Good threads gone bad

[crazydima]

Tovarischi,

There are times when a thread with good intentions goes bad due to folks who seem to be bent on side tracking the issue as well as self destruction.

Sasha tried to get a good set of information out to the masses regarding making your own blanks. Well it appears that some blank vendors don't want folks to know about such things.

Here is the complete thread(in sections) from another forum which was heavily edited after the fact and what remains there does not reflect what really happened.

This is an attempt ot set the record straight for all to see.

Enjoy the reading!

Dima
(never a blank vendor, not into cloak n dagger and not one to take being threatend lightly)


Reloading your own blanks
« Thread Started on Mar 30, 2007, 7:25pm »
________________________________________
Reloading blanks: Part 1

This is meant to show that if a person is so incline that they can load their own blanks. Reasons for loading your own blanks could be to have control over the quality control yourself, save 25% to 40% on blanks, the satisfaction of being able to do it yourself or maybe some other reason. This narrative is not meant as a check list for getting yourself set up to load commercially but for you as an individual. This is also the procedure that works for me in my weapons. I in no way recommend any load or procedure, (disclaimer).

The equipment list is not very long and is not very expensive.

reloading press
shell holders,
powder measure
scale
priming tool

All of the above equipment may be purchased for under $100. The Lee Anniversary Reloading kit from www.midwayusa.com is on sale for $69.99. Lee equipment is entry level reloading equipment and it does get the job done. You can spend more for other brands or for progressive presses but then you get into the hundred or thousands of dollars. I have Dillon progressive presses myself but then I load for a lot of other things.

The dies you need to crimp the case mouth or to form the shoulder can be purchased from
www.ch4d.com/ . They can be expensive at $75 to $120 depending on what you need. The .30 Carbine die set is right at $100 and the . 30 caliber crimp die for .30-06 or .303 is around $80.

Primers may be purchased from sporting good shops for around $22.00 per 1000.
Powder may be purchased at sporting goods stores and varies in price. Bullseye runs about $60 per 4 pound keg. By the pound it is from $15 to $20.

Military .30-06 ($80 per 1000 plus shipping)brass can be used if available. However another die set is needed to remove the primer crimp in the casing before priming. Once fired brass can also be found. All brass needs to be resized in a size die for the appropriate caliber, Lee dies can be purchased at about $20 per set. I generally do not size new brass. www.wideners.com is a good source for brass.

.30 carbine blank brass is harder to come by however www.prvipartizan.com/brass.php is a good source for blank brass($139 per 1000 plus shipping) that needs to be longer than standard brass in order to function through some weapons such as M1 Carbines. The M1 Carbine blank brass also will have to have a shoulder added that is done with the die set from C-H.

.45ACP pistol blanks can be made from .45 Winchester Magnum brass that can be purchased from www.starlinebrass.com/ for $165 per 1000. These can be used in 1911’s that have a blank adapted barrel with no modifications to the slide. Starline also offers .45 ACP brass for subguns. It is longer brass and more expensive. They also require an order of 3500 brass minimum.

Loadings for blanks vary depending on weapon and orifice diameter if it is a semi-auto such as the M1 Rifle or Carbine. Bolt action rifles generally need no blank adapting. The load that works in my M1 Rifle is 12.5 grains of Red Dot smokeless powder. For my Carbine it is 8 grains of Bullseye. Again I do not recommend these loads but mention them as what works in my guns. These loads are similar to some of the vender blanks I have used. My M1 orifice is .174 and the carbine is .159. Again these work in my guns and I do not recommend them for anyone else's use but offer it as a point of information(disclaimer).

.30 Carbine blanks can be loaded for $19.50 per 100 or 19.5 cents each.
.30-06 blanks can be loaded for $15 to $16 per 100.

If you shoot very many blanks in a reenacting season reloading will more than pay for your equipment the first year. If you can save $10 to $20 per 100 you will recoup your investment in the first 1000 to 2000 blanks. If a couple of people go together the savings accumulate faster.

The blank venders out there do a great job and this is in no way an attempt to replace them. However this is information for those that want to make their own blanks can see that it is not rocket science nor does it have to cost an arm and a leg.

Part 2 will deal with the procedure if there is interest. PM me if I should continue with Part 2 in a week or so.

Sasha

Re: Reloading your own blanks
« Reply #1 on Apr 3, 2007, 8:35am »

________________________________________
Sasha, with 8 reads on this thread, 4 of them being mine and no e-mail to contact you I would like to make a few notes.

1st) Many of your prices and quantities are outdated.

2) I spent an hour clearing jams out of Mausers this past weekend
due to the obvious use of Lee
dies. While cheap, you get what you pay for and I will not even
have them in my work area.
Pay the extra money for RCBS, Lyman, Dillon, Forester, Hornady
etc. dies . Price is 2-3X more for base models but they are far far
better products and more user friendly.

3) Be careful what your brass pedigree is. One case head
separation in the field and you will know what I am talking about.
Simply buying any once fried brass may get you in trouble. Know
what you are buying.

4) You fail to mention case gauges. Very important for quality and
safety.

5) Please make note that while the equipment you point out will in
fact work for a simple blank. Note the rate at which you will be
producing blanks so the members here will understand how
much time they will have to spend. You should understand that
time is also money to many people and the process rate with this
equipment is quite poor. Buying the equipment only to
find that it is too time consuming would be bad. You should
explain this in more detail. To some that have the time it is not big
deal, others may not like it so much.

Just some notes since I could not contact you in private.

Robb

Re: Reloading your own blanks
« Reply #2 on Apr 3, 2007, 10:18am »

________________________________________
Rob,
It is good to hear from someone. Feel free to send a pm or e-mail me at [e-mail].

