Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 48:49 — 30.7MB)

James White of Ammosmith joins Rob to talk about defensive knives, gun gear, and eventually, the different types of powder grains.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 51:22 — 31.9MB)

Looking for a gift for the hard-to-please shooter?  You’re sure to find the perfect gift below!

Monkey Knuts – $6.95

For anyone that would enjoy slinging a 3/4” stainless steel ball bearing on their keychain.

Why? Because you can’t go wrong with a name like Knut Buster!
Buy it here!

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Stephen Hunter’s “Dead Zero” – $14.82

For the reader that enjoys an author who knows his guns.

Why? Because no one can turn down a good Bob Lee Swagger story!

Warning:  This book releases on December 28th, but any fan will take an IOU

Buy it here!

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Nikon SpotOn Ballistics iPhone Application – $4.99

For the techie long range shooter who can’t put away the iPhone

Read more about this app

iTunes store page

Why? Because we need another justification for that iPhone purchase.

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Swisstech Utilikey – $8.65

For the gadget geek that’s too stylish to carry a Leatherman on their belt.

Why? Because those Christmas gifts may need opening and assembly before the real tools get opened.

Buy it here!

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Quark Mini AA2 – $31.20 + Free Shipping

For the security minded person in need of a high quality EDC flashlight.

Why? Because deep down, everybody’s afraid of the dark.

Buy it here!
Read this review

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KaBar TDI Law Enforcement Knife (Small) – $33.59

For the handgunner who wants a knife that draws like a handgun.

Why? Because sometimes guns need to be taken back.

Buy it here!

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Battle Bears – $29.99

For the youngest member of the family who wants to be “tactical”.

Why? Because nothing says “Don’t kidnap me!” like a teddy bear in Multicam.
Buy it here!

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Boresnake  – $6.26 – $21.95

For the shooter who hates to clean their guns.

Why? Because now they will be without excuse!
For Handguns – $6.53 -$15.26
For Rifles – $6.26 – $16.29
For Shotguns – 13.74 – 21.95

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Magpul Dynamics – The Art of the Dynamic Handgun (4 Disc Set) – $49.99

For the Magpul fanboys(or girls)

Why? Because everyone loves to sit on the couch and watch Chris Costa roll in the dirt.

Buy it here!

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SOG Tactical Tomahawk – $38.10

For the person fixated on historical weapons.(Think revolver shooters)

Why? Because everyone wants one, but they’re just to embarrassed to add it to the list.

Buy it here!

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Rangelog.com – Free service or Premium for $7.95/mo or $29.95/yr

For the numbers geek that tracks every round sent downrange.

Why? Because paper is so last year!

Use the promo code: PersonalArmamentPodcast for 90 days of free PREMIUM access

Check it out here!

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Brass Flowers – Starting at $28

For the ladies that want to show their shooter cred and still wear stylish jewelry.

Why? Because nothing says Merry Christmas like repurposed brass.

Buy it here!

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The Ultimate Cliploader – $23

For the rimfire shooters who buy ammo by the case.

Why? Because bullets don’t jump into magazines on their own.
Buy it here!
Works with: Ruger Mark II, III & Hunter, Ruger 22/45, Colt Woodsmen Mag., Old Military High Standard, Newer High Standard, Browning Buckmark Pistols, Stoeger Luger

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Warren Tactical Sevigny Carry Rear Sight ~$45

For the shooter who blacked out the white dots on their rear sights.

Why? Because it’ll make you shoot like Dave Sevigny!

More info
Prices vary dependent on the handgun
Pair this with a Dawson Precision fiber optic front sight…

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Ranger Up Shirts – $18 to $25

For the shooters who need a special outfit just for the range.

• I am the sheepdog – $19.99
• 2A Shirt – $25
• Carbon Footprint – $18
• Ultimate Authority Revolvers – $22
• Sons of Liberty – $22
• No dangerous weapons, only dangerous men – $22
• Chicks dig shooters – $22
• Gun Flag – $19.99

Use the code PERSONALARMAMENT for 15% off any of these shirts!

Why? Because you haven’t been there or done that unless you have the t-shirt!

