Jamie Jackson

That's excellent! And more true than not.

Outstanding deal. I just checked and that ugly sucker goes for about $85.00! link

FiddleDog, et al; I ran across a document in one of my folders on LTS and Food Preservation regarding a variety of uses for salt. Unfortunately I don't. yet, know how to attach a word file. But this link is to a similar document. I did copy the below, and though most folks may already be aware of this info, I hope it may be useful to those newer folks to prepping and food storage: THE USES OF SALT "The storage life for salt is indefinite. So long as you keep it dry and do not let it get contaminated with dirt or whatever, it will never go bad. Over time, iodized salt may turn yellow, but this is harmless and may still be used. Salt it rather hygroscopic and will adsorb moisture from the air if not sealed in an airtight container. If it does adsorb moisture and cakes up, it can be dried in the oven and then broken up with no harm done. All salt, however, is not the same. Salt comes in a number of different varieties, each with its own purpose. Table Salt: This is by far the most widely known type of salt. It comes in two varieties; iodized and non-iodized. There is an ingredient added to it to absorb moisture so it will stay free flowing in damp weather. This non-caking agent does not dissolve in water and can cause cloudiness in whatever solution it is used if sufficiently large quantities are used. In canning it won't cause a problem since there is very little per jar. For pickling, though, it would be noticeable. If you are storing salt for this purpose, you should be sure to choose plain pickling salt, or other food grade pure salt. In the iodized varieties, the iodine can cause discoloration or darkening of pickled foods so be certain not to use it for that purpose. Canning Salt: This is pure salt and nothing but salt. It can usually be found in the canning supplies section of most stores. This is the salt o be preferred for most food preservation or storage uses."

Good point. Cholera, per it's diarrhea, can kill a person in short order. It's been a major issue following the earthquake in Haiti. And dehydration occurs year round here in TN. We see more of it in the summer months obviously...but several cases over the winter as well. The recent bought of viral gastroenteritis circulating about brought quite a few patients into our E.R. (my workplace). We also keep several buckets of sugar on hand as well. It's for more than just sweet tea...

I picked up the majority of mine (Morton Brand) at Food City. It was about $7.00 per 25 pound bag a few years back. fwiw, here's a couple of recipes for electrolyte replacement solutions: HomeBrew recipe: 1 cup filtered or spring water 1/8 teaspoon of Sea Salt or iodized salt (sodium chloride) 1/8 teaspoon of "No Salt" salt substitute (potassium chloride). 6-8 tsp of sugar Add some Koolaid or other flavoring to suit. OR Add lime juice or an herbal teabag as well as stevia for taste (or something to give it flavor without altering the electrolyte balance: peppermint, peach, raspberry zinger, etc.) David Werner's book Where There Is No Doctor: 1L clean water 1/2 tsp salt 8 level tsp sugar or molasses Before adding sugar make sure the drink tastes less salty than tears.

Good point enfield. One of the points I found of interest in the book Alas Babylon was the discovery of a salt pit by the main character. Having no electricity, it was one of the primary methods they were using for preserving meats and other foods. The book is an excellent read btw, and from 1959 even.

I haven't a clue as to how to cultivate salt, but it is an essential part of our food stores. Salt is currently very inexpensive. It has an indefinite storage life, if stored properly. We use a good bit of salt each year in preparing food for storage...canning, pickling, and fermenting foods from our garden. It is also used in prepping meat for storage. We have even made a sodium chloride solution for wound care with it...processed it through the pressure canner, and now have some sterile irrigation saline put up. It's also an essential portion of homemade electrolyte replacement solution...i.e. Gatorade or gooknaid... In ancient times salt was literally worth it's weight in gold. And would, in a post-collapse scenario, be a valuable barter item. We have a couple of hundred pounds of iodized salt in 5 gallon buckets, and keep at least 20# of pickling salt on hand for rotational food processing use. I agree with the premise lostpass put forth, in that we, as a culture in general, consume a good bit more dietary salt than we probably should. But, salt is an essential item that we would be hard pressed to find a substitute for.

I agree. It's unfortunate they don't sell in TN. Prior to moving here, I was a regular customer of theirs. Good pricing and good customer service kept me coming back. Oh well... I do business with ammoman too kieefer.

I believe this used to be on their website. At least I recall reading it a few years back... I found the below in a Google search... "Why we don't sell in TN, GA, or AL Over 20 years ago Natchez Shooters Supply was started as a wholesale distributor of reloading components. The entirety of our sales came from making local deliveries to dealers throughout Tennessee, and the northern Georgia and Alabama areas. It was upon this dealer foundation that Natchez Shooters Supply grew from a two man operation into the large warehouse distributor that it is today. Due to strong commitments with our existing dealer base within these three states, we feel that it would be best if we did not compete with our dealers by selling directly to their customers. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause."