The prices I have are right on the money for central Illinois. What prices are outdated in your view?

I have used RCBS dies, Lee dies, Dillon, Lyman, C-H dies and have not had any trouble with any of them. Lee size dies have always worked for me, some in fact have over 40,000 rounds loaded on. The average reenactor with a bolt gun or M1 will probably not shoot that many. I would be more incline to think that jam of the Mauser was caused by something other than Lee dies, more than likely the loading process or lack of sizing the brass but then I will not speculate since I have not seen the weapon in question. I have fired my blanks in Mausers with no problems.

You are totally right about being careful about the brass you get. that is why inspection is very important.

Inspections is always a key to good quality.

The point of the post was to show that making blanks need not be expensive. Reloading in itself is time consuming and most reenactors do have time in the "off-season" to make blanks. I will also mention that making blanks is not for every one and that is where the blank venders provide a valuable service. But for those that want to and have the time it can save them money. For those that time is "money", they can then make the decision if it is worth spending $35 per 100 blanks plus shipping bringing the cost to about $40 per 100 for .30 carbine blanks or $19.50 for the same blanks if they make them themselves. On my Dillon 650 I can load .30-06 blanks at a rate of 100 in about 10 minutes. On my single stage press loading .30 Carbine blanks I can load 100 in about 40 minutes. I for one would not mind "making or saving" $20 for less than an hours work. The more you load the more you save. Two or three in the same unit could even go together.

There are several blank venders out there selling a quality product and that is great. Reeanctors can also make their own quality blanks. However reloading is not for everyone.

Thanks for the discussion.
Sasha

Re: Reloading your own blanks
« Reply #3 on Apr 3, 2007, 8:15pm »
________________________________________
I won't go into the endless debate over Lee Dies. That is like arguing which car is better, Chevy or Ford. I will not use them, but will buy them for parts in custom die forming and toss the die body.

While the basic LEE press will do I would very highly recommend a Rockchucker from RCBS.

It will never wear out in most peoples' lifetime.
It is stronger for reforming cases if needed.
And last, the most important thing that most over look - Die changes

There is a Hornady Lock-N-Load conversion for this press.

What is the Hornady Lock-N-Load? It is the best thing ever for a single stage press.

For those of you who do not know, on single stage presses you have to screw the dies in each time and while the "set' that you put on them is close the next time, it isn't always the same. Then you must play with it to get it set to where you want it again. While not a huge problem, it gets annoying fast. Changing from one die to another can take a minute or more.

The Lock-N-Load system is similar to a locking lug system. It reminds me of a mini battleship gun breach.

You install the bushing on your press, place an insert into it, screw the die down into it, set it where you want and you are done. Taking it out is no more than a flick of the wrist and re-installing the die is nothing more than a flick of the wrist with no change in the "set" (although I still recommend re-checking). Die changes can be done in 10 seconds with far less double checking settings.

Hornady makes a press for the lock-n-load but I do not recommend any Hornady press. I have just sent the third one back (in 20 years) with a long list of why it is crap.

To a novice, the convenience will pay for itself. For advanced loaders it is a huge time saver and you will wonder how you ever lived without it.

They do not make the conversions for the Lee presses but may make them for others, I have not checked.

To me, even trying to load without this product is unthinkable on a single stage.

The Dillon 650 is a good press but it needs many modifications for blanks beyond .30-06 and it not by any means a beginner press. Getting them to work well in the long term requires a bit of modification and honing of parts, something I loathe doing. I really wish that someone would make Lock-n-load conversions for the Dillon presses. The combination would be great.

Midway is a good place. Brownells is also excellent.

I hope this is somewhat useful. remember, consistency is the key to good and safe blanks. I would also recommend a digital scale. I have known many people to have problems with the over simplicity of the Lee scale. Digital scales can be reasonable or ridiculous. There is no reason to pay for a high end model. A good bar scale is nice and I keep and use one but feel like a drug dealer whenever I break it out. Also note that bar scales do not work well unless your work table is very level. Your work area should be level anyway or you will get bad powder throws and on some blanks you will get tips that are off in the angle of your table.

I make this sound scary, but please only take this as notes from someone who loads on a large scale. The little things matter.

Robb

Re: Reloading your own blanks
« Reply #4 on Apr 3, 2007, 9:16pm »

Tovarischi,

Over the last 20 some years of re-enacting I have noticed that it is far easier to criticize as opposed to adding information to a topic. Therefore it is nice when folks decide to add to a topic and not try to tear it apart.

Those who know me know that many hours are spent in Dima's Dungeon making all sorts of items for various periods of re-enacting. So I am quite familiar with the value of time. However, too often folks place too much value on "their time" and thus can price themselves out of the market. Granted, the things I make I make for fun not for sale since this is a hobby for me not a business. I don't like to mix business with pleasure. I have a 40+ hour a week job and that is enough.

Anytime a fellow can save some money and still get a safe and quality product then I am in full support of that approach. I am not sure about the rest of you but if I can save $15.00 to $20.00 per 100 rounds of ammo then I am interested in how to go about that too. That is money I can put towards fuel, food, equipment, etc.

As far as the comment that Sasha's prices and quantities are outdated I beg to disagree. You see on occasion I am the one who picks up the various loading components for him since I work near some of the suppliers he uses. Perhaps those who disagree with those prices and quantities would care to provide their data for comparison. the more information the better.

I can vouch for the quality of Sasha's efforts in blank making since over the years I have utilized hundreds if not thousands of rounds he has produced in such calibers as .44(for Henrys), 7mm for my Mauser and 30.06 for my M1 Rifle. His knowledge and attention to detail in making blanks(and live ammo) often leaves me in awe. Those who may think that Sasha is a novice in this area have sadly under estimated his knowledge and ability. Add to this his knowledge of history and his marksmanship and you have a darn good man.