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Dave’s Book – Handgun Combatives – $23.95

For the hadgunner who wants to learn without watching Chris Costa roll around in the dirt.

Why? Because Dave Spaulding is the man!  He does a fantastic job of explaining complicated subjects and infusing a healthy dose of reality.

Buy it here!

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California Competition Works 8 Magazine Pouch – $24.95

For the shooter who stores his handgun mags in a cardboard box.

Why? Because everyone should have 8 lint-collecting pockets to stick their mags into!

Buy it here!

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Kershaw Ken Onion Blackout with Speed Safe – $45.78

For those that want a fast opening knife that isn’t a switchblade.

Why? Because not everyone wants a fixed blade.
Buy it here!

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Radians Custom Molded Earplugs – $11.04

For the shooter who doesn’t want to mess up their hair, but wants comfortable, custom earplugs.

Why? Because you know you want to see someone else stick goo in their ear.

Buy it here!

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Lyman Combo Powder Funnel Pan- $6.09

For the reloader who weighs every single charge.

Why? So there is less stuff on the reloading bench.

Buy it here!

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Martial Blade Concepts – The Enhanced Version – $29.95

For the knife guy who wants some practical and realistic training.

Why? Because who doesn’t want to learn to make that scary face?

Buy it here!

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USPSA or IDPA Membership – $40/year

For the shooter who loves to play.

Join USPSA

Join IDPA

Why? Because everyone can use some more game!

So what do you think?

Are there glaring holes in the list?

Did I leave anyone out?

Be sure to email this to those that may be purchasing gifts for you this holiday season!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 47:13 — 28.6MB)

NRA High Power Long Range shooter John Whidden comes on the show and we talk about creating accurate ammunition for his demanding sport.

We discuss:

• Preferred Cartridges
• Loading precision rifle cartridges on a progressive press
• How to pronounce “meplat”
• His most important loading practices
• and much more…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 37:24 — 22.7MB)

Kevin Thomas from Lapua USA joins James and Rob.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 49:47 — 31.3MB)

James and Rob discuss:

• Swaging Bullets
• Red Dot Sights
• .300 AAC Blackout
• Are new cartridges good for the reloading community? (Don’t miss this)
• Tempering Bullets

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 42:11 — 26.2MB)

Cory Dickerson joins Rob and Dan to discuss using stainless steel media to clean your brass.

Check out Cory’s website:

http://stainlesstumblingmedia.com/

Forum thread with lots of info

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 51:11 — 31.3MB)

Reloading columnist Guy Neil joins Rob, James, and Dan to discuss how reloading manuals are created.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 42:26 — 25.5MB)

Kent Sakamoto from RCBS joins Rob, James, and Dan.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 18:21 — 11.1MB)

Carrol Pilant from Sierra Bullets joins Rob to discuss their bullets and reloading.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 49:41 — 31.4MB)

Rob, Dan, and James discuss slugging your barrel as well as an idea for a new reality television show surrounding handloading.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:06:18 — 45.5MB)

James and Dan from Ammosmith.com join Rob to discuss:

* Where to start with bullet casting

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:04:23 — 44.2MB)

James and Dan from Ammosmith.com join Rob to discuss: * Minimum Equipment for Bullet Casting * Doing it on the cheap

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 55:26 — 38.1MB)

James and Dan from Ammosmith.com join Rob to talk with Chris Hodgdon and answer some listener questions:

• Bob offers some feedback on his concoction for cleaning brass with common household items.
• What powder measure would you recommend for throwing small pistol charges like 3 or 4 grains.  I have an RCBS Uniflow but I am just not happy when trying to throw small charges.
• Getting ready to start reloading for .223 in an AR-15.  I have never reloaded for .223 and will probably only load for an AR.  Would you recommend small base dies or is it really going to make a difference?
• I was always told that I don’t need to trim my 45 ACP brass.  I’ve heard you and the ammosmith guys mention trimming handgun brass a couple times (I think the reference was 40 S&W).  Should I be trimming the 45 ACP brass or should I just measure and see if it needs it?
• Have you ever seen the data from loaddata.com It sounds like a great resource, but I’m not sure how valid the data is.  Do you know if the data is tested?  I hesitate to trust any reloading data I see on the “interweb.”  I like the idea that my load data is tested to some safety standards and published in ink.

