago when I had an FFL.   [url=http://www.jgsales.com/c-r-guns-c-290.html]J&G[/url]  and [url=http://www.allans-armory.com/aa.php]Allan's Armory[/url] are other good and reliable sources.     But even what we've all considered as cheap rifles...$100.00 or so...seem to be very much in demand as well and bringing "high dollar" prices. For example most SKS's are running $300.00 plus. There are still bargains out there, but they move fast.   ... $800.00 per case 9mm and $250.00 boxes of .22 LR...I don't see how this is sustainable...but I try not to underestimate the stupidity of the general public. After-all, Obama was re-elected...

Tee shirts and athletic shirts here as well.   I've never understood paying for something when I can do it myself. We aren't cheap here...just frugal.   Besides, I'm saving up to buy a 22 LR cartridge. Maybe even 2 of them... :pleased:

I'm an XS Big Dot fan too ted. I know some folks say they aren't good at distance, but it really just take some trigger time behind them.   That being said, I wouldn't mind trying the Speed Sights...

Quality products and Integrity...Hard combination to beat.

I have about 10 of the Thermold 30 rd mags I picked up prior to the Clinton AWB ('94). They've given great service with no issues.   I don't have any experience with recent production Thermolds.   I hope you'll post back and let us know how they run for you.   Good find on the ammo as well. Looks like you've found a vendor with integrity. :up:

  LOL Buddy. I agree that at the distances we shoot in IDPA, IPSC/USPSA and such it is negligible.   POA vs POI vs fixed sights becomes more pronounced at greater distances, or when very precise shots are called for.   IIRC .38 spl and .357 mag 4"-6" barreled fixed sighted revolvers were set at 25 yards for 158 gr bullets, 45 acp Autoloaders with 230 gr bullets, .44spl revolvers for 240 gr bullets, and 9mm autoloaders for 115 gr bullets. The lighter weight self defense rounds really started with [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Jurras] Lee Jurras and Super Vel[/url]. At least as far as I can remember. That and the [url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8006608] Geco BAT round[/url]. We’ve come a long ways since those days…   The sight regulation took into account that a heavier bullet causes a greater muzzle rise than a lighter bullet before exiting the barrel…hence a lower point of impact for lighter bullets.   It was a bit more noticeable back in the days of PPC with 50 yards handgun shooting, or to folks that shoot long distance handgun silhouette. Precision distance rifle shooters certainly take it into consideration.   Of course you’re right; it really isn’t applicable to the majority of Action Pistol venues. I'm just happy when my reloads function and I'm lucky enough to hit the targets... :cool:

Of course, like everyone else, I'd like to have more on hand. But shooting is a perishable skill, so to me, practice is a necessity.   I have my "set aside" ammo. I reload and hopefully have enough components to last for a while.   I dry fire practice, and have recently started limiting my range trips to 50 rounds of quality, focused practice. I actually should have been working more on focused drills all along...This is the way I used to practice and I've simply become more lax about it the past few years.   I'm shooting more .22 than I did, but I'm also still shooting .22 ammo I purchased in the early to mid 1990's.   I have a fair amount of wheelgun ammo already reloaded so now is a good time to bring my J Frame skills up to par.   Nothing in life is limitless, except the stupidity of those in the beltway. These cycles come and go. I'm Blessed to have stored what I did...but I'll certainly focus on having a greater supply of reloading components for the future... for my Son and grandkids...