Knowledge is power and if folks are serious about improving this hobby then folks need to step up to the plate and make the knowledge available to the masses so they can make their own decision as to what path to take.

There is a lot of work to do so let us get about the business of improving the hobby while keeping it affordable and fun.

Keep up the good work.

Sincerely,

Dima
(one of the Crazies)


Re: Reloading your own blanks
« Reply #5 on Apr 4, 2007, 6:41am »
________________________________________
I had much more to add but I am not going to play this tag team crap.

I am saw this coming and I am not playing this game Dima; and your accusations are out of line.

With this I am done here.

Robb

Re: Reloading your own blanks
« Reply #6 on Apr 4, 2007, 8:49am »
________________________________________
Tovarisch Robb,

Tag Team? Crap? Not quite. I would think that the more folks who can add to the mix the better the end result. I am sorry if you feel threatened for that is not my intention. Sometimes email and forum postings can be so impersonal and lack tone and inflection.

I do make sure to keep an eye out to watch the backs of my fellow re-enactors and friends. If that is what you mean by "tag team" then I guess I am guilty. Sasha is making a sincere attempt to help inform the public about how they can save some money by loading their own blanks. Somehow I get the feeling that some folks feel threatened by this effort. They should not feel threatened at all.

Accusations? Huh? What the heck are you talking about? Could you please elaborate? Perhaps you should re-read my post as well as your earlier posts to make sure you have understood the context of my comments.

It was you who stated "Many of your prices and quantities are outdated." Yet you offered no data to compare nor any explanation. I just don't like it when folks fire out "accusations" but then do not back them up. It would be good to find out what prices are for the various regions of the country.

I would hope that you would continue to add to the discussion to help improve the hobby. However, I fear that will not be the case based upon your final words of your last posting.

I would hope that you would reconsider.

Well back to the dungeon.

Sincerely,

Dima
(former WWF member?)

Re: Reloading your own blanks
« Reply #7 on Apr 5, 2007, 11:59am »
________________________________________
Ok, I have a few minutes and will play along.

Dima, I do not feel that it is may place to do the work of the person posting to find the right numbers for them but I will give some information. I absolutely do not play the "got a link to prove it" game on the internet.

The $ amounts for the dies from C&H are close but not quite right. They have gone up slightly. They are local to me and I spend A LOT of time there driving them mad for custom die work, if you order $1,000 or more at a time they will give you a small discount.

Second, if you are going to the link provided to PPU blanks you must have a straight line to the Serb president because "it don't work that way". There are 3 places to get the brass and that isn't it. I would also double check your prices on the brass. It is outdated. I do not know what the 1,000 round price is but can assure you it is now different.

Getting your brass at Weidners? (A good place as well)

As of 5 minutes ago. (Same as every other time I checked)
OFB-223-C ONCE - FIRED COMM $59.00 PER 1000 0

OFB-223-M ONCE - FIRED 223 MILITARY $45.00 PER 1000 0

OFB-2232 ONCE - FIRED 223 MIL WCC HEADSTAMP PER 1000 $39.00 OFB-2232 ONCE - FIRED 223 MIL WCC HEADSTAMP $39.00 PER 1000 0

OFB-270-C ONCE FIRED 270 WIN BRASS $20.00 PER 250 ROUNDS 15

OFB-3006 ONCE FIRED 30-06 BRASS $20.00 PER 250 ROUNDS 0



Note that there is very little in stock. Add shipping to these amounts as well when you figure it in. Small amounts of brass become ridiculously high when shipping is factored in.

I am not going to do the work for you, since you are the "buyer" / parner? for / of Sasha you can look the prices up.

It was you who stated "Many of your prices and quantities are outdated." Yet you offered no data to compare nor any explanation. I just don't like it when folks fire out "accusations" but then do not back them up. It would be good to find out what prices are for the various regions of the country.

Use the internet and call around, you will find what you seek.

Back to dies.

If you are loading for a semi-auto or full auto weapon you need what is called a small base die. This goes for live ammo as well.

These can be special ordered from most places for about $50-$90 depending on caliber.

This will keep you from having ejection problems or case head separations. (very bad and will probably end your day at the event unless you have a tool to remove the stuck case)

Even in Mausers the small base die will make a huge difference. Quite often the reason for needing the cleaning rod to pound out your stuck case is from the lack of usage of this die.

Sasha, what do you look for in your once fired brass? Any specifications on type of firearm it was fired from the first time? Please explain more, especially for the full auto guys.

Other items you will need.

Case lube. Dillon works well but I think the Midway house brand works just as well for less. Avoid Hornady - One Shot, RCBS, and Lyman lubes like the plague. Saying they suck is an insult to things that suck.

You will need a case tumbler. The small midway version is a good deal. Everyone makes a similar sized tumbler, you will have to shop around. I use them along with the big Dillon tumblers.

Why do you need to spend another $100 on this item? (That is a guess, I haven't priced them in years)

If your brass is not clean when you run it through the dies it will wear them out quickly. It may also keep them from forming the case properly.

Once you are done making the round, you need to get the lube off your cases.

You can use either corn cob or Walnut media. I use corn cob but either works fine. This can be found anywhere.

A sifter would be nice but is not really needed. Avoid the tumble wheel type as they are more of a pain to use than anything else.

I need to get back to work so I will leave it here for now.

I am not trying to make this sound like a monumental task. Like most other things, it simply requires a fair amount of small items to do properly.