Don’t forget to listen live each Tuesday night at 10pm Central time at personalarmament.com/live

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:51 — 37.7MB)

James and Dan from Ammosmith.com join Rob to discuss:

• Rob’s 5K Challenge Issues
• A listener question about headspace
• A listener question about hour-glass shaped pistol brass
• A listener question about barrel leading
• Brass cleaning methods

Read about an ultrasonic cleaning comparison test

Read about cleaning with Stainless Steel media

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 50:13 — 34.5MB)

Rob is joined by Dan and James of Ammosmith.com and we discuss:

• Introducing people to reloading
• Listener question and correction
• 5k Challenge
• Ammosmith.com Giveaway

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 59:27 — 40.8MB)

Rob is joined by Dan and James of Ammosmith.com and we discuss:

• Dan’s rifle upgrade project
• Ammosmith’s latest video
• Chronograph issues
• How old chronographs work
• How close should you stand to the chronograph?
• Video cameras
• Headspace
• Using a Case Guage
• Fitting a 147 grain bullet in a 9mm case
• Frangible bullets – tungsten and sintered copper
• 300 MP powder from alliant
• Guns in movies

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 58:56 — 40.5MB)

Rob, Dan, and James interview Robin Sharpless from Redding Reloading and answer the following listener questions:

• Where can I find lead for reloading?
• How would I go about substituting magnum primers for regular primers?
• How can I create an extra large muzzle flash for a photo?

Robin also tells us how to make your own custom seating die on the cheap with hot glue!

Join the ammosmith.com forums.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 56:31 — 38.8MB)

Rob, Dan, and James answer listener questions and talk about different types of projectiles and their uses.

Types of bullets discussed:
Lead
Copper
Steel
Brass
plastic
partitions
frangible
multi-core
powdered meta

Here is a photo of a few armor piercing bullets. They are from left to right. 7.62mm NATO M61 AP(152gr), M2 30-06 AP (165gr), 300 Weatherby loaded with a moly coated M61 projectile (Experimental only, used to test calculations of energy):

Call (660) 207-1239 and leave questions or suggestions on the voicemail or e-mail me.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:13:21 — 50.4MB)

James and Dan of ammosmith.com join Rob for another Bullet Points reloading segment covering listener questions about reloading equipment and firearm selection as well as the discussing the details of cartridge cases.

Next week’s show will be recorded and broadcast live!  You can join us at:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/personalarmament

Listen live on Tuesday at 10pm Central and join us in the chat room or call in!

Call 660-207-1239 and leave you questions, comments, or concerns on the voicemail or email: personalarmament@gmail.com

Right click and save link as… to download .mp3
(1:13:21)
We begin by answering some listener questions:

Question #1 from Bob:

My biggest problem in the reloading process is the powder measure. The Lee measure I have is junk and I don’t trust it. Loads measured with Lee spoons need to be checked repeatedly, especially when loading something like 38 Specials when a tenth of a grain is important. Lately I’ve been filling a Lee spoon, dumping it into a tray on my digital scale and trickling powder until I hit the correct weight. Does anyone sell anything that’s reliable for under $100 that will speed up the process?

Question #2 from Dave:

I Noticed that Lee has no Factory Crimp Die for this round. Is a crimp necessary? I am looking to buy a 6.5 Carcano rifle, but want to make sure I will be able to reload the ammo.

I have a Lee Classic Turret Press and so far have only reloaded .40 S&W and 9mm.  Also wondering about getting a bullet mold for this. It does not look like a common mold?

Thanks! Your podcast has helped me tremendously with the reloading!

Rob has trouble pronouncing the cartridge, but James says that most of these Italian rifles are in great condition:  Never been fired, only dropped once   Seriously though, it was a 6.5 Carcano that shot Kennedy.