I've been using mine (550 since I got it from Dillon in 1987. I've loaded between 30,000-40,000 45 ACP's on it and at least that much in 9mm. The only maintenance I've done is what's already been mentioned, a little black grease & graphite... Many years ago I did loose a small part...I can't even recall what it was it's been so long ago ( I think it may have been one of the small springs)...but a quick phone call to Dillon and it was in the mail, free of charge. Great customer service and a Quality reloader.

Thank you. I appreciate the info. and still waiting on my C&R...

Awesome Dan. I might have to use that argument. Thanks for the info HvyMtl.

My 590 Mossy came with a Speedfeed stock. I don't use it. I took Gunsite's Shotgun class with it back in the mid 90's. I had already put a Sidesaddle on it (which I like). I carried Buckshot in the Sidesaddle and tried slugs in the Speedfeed. I found that unless the Speedfeed was completely full, it'd eject rounds all over the place when doing a fast run of slugs in a relay. I need my ammo to be where I put it if I need it. I put an Eagle buttstock cuff on the Mossy to hold my slugs and I'm quite satisfied with the setup. I've run 870's with a pistol grip and have no complaints about them. They don't work well for a Mossy related to the safety...imho.

The first cartridges I reloaded (back in the mid 80's) were .38 spls. They have tall straight walls and are easy to start seating the bullets into. Depending on powder type, they hold a relatively small amount of powder, but it's easy to check the cases visually to ensure they all have the same level prior to seating your bullets. I've used Unique powder in 9mm and .38 for many years. I'm currently using AA#2 and I'm having good results with it. Unique doesn't burn as fully in short barreled revolvers, so you may see some unburned powder flakes...don't let it concern you. Unique is a compressed loads in my 9mm's, but there certainly isn't a problem with overcharging the 9mm cases. W 231 meters / measures more easily (since it a ball powder vs a flaked like Unique) and W 231 works great from 9mm, .38, and 45 acp. Excellent advice on the crimping grove and OAL. A good set of dial calipers is a good investment, imho. Does one come with the kit?

I recently put a set of Big Dot 24/7's on my G17. I couldn't be more pleased...and it took all of 20 minutes. I shot a J Frame with them and really like it. But putting them on a revolver is beyond my skill level...

I agree with the Bulgarian Waffle mags and eastern European mags...I've had the best luck with the ribbed versions. I find some of the Chinese mags require a little opening of you mag well to allow a quick and easy insertion. But they seem to feed fine other than that. I've tried a couple of the Tapco mags and they didn't last very long...either the feedlips broke and that mags busted from repeated mag changes and hitting the deck.

There's some fine holsters already mentioned. As I'm sure most folks already know, carrying a sidearm is best accomplished using a "Carry System". It's much more than just a holster. Your handgun needs to be stable, in the same place always, needing minimal fiddling (adjustments), allowing a repeatable drawstroke. The base of this system is the belt, a purpose designed holster belt. Quality mag carriers are a must as well. I have legally carried (concealed), each and every day, for close to 25 years. If I have clothes on, I have a gun. I carried a full sized 1911 for several years in a PROLine, now Kramer Leather horsehide holster with a horsehide belt. I purchased these around 1990 and they are still very serviceable. My point being, they were and are worth the investment. Another holster maker I've always had good experience with is Milt Sparks. Mr. Sparks made my first holster. Tony Kanaly, now the President of that fine company, has made several others for me over the years. Again...a Quality investment and worth the money and the wait. DeSantis makes some quality holsters as well. I like the Inner Piece for my Glock. But, to be redundant and boring, the belt is foundation that you build a carry system on, imho. Good Luck in your choices and decision.

Impressive work Austin and Reg. Those look great. Thanks for the info on SOG Austin. I can see more "projects" in my future.

Thank you Dave. I'm making notes.

Greg, This was what mine was doing until I continued to reduce the size of the pic to a point to where, as TGO David mentioned, the forum software was able to "fix" (further reduce it) for me. Maybe this is what's happening? I'm sure one of the more knowledgeable members will chime in with a fix for you.

Thank you. That makes life more simple.

God forbid it should come to pass, But if I had to grab one it’d be one of my AK’s. That’s because I have the most trigger time on it recently…the past 7 years or so. As it’s said, if your training isn’t Recent,Relevant,and Realistic, you may have trouble waiting around the corner. For me, that’d be my AK.

Thank you kind Sir. I really appreciate that.

I forgot to mention it, but this post was my motivation to re-post an avatar. Could you imagine several hundred Alfred E. Newman's looking at you! Thanks for the info and help here folks.

Thank you PoofNoEyeBrows. I would be more than pleased with a 4" group at 100 yds with iron sights. Smart move essentially using a Ransom Rest for working up your loads. I try to remove the "me factor" whenever I can also. I definitely wrote down the Nosler ballistic tip 150gr with 48grs. H4895 in my reloading book and plan to give it a try. Since all of my thoughts are just that, thoughts, at this time, I'm looking forward to picking up a Mosin or two as soon as my C&R get here and working up some rounds. I appreciate all the info & input folks.