If anyone would like I can come back and post a direct link to ALL items I would suggest for start up. I will not do so unless asked as it will be quite time consuming.

I prefer Midway as they will send you e-mail coupons randomly throughout the year and on your birthday!


Depending on how this goes later I will go into military brass and things that you should consider getting because you may very well need them, especially when starting out.

Robb

Re: Reloading your own blanks
« Reply #8 on Apr 5, 2007, 3:29pm »
________________________________________
Robb,
Let me say that it is good to have some constructive information. You have made many good points. However concerning the fact that you think my pricing is a bit off, here is a break down.

.30 Carbine crimp and shoulder die purchased 2 weeks ago $105 from C-H that includes shipping to my front door. Just the crimp die for other calibers is about $25 less.

Concerning .30 Carbine blank brass, well I must know the Serbian President pretty well because, just today I received 2000 of the .30 Carbine blank brass at $139 per 1000 plus shipping which brought the total to $298 or roughly 15 cents each for .30 Carbine blank brass PPU delivered to my front door today.

Primers cost $22.99 as of today at Bullet Express in Springfield,IL.

Bullseye powder was $59.99 for a 4 pound jug and Red Dot was $99.99 for an 8 pound jug. That brings Bullseye to about $15 per pound and $12.5 for Red Dot.

Cost per blank for the .30 Carbine Blank is:
15 Cents per case
2.5 cents roughly per primer
2 cents roughly for the powder
For a total of 19.5 cents each. or $19.50 per 100.

Your prices for the .30-06 brass are correct at 8 cents each plus shipping so you are looking at maybe 10 to 12 cents after shipping. Primers are still the same 2.5 cents each. I use Red Dot at $12.5 per pound if purchased in an 8 pound jug. I get right at 560 rounds loaded per pound for a price of about 2.2 cents per round.
Total cost for a .30-06 blank is about 17 cents per blank or $17 per 100.

Expense to load for the common reenactor is zero. Not many reenactors charge themselves for doing work for the hobby because it is just that, a hobby.

The equipment at around $300 to $350 if one goes the Lee route will be paid for in about the first 2000 to 3000 blanks loaded, especially if loading .30 Carbine. If a couple of reenactors go together and purchase the equipment the pay off is sooner. How many rounds does a reenactor shoot in a season? I will go through 2000 to 3000 in the different time periods I reenact in a season.

I have also said that my posting was not meant to threaten blank vendors with extinction, but just to show that for those that might want to get into another area of the hobby, they could do so and it would not cost an arm and a leg.

What I have posted as prices are as of today April 6, 2007. If you are paying more for your components feel free to e-mail me and I will be glad to give you the names and addresses of my suppliers and introduce you to the Serbian President, who ever he is. Does the name Zivko ring any bells?

Thanks again for your contribution to the posting. I will say this again, Reloading is not for everyone and for those that do not want to take the time because "Time is Money" to them there are several blank vendors that do a fantastic job and offer a great service to the reenacting community. I have used Blank Guys blanks and Dave's from Gopher and they are top quality as I am sure your's are too. All blank vendors are to be given a huge pat on the back even Swanson which I know that you have made comments about his prices being too high. Without blank vendors many WWII reenactments might fall silent, except for those of us that can reload our own.

Let's keep the postings civil and constructive. If you differ with my information, don't say so and then offer no information to prove I was wrong. Let me assure you that all of the prices I have stated are 100% correct as of this writing.

The more information the better as it gives the reenactor a more informed way of making decisions. More than likely 99% of all reenactors buy from vendors now and I really don't look for that to change nor am I trying to change that.

Thanks again for the information. Please feel free to add to the discussion. Education is a powerful tool.

Sasha

PS: This is not nor has it ever been a "Tag Team Match" so please don't turn it into one. Education and information please.


Re: Reloading your own blanks
« Reply #9 on Apr 5, 2007, 5:48pm »
________________________________________
Sasha, I am going to send you an e-mail to be sure we are on the same page here and then we can get back to this.

Robb

Stay tuned for the next installment.

[bendanov]

Get in the Ditch for even talking about something not dealing with the RKKA!!!

If your going to make blanks, they should be 7.62 x 54mm Long blanks!!! ;D

Martin

[crazydima]

Tovarischi,

Here is the next installment.

Re: Reloading your own blanks
« Reply #10 on Apr 5, 2007, 8:48pm »
________________________________________
Tovarisch Robb,

I am glad to see that you changed your mind and decided to continue to add information to the discussion. This is good.

As I have stated earlier, Sasha is making a sincere effort to help educate folks and provide them with information which could save folks some money and improve the hobby. There is no hidden agenda here. Neither Sasha nor I are blank vendors. I am sure that you have some very good information to add to this subject. Knowledge is power.

However, I have to say though that you are sadly mistaken when you imply that this is some sort of fishing expedition on our part regarding suppliers for loading components. Sasha has already done that work and has the "right numbers."

Therefore, I could care less whether you prove anything or not since the facts are the facts and Sasha's prices are darn near spot on and you know it despite what you publicly post.

I have somewhat of a grasp of how things work and thus even I realize that I don't need to know the Serbian president. Instead it is important to know the US distributor for the Partizans(PPU). That would be where "Zivko" comes in to play. So I guess that would be "How it works."

You claimed that I made accusations. You also claimed that Sasha's prices and quantities were wrong. In both cases you have refused to back up your accusations. Care to elaborate?

Why not do something constructive and help re-enactors save a few bucks and give them useful information(not fluff) which could improve the hobby. There is nothing to be frightened of, or is there?

Hopefully your email exchange with Sasha will help to educate you about the situation as to who we are and what we are about. No cloak and dagger on our part.