James says that a crimp is not necessary and he rarely crimps unless it is a handgun cartridge more powerful than .357 Magnum or a big game cartridge bigger than .375 Magnum.  This is to keep the bullets from backing out because of the recoil.  If you don’t have a cannelure or crimp groove, don’t crimp.  You will end up deforming the bearing surface.  That deformation will cause inconsistencies and widen your group.

For the mold, James recommends Mountainmolds.com  for a custom mold.  An aluminum mold runs about $90.  Molds can be made from aluminum, brass, or steel.  They will even make custom top punches for your lubrisizer.

James goes into detail about how to create your custom mold and .

Question #3 from Derrek:

I have been loading handgun cartridges for about 2 yrs and I am about to buy my first new rifle.  I thought I knew what I wanted, then the internetstarted to make me question my decision.What I thought I wanted was a Remington 700SPS 308 with the 20″ barrel.  My “do-all” rifle.  Primary use would be hunting deer in northern MI where a 125 yd shot would be the max for the area that I hunt.  BUT, that doesn’t mean I don’t want to show off a little at the range either, out to 200 yds.  Someone once told me that a .29 sectional density at about 2300-2500fps is the “magic” formula for taking deer size game.  I don’t know how he came to that figure, but I don’t have any reason to doubt him.  According to my manuals, all the bullets that are capeable of that SD and velocity are 200 gr and heavier.  According to a couple other sites, the 1:12 twist rate of that rifle won’t stabilize a bullet that heavy.  That along with the notourious long throats of the 700 (that I may not be able to load the magazine with ideal OAL cartridges) has me wondering if I would just be better off starting with an entirely different platform.

Savage’s Model 11FCNS uses a 22″ barrel which should be better as far as velocities, and a 1:10 twist which should give me more bullet choices.

Dan believes Derrek is on track with the .308 cartridge for the uses he mentioned.  He also recommends Savage products when looking for a platform.  We then launch into an all-out Savage love fest.

Cartridge Cases

Most casings are made from brass, steel, or aluminum.  James and Dan have seen cases with plastic hulls and brass heads.

We start to list and go through the names of the parts of the case.
First we begin with the primer pocked and flash hole and James complains about Berdan primers.
Next, we move on to discuss the different types of rims:

These types are rimmed, rimless, semi-rimmed, rebated rim, and belted. These categories describe the size of the rim in relation to the base of the case.

Rimmed:

Examples of rimmed handgun cartridges include the .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, etc. Rimmed rifle cartridge examples include the .22 Hornet, .303 British, 7.62x54mmR, and more.

Rimless:

On a rimless case, the rim is the same diameter as the base of the case; it is known as an extractor groove.
Examples of rimless handgun cartridges include the 9 mm Para, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. Rimless rifle examples include the .308 Winchester, .223 Remington, and .30-06 Springfield.

Semi-Rimmed:

The .25 ACP, .32 ACP, .38 ACP and the .38 Super are some handgun examples, while the .444 Marlin is a rifle cartridge that is semi-rimmed.

Rebated Rim:

Rebated rim cartridges have a rim that is significantly smaller in diameter than the base of the case, serving only for extraction.

Belted:

After the rim comes the extractor groove, the web, and the case body.  Next, we discuss the Wetherby shoulder vs. the sharper angled regular case shoulder.
Rob starts complaining about the incorrect anatomical references in case nomenclature.

Call 660-207-1239 and leave you questions, comments, or concerns on the voicemail or email: personalarmament@gmail.com

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:00:04 — 41.2MB)

Dan and James of ammosmith.com come on the show to discuss customization.

One of our listeners offers his process for selecting a powder for reloading.

1)Loading manuals (compare several because they don’t always agree, use different components, and different guns)
2) Barrel length compared to what the manual used (like you said…shorter barrel, use one of the faster burning loads listed in the manual).
3)Charge weight (less powder means less expense, but several factors affect safety and uniformity)
a. Compare charge volume for safety. It’s easy to double charge a low volume of powder in a large case, so I choose a charge weight that will overflow the case if you accidentally double charge it.
b. Meterability- Fine grain ball powders meter more uniformly through a powder than flake or extruded versions
c. Case volume for uniformity- A small charge in a large case will lay along the bottom of the case (not in contact with the primer) and cause velocity uniformity issues.
4)What powder I have on hand- I try to buy powders that may be used in several different cartridges. For example, I have lots of Blue Dot because it works in a wide range of larger cartridges. I keep Unique and Power Pistol for the small to medium cartridges. For riles, IMR 3031 covers a lot of cartridges I normally shoot.