My real name is and has always been part of the automatic signature at the bottom. After 20 some years of re-enacting various time periods there are a few folks who know me."Use the internet and call around, you will find what you seek." Very sound advice.

Now lets get about doing some good for the hobby instead of splashing bravado around the web.

Hey not only do I save money on my car insurance but I also save money on blanks.

So much for one liners.

Well back to the dungeon.

Sincerely,

Dima
(Personal cheer leader for Sasha??? Naw, just a man who watches out for his pards)

Re: Reloading your own blanks
« Reply #11 on Today at 8:01am »
________________________________________
Ok, work called so it took a few days to get back to this.

Dima, I spoke with Zivko once if you can call it that. He was not able to help me so I went with another PPU distributor.


That being said, let me go through the making of the easiest blank to make (.30-06) with what you will need, what you should have, and what would be really nice to have.
I will not give powder loads as there are 1001 loads to use since many powders will work and people insist on using the pilot hole in the cheap Sportsmans guide BFA up to the correct military size and above. The information is out there, seek and you shall find.

My recommendations for simple low end blank making for the beginner.

1) you will need a work area away from the kids, level and
not around any smoking.

2) A strong bench. A bench at a comfortable height that is strong
enough to hold up to the pressure of the press. I use a bench of
2 inch hardwood with a solid Oak door screwed to it with 1/4 inch
steel plates bolted to the top and bottom but you do not need
this much. 3 inches of hard wood should be more than safe. You
can "borrow" wood scraps from someone etc. No need to pay a
lot for this.

3) A press. Sasha was showing the basic Lee press www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=807734

This will do but is more trouble than it is worth in my opinion. As a second press for "little" jobs it makes a nice back up. My reason for saying it is a bad choice is that it is not good for quick die changes, you must drill a hole in your bench under it so the de-capped primers have a place to fall all over the floor from , I have no idea how you re-prime the cases in this press and must use a hand tool. www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=807875
As you see, it requires the purchase of other parts to work.

My choice. A Rock Chucker www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=513567

I would quickly ad the Lock-N-Load conversion with bushings: www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=858110



4) You will need a powder scale. As I said, this can go from insane to cheap. The basic lee powder scale www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=712103 they claim it to be never get out of adjustment. Well, if your table is not perfectly level it will never be in adjustment.

You can look around yourself but I would recommend a low end digital scale such as:http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=707006

PACT makes the RCBS scales so there is no reason to pay extra for the RCBS name. This scale will do everything you need and more and the second cheapest one I know of.

5) You will need the blank crimp die. As Sasha posted above C&H will have them. Sasha, I pay a different price but, hell, I have the owners home phone on speed dial. I don't think you can order from the web site and have to call them. Sasha posted the link above.

6) You will need rifle dies.

www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=686446

Will get you started. I do not see that Lee makes any but would recomend RCBS. Lee is $20 cheaper for a reason and the others get more expensive for reasons you have no use for.

7) Powder throw. Again, you can spend a lot or a little. For the most basic www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=540522

Up to crazy prices. I prefer the RCBS www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=752260 Or the Hornady at roughly the same price. Notice the difference in price between the products from Lee and the other brands for the same level of performance? There is a reason, you get what you pay for.

8) Case lube. This is a must have. The best price to quality that I have found is the Midway house brand : www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=204960

shake well before use and it will last a long time.

9) Case tumbler. You must be sure the brass is clean before you start and let the lube off when you are done.

A decent one is www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=587176

If I needed one that small I would be on that deal like ham on a sandwich.

A media separator would be nice but not needed. This type is trash: www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=183204

Get a spare 5 gallon bucket and use this type: www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=731116 there is a reason they are out of stock at the time I am posting this and the other types are in stock..... if you have ever seen someone pan for gold, you know how to use this piece.

10) Case gauge :http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=685086

The guy giving it a bad review if full of S**t. Dillon also sells this brand so you figure it out.......

This will tell you if you have your dies set up correctly.

Corn cob media for the tumbler. www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=730107

This looks to be one of the better deals on the site. Walnut also works well but for no particular reason I prefer corn cob.

These are the basics. Later I will tell you how to use them. I will also ad equipment that will also be very useful, especially to the novice.


Sorry, I can't get a couple of those to hot link for anything. Just cut and paste.

Robb


Re-edited try to complete hot links that just won't work.

Re: Reloading your own blanks
« Reply #12 on Today at 10:05am »
________________________________________
Since I have received personal threats from the other posters here I ask that this be locked down.

Sorry guys, I tried to help but will not be threatened and insulted anymore. I have provided more information than the original poster to help. That is not what the case seams to be.

I tried, sorry that you were mislead.

Robb

Re: Reloading your own blanks
« Reply #13 on Today at 12:33pm »
________________________________________
Robb,
To state that you have recieved personal threats form me is just not true.
Sasha


Re: Reloading your own blanks
« Reply #14 on Today at 5:47pm »

________________________________________
Tovarisch Robb,

Thanks for contributing additional information to the blank issue. You may not believe this but just like Sasha I sincerely believe that you and the other blank vendors provide a valuable service to the re-enacting community.

This started out to be a sincere and honest attempt by Sasha to provide information to the re-enacting community. However, it appears that you have done your best to lay a smoke screen and derail it by insinuating that this is some sort of fishing expedition. Now you want it locked down? Now that is pathetic.

It appears that your email to Sasha did not result in you being "on the same page". I am sure though that you now realize that neither Sasha nor I are blank vendors and never have been. That is a hoot. I find it interesting that you would go to email to go fishing for information when you could have gotten the same information out in the open in the light of day for all to see. To what end? Worried about losing a piece of the pie? Pretty darn sad.

I am also sure that you now realize a lot of other things as well. Lesson for today - never to take a dump in your own mess kit. The learning never stops eh? Unfortunately you have learned this lesson the hard way.

Now contrary to your earlier assertion, I do not live under a bridge(ie "troll"). (Thankfully folks keep track of postings before editing.) So much for your claim of being the sole victim of insults.

"Personal Threats??"

Exactly who has made "personal threats" to you?

Exactly what "personal threats" were made to you?

Once again you make accusations for which you do not offer to back up with any proof. Not surprising. Those kind of accusations can get a fellow into trouble(Peter and the Wolf). The nice thing about the internet is that information can be saved and documented for all to see the truth. Failure to provide proof of such accusations in this day and age of technology does not help your credibility.

You are correct with your statement regarding being "mislead." It is nice that you apologized for "misleading" us. The truth will set you free.

You stated that: "Many of your prices and quantities are outdated." Repeatedly you have been asked to back up your accusation but to date you have refused. You also stated that: "your accusations are out of line" and again you fail to back up that claim. Hmmmm. Instead you have tried to divert attention. Again not surprising.

According to Sasha "Zivko" has been of great help in obtaining 4,000 carbine blanks at the prices he quoted earlier in this post. Perfect for the average grunt out in the trenches.

Folks have now seen your true colors and there is nothing you can do to change it now. You have been very entertaining but not very challenging. Regardless of the fact I thank your effort.

Looking forward to being able to put a name with a face at some future re-enactment.

Well back to the dungeon.

Sincerely,

Dima
(one who believes in truth not cloak and dagger)

[crazydima]

Tovarischi,

Here is yet another installment.

Re: Reloading your own blanks
« Reply #15 on Yesterday at 10:30pm »
________________________________________
Ok, I am board at work tonight, I will play the game


Yesterday at 5:47pm, crazydima wrote:
Tovarisch Robb,

Thanks for contributing additional information to the blank issue.



You are welcome.


Quote:
You may not believe this but just like Sasha I sincerely believe that you and the other blank vendors provide a valuable service to the re-enacting community.



Non-sequitor


Quote:
This started out to be a sincere and honest attempt by Sasha to provide information to the re-enacting community.



And he has provided nothing since.


Quote:
However, it appears that you have done your best to lay a smoke screen



Smoke screen in what way? By telling you to stop tag teaming this?


Quote:
and derail it



Yes, derail by adding several hours of work in my post detailing the parts you will need.


Quote:
by insinuating that this is some sort of fishing expedition.



Yes, but off line and not to you. hummmmmmm?




Quote:
Now you want it locked down?



Yes, this is pathetic as most will agree.


Quote:
Now that is pathetic.



Now why would that be, so you may continue to take shots at me with impunity about private information not posted. Yes, it is pathetic.


Quote:
It appears that your email to Sasha did not result in you being "on the same page".



You think? It was an effort to avoid this. A failed effort.


Quote:
I am sure though that you now realize that neither Sasha nor I are blank vendors and never have been.



I do not care if you are or not. The world is big enough for all of us in the field. Although someone who makes blanks and sells them to a certain community I would consider a blank vendor. We are worlds apart in what we make most blanks for. There really is no concern for either of us.


Quote:
That is a hoot.



I am glad you find great interest in this childishness.


Quote:
I find it interesting that you would go to email to go fishing for information when you could have gotten the same information out in the open in the light of day for all to see.



I have found it often proper to ask certain questions out of the forum of public interest. What I do is obvious. Respecting Sashas privacy is not out of line in my opinion. I see that your concern for him is very guarded.


Quote:
To what end?



Answered above


Quote:
Worried about losing a piece of the pie? Pretty darn sad.



More baseless insults from you. tsk tsk tsk. I have no worries. The court of public opinion will be just that. Open for the public. In business I serve them, not you. Only time will tell.


Quote:
I am also sure that you now realize a lot of other things as well.



Oh yes, more than you know. I must admit I admire the complexity by which this has been done. (Honestly, I do)


Quote:
Lesson for today - never to take a dump in your own mess kit.



OK....... Don't really know what to say to that. It is a fine insult never-the-less.


Quote:
The learning never stops eh?



No, learning never stops.


Quote:
Unfortunately you have learned this lesson the hard way.



What lesson have I learned? That it is easy for me look smarter than Forest Gump when arguing against him? (I think I get a point for that one, that was pretty good)


Quote:
Now contrary to your earlier assertion, I do not live under a bridge(ie "troll").



I never said you lived under a bridge.??


Quote:
(Thankfully folks keep track of postings before editing.) So much for your claim of being the sole victim of insults.



Yes, I edited stating that you were only serving to inflame this thread, your trolling this thread to attack me, keep it off track and that you were childish and immature in the way you did so, and that you would be ignored. I do not remember the exact words but that should be the jist of it. I removed this at Sasha's request. I do not deny saying it. You can not deny that your constant attacks on me have been mostly one sided.
I see that my good will was respected, there fore proving me correct.


Quote:
"Personal Threats??"



Yes. Off line.


Quote:
Exactly who has made "personal threats" to you?



Statements made off line are not to be brought online. You should know this.


Quote:
Exactly what "personal threats" were made to you?



Answered above.


Quote:
Once again you make accusations for which you do not offer to back up with any proof.



Again, answered above.


Quote:
Not surprising.



I again thank you for the personal insult.


Quote:
Those kind of accusations can get a fellow into trouble



Slander - In law, defamation is the communication of a statement that makes a false claim, expressly stated or implied to be factual, that may harm the reputation of an individual, business, product, group, government or nation. Most jurisdictions allow legal actions, civil and/or criminal, to deter various kinds of defamation and retaliate against criticism.