James talks about his solution for using small powder charges in large cases.  You can find polyfill at your local fabric store.  It is like quilt filling.  After you charge the case, insert a tuft of polyfill on top of it to keep the powder directly over the flash hole.

James will be testing a product from Southwest Shooting Authority called PB Blocker.  This product is supposed to greatly reduce and in some cases, eliminate lead fowling when using cast bullets in a stock Glock barrel.  Look for the video review on the ammosmith youtube channel and we will discuss the results right here on the show.

Rob answers a question from a listener about reloading or handloading for shooting competition:

…I’ve recently gotten into IPSC shooting. I’m new and still learning, but it would be nice if you did a show on how to reload for IPSC competitions. Specifically, how do you work up to a good competition load when handloading? What are the mandatory velocities for different competition calibers (9mm, .40 Cal, 45 ACP) I don’t know much about the competitive world yet, but out here that’s about the best way to “train” (given our strict ranges).

Rob shares his experiences in handloading for the Area 5 Championships.

Power Factor = (Weight of the bullet in grains) x (Velocity in feet per second) /1000

Example:  147 grain bullet x 900 fps /1000 = 132.3

Minor Power Factor for USPSA, IPSC, or IDPA = 125
Major Power Factor for USPSA or IDPA = 165
(Major Power Factor varies in IPSC depending on the division)

Rob started with the minimum load in the reloading manual and worked down from there.  I chronographed 10 bullets at each .1 grain increment until I reach the appropriate velocity.

Be sure that you don’t try to get the velocity too low.  It can be very disappointing to miss your power factor.  Be sure to take the temperature into consideration when loading for a match.

James adds his experiences with changes from temperature variations.  Always reload in weather that is similar to where you will be shooting or adjust accordingly.  Also try to choose powders that are known to be less temperature.  This info can be found many places including web forums, but call manufacturers and confirm.

James mentions a manufacturer warning about Blue Dot Powder.

Rob also changed the recoil spring to correspond with the light load.

James also mentions that reduced recoil loads will greatly reduce wear and tear on the brass and firearm.

Dan tell us about customizing his .45-70 loads for hunting, plinking, etc.

James tells us about customizing the 9.3×62.   It just happens that the 9mm Makarov uses a bullet of the same diameter, but about a third of the weight.  James uses a light load of unique with a Hornady XTP Hollow Point to create a small game load that has barely any recoil.  Something similar can be done with .30 Carbine bullets and .30-06.  James also loaded up a “buckshot load” in .357 Magnum for his mother.  He can’t count, but at least he was helping his mother.(5 shots x 3 lead balls = 15 projectiles)

Rob talks about using custom reduced recoil loads to introduce inexperienced or recoil sensitive shooters to more powerful guns.  James adds on that everyone should have some reduced recoil loads with them at the range to use if you share your gun with a new shooter.

Dan talks about customizing your ammunition for maximum potential.  He mentions the anemic 10mm factory loads and Rob chimes in with the 6.8 Rem SPC as another example.

Dan talks about using reloading to produce obsolete ammunition or ammunition that is not in production.  This can turn a family heirloom or piece of history into something so much more than just a piece of art on display.

James mentions a method of measuring and determining the caliber of an old gun that may not be well marked.  He uses Cerrosafe casting alloy.

Dan reminds us of one of the biggest reasons to reload custom ammunition:  Load tuning for accuracy.

Rob offers up a “Reloading Tip of the Week”:

Cover your reloading equipment when not in use.  Throw a garbage bag over the presses or even your chronograph.  You can also use a pillowcase or shop rags.

Please call (660) 207-1239 and leave questions on the voicemail or e-mail me.