Libel - libel (harmful statement in a fixed medium, especially writing but also a picture, sign, or electronic broadcast), each of which gives a common law right of action.

Ok, I have not stated who said anything. Or what was said as it was private and I will keep it that way. Which one of these will get me into trouble? Or are you implying some other threat?



Quote:
(Peter and the Wolf)



I don't get it.


Quote:
The nice thing about the internet is that information can be saved and documented for all to see the truth.



That is nice. We should all thank Al Gore for the internet then.


Quote:
Failure to provide proof of such accusations in this day and age of technology does not help your credibility.



More baseless attacks. As I have stated above. Private conversations are just that. Private. Sasha has not posted the information and I have not either - yet you continue to attack me over something that will not be made public as it should not.


Quote:
You are correct with your statement regarding being "mislead." It is nice that you apologized for "misleading" us. The truth will set you free.



You lost me here.


Quote:
You stated that: "Many of your prices and quantities are outdated."



Yes I did based on the information that I had.



Quote:
Repeatedly you have been asked to back up your accusation



And have repeatedly stated that it is the original posters job to provide the correct information. Same as the court of law. It is not the job of the defendant to prove his innocence. It is the job of the prosecution to prove guilt.

I did point out a few direct errors, I think one of you double checked most of the rest of the information.


Quote:
but to date you have refused.



Answered above.


Quote:
You also stated that: "your accusations are out of line" and again you fail to back up that claim.



Let me see if I understand this statement.

I state that your attacks / manor of speaking to me is out of line and not needed for the topic.... and I need to back the statement......

If I am correct, it only needs to be my opinion that someone is out of line to make the claim.


Quote:
Hmmmm. Instead you have tried to divert attention.



No, trying to get you to shut up so that this topic may progress.


Quote:
Again not surprising.



Thank you again for the personal attack.


Quote:
According to Sasha "Zivko" has been of great help in obtaining 4,000 carbine blanks at the prices he quoted earlier in this post. Perfect for the average grunt out in the trenches.



I though you were the one doing the buying?

Anyway, that is very nice that you have 4,000 cases. They are yours, do with them as you wish. Zivko was not able to help me due to the volume of my purchase. At least he is able to help someone. That is his job after all.


Quote:
Folks have now seen your true colors and there is nothing you can do to change it now.



I think you are quite correct. I thank you for the time.


Quote:
You have been very entertaining



I am glad that you have been entertained. Most of the hourly I manage find me quite entertaining as well. They work better for me that way.


Quote:
but not very challenging



I apologize, I did not know this was a challenge. I thought this was educational. Had I known I would have tried.


Quote:
Regardless of the fact I thank your effort.



Thank you again for the snide remark.


Quote:
Looking forward to being able to put a name with a face at some future re-enactment.



Easy to say when the odds of meeting are almost zero. How do I take this? Are you going to shake my hand and offer a rematch or ?


Quote:
Well back to the dungeon.



Well hell, there is the problem, who let you out in the first place?


Quote:
Sincerely,

Dima
(one who believes in truth not cloak and dagger)



Bye bye.

Robb

Edited due to getting the quotes in correct alignment.

Re: Reloading your own blanks
« Reply #16 on Today at 6:22am »
________________________________________
And who said the cold war was over???I can just hear the ICBM's in the bullpen warming up!!!!
(As I head for the bunker )
Todd

Re: Reloading your own blanks
« Reply #17 on Today at 6:54am »
________________________________________
Gd, If I wanted to "launch the nukes" I could have. I am hoping this stupidity will end before I feel the need to do so.

Sasha has asked that this end as I understand it and I agree. It remains to be seen how it goes from there.

Robb

Re: Reloading your own blanks
« Reply #18 on Today at 8:02am »
________________________________________
Tovarischi,

First of all I want to wish everyone, including Robb, a Happy Easter. Since it is Easter I am a bit pre-occupied with family activities and thus I cannot give full attention to this matter at this time. Do not worry, Dima will not disappoint his fans and will be sure to respond to the reply of the reply of the reply of the reply of the reply.....well you get the idea.

To tide you over here is an appetizer.

One cannot launch what one does not have. I do appreciate the thought since it is the thought that counts.

Could this be considered a "nuclear threat?" LOL! Probably has as much merit as the claim of "personal threats."

Besides, even the Soviets have priorities regarding the targeting of nukes. So I doubt "other posters" would make the list.

Stay tuned for more comedy and tragedy on the next episode of "When The Atlantic Wall Crumbles".

I love this hobby.

Sincerely,

Dima
(the entertained one)

Re: Reloading your own blanks
« Reply #19 on Today at 8:39am »
________________________________________

Today at 8:02am, crazydima wrote:
Tovarischi,

First of all I want to wish everyone, including Robb, a Happy Easter.



That is just preciuos.


Quote:
Since it is Easter I am a bit pre-occupied with family activities. and thus I cannot give full attention to this matter at this time.



But can find time in your busy time on this religious holiday for personal attacks. How Pius.


Quote:
Do not worry, Dima will not disappoint his fans...



As it is obvious that is what this is really all about. You.


Quote:
To tide you over here is an appetizer.

One cannot launch what one does not have.I do appreciate the thought since it is the thought that counts.



That is either childish or just plain stupid. Do you think about what you type???



Quote:
Could this be considered a "nuclear threat?" LOL! Probably has as much merit as the claim of "personal threats."



Yes, I own a personal arsenal of BATF class 10 (or is it class 8, I can't remember) Nukes in my basement. Dima, you can only stretch it so far and are running out of ground.


Quote:
Besides, even the Soviets have priorities regarding the targeting of nukes. So I doubt "other posters" would make the list.



What? Seriously, WHAT??


Quote:
Stay tuned for more comedy and tragedy on the next episode of "When The Atlantic Wall Crumbles".



Again, showing your true intentions, nothing more than personal attacks in a very childish way.


Quote:
I love this hobby.



No, you love the attention and the free reign from the admin. to act like a fool. I freely give you that chance to act like a fool. I too a becoming amused by your statements as is everyone else. Please continue.

Sincerely,


Quote:
Dima
(the entertained one)



As are we all.


It was at this point I believe that the thread was locked. Later it was heavily edited but ina rather poor manner.

[crazydima]

Tovarischi,

What you have read above is just a taste of the rather erratic communications which took place.

I have been told that he threatened to sue one of the other forums based upon his unfounded fears of folks being out to get him.

The personal messages I received from this individual make the public postings look tame. Sasha indicates that he received ones which were just as volatile and inflammatory.

I especially liked the one where the individual sent me a threat of physical violence. Not very bright. My lawyer got a real kick out of it.

Sincerely,

Dima
(A man who does not stalk nor make threats to others)

[crazydima]

Tovarischi,

Sadly, what appears to have happened here is that the blank vendor is upset that Sasha exposed the fact that the blank vendors are making a killing on the sales of M1 carbine blanks.

Furthermore the poor fellow insists that Sasha and I are making blanks for sale. Boy he couldn't be more wrong. I don't even own any reloading equipment. Never have. Repeatedly this fellow has offered to cut us in on part of the action and keeps talking about how there is more than enough business for all of us. I guess he didn't understand the whole part where Sasha and I told him we were not blank vendors!

Here is the truth:
It costs $19.50 cents per 100 rounds(complete) to make your own M1 carbine blanks. This is using a minimum of tools.

The vendors are charging $35.00 per 100 rounds plus shipping for M1 carbine blanks. Hmmmmmm........not too bad eh?

Oh, and it should also be noted that when this vendor found out where Sasha and the rest of us could get the same brass he and the other vendors bought all of it up so none of us would have any brass anytime soon. Real nice eh? How do I know this. He emailed Sasha to brag about doing it. Sasha inquired about more brass and sure enough it was all gone.

Tells you the caliber of person you are dealing with in this day and age.

Sincerely,

Dima
(not a blank vendor and never have been)

[richrauch]

Crazys,

I asked about this on the other board about a month a go and got no answer. Maybe you missed it in the shuffel. I dont do USGI that often but where do I find what I need to do this? I have contacted blanks guy and he offered to sell me the brass, Swanson never replied to me and Ronn at AW told me to contact a place run by Privi partisin. They told me last week that a place called duffies had bought a bunch but they had 2,000 rounds in stock but that would be it for a while. I think 500 would last me quite a while.

Rich (Will)

[crazydima]

Tovarisch,

The blank vendors are not very happy that Sasha shed some light on the carbine brass issue. Exposed their little cash cow.

Robb at Atlantic Wall has honked off some folks as of lately which does not surprise me one bit. Quality control and public relations are important and he is learning that slowly but surely.

Sasha got his brass from a distributor here in the states by the name of Zivco(sp?). Robb and the other vendors made sure to by all that Zivco had left so nobody else could get em and then emailed Sasha to brag about it. Real nice fellow.

I will have Sasha post that info on here as soon as I can get him out of the gulag.

Sincerely,

Dima
(not a blank vendor and never have been)

[richrauch]

Crazy dima i see that this is a personal vendeta against this person and don;t want to get involved. sorry for your time and i wil look elsewhere.

[crazydima]

Tovarisch,

No need to apologize.

It is too bad that you view it in such a manner. It is far from a personal vendetta.

What you refer to as a personal vendetta is actually nothing more than making sure folks know the truth about what took place and what was said(or written) by this fellow. The other forums are not willing to shine the light on day on such controversial topics.

Trust me, if this was a a personal vendetta you would know it. In the bigger scheme of things this fellow is a non issue to me. I have been re-enacting since 1984 and I have seen his type come and go over and over.

Sasha tried to post some really good information on the forums to help out folks like you. This fellow had two choices. Either remain silent on the matter or add his knowledge to the discussion. The poor fellow obviously knew the cat was out of the bag and tried to conduct damage control.

He chose to attack Sasha and post lies as well as cloud the issue regarding the matter of private individuals reloading blanks. It should have been a very productive and informative set of postings and I would have steered clear of the matter. What he posts publicly vs privately are worlds apart.

However, this fellow went out of his way to post lies on one public forum, he sent a personal message threatening me with physical harm on another forum, made false accusations as a means to then threaten a forum with legal action. The list goes on from there.

I am a fellow believes in holding others accountable for their false words and mis-deeds. Especially when they personally attack me and my close friends.

Too often folks are not willing to take a stand because it is inconvenient. Too many folks never want to get involved in matters which may become messy. I can see that turning a blind eye to bad behavior is far easier than facing it head on. No doubt about it. Unfortunately, I am not wired that way.

In the end what you have is a fellow who is part of an effort claiming to provide carbine blanks at a price to help re-enactors when in fact it is far from it. The numbers prove it. Look at what it costs to make M1 rifle blanks vs what is being charged for them. Then look at Carbine blanks and weigh the cost vs the charge.

One must remember that the aggressor sets the tone. This fellow set the tone.

If I were you I would trust more in Sasha and his attempts to help out folks like you rather than go for the easy way out.

Good luck and take care.

Sincerely,

Dima
(A fellow who picks plenty of hills to die on)