bp78

Yep. You'll never beat the IT guys if you're trying to wipe your company email as it's all logged and/or backed-up on the server. If you really need to scrub a disk, defrag is not much insurance. DBAN on a boot disk is a pretty sure bet to wipe *an entire computer disk*. Not just email. It'll run hours too. http://dban.sourceforge.net/ https to a gmail account is pretty safe too. But they could always subpoena records from google....

Trials riding and the stuff going on in British Columbia free riding is pretty amazing. Hans Rey really deserves a lot of credit, both for his early start in it and having survived doing it for so long. http://www.hansrey.com/latestadventures.htm

I'd pick the Nikon D200. But I'm a Nikon fan and already bought their D80 (which is nearly the D200 in a cheaper body) This guy has excellent stuff and can keep you busy for hours: http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech.htm He has a D200 section too http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d200.htm

Hi Dan, I've run through about 750 rounds of Ultramax remanufactured 125gr LRN through my STI Trojan and had 2 FTBRs in those 750. Both were in a match, and both were after a couple sessions since the last cleaning. The stuff seems to run ok, not as clean as WWB though. It was some pretty dirty stuff. I've since given up on cheap factory ammo and started reloading, I'll try the moly and plated bullets before trying any more lead in 9mm. -bp

Thanks for all the advice. My orders were placed last night. A bit more expensive in the end than I initially thought but it'll be nice to have more choices in my loads even if it takes me years to recoup the costs. Picked up small quantities of several bullet types to see what works best for pistol. Some of my choices were influenced by what Midway had in stock, they seem to be sold out of a lot of stuff right now. Just need to find a local source for powder & primers and I'm all set. Including order snippets in case any new reloader finds it useful down the road.

+1 Buy the "Springfield" Metalform mags. They're well worth the small difference in price. Much better made than the others construction wise. http://www.brianenos.com/forums/index.php?...f=3&t=45059

Thanks for the feedback. I'll go with a digital scale, someone suggested this Lyman digital scale and it seems to get more solid reviews than the cheaper Frankford Arsenal one. (although my c&r price on it is $10 higher than retail for some reason) Suggestions on dies have been hard to follow, everytime someone tells me the dillon dies are over-priced and not as good someone else tells me to stick with the dillon ones. I don't mind the extra $30 if the Dillon dies are worth it. I'll go read some more on dies. Seems that Unique is a pretty safe powder to start with to handle 9mm, .45acp, and .38spl I plan to try small quantities of the plated rounds as well as Berrys and Precision to see what my pistol & I like. I'll add one of the Vibra-Prime tools to my list. I already have plastic cartridge cases for 500rds of loaded 9mm as well as some akro bins to work from.

-- Brian Enos --- Dillon 550b press http://www.brianenos.com/store/dillon.ez.550crbasic.html + Strong Mount + Primer Pickup Tubes: 4-Pack + 1" Bench Wrench& 5, 1" Lock Rings + 550 Spare Parts Kit + 550 Machine Cover Total: $ 484.70 -- MidwayUSA --- Lyman Carbide Dies http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/...leitemid=143461 Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ Case Tumbler http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/...leitemid=587176 Rainier LeadSafe Bullets 9mm (355 Diameter) 124 Grain Plated Flat Point http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/...leitemid=711972 RCBS Model 505 Magnetic http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/...leitemid=758842 Hornady One Shot Case Lube 5.5 oz Aerosol http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/...leitemid=438512 Loadbooks USA "9mm Luger" Reloading Manual http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/...leitemid=185458 Lyman "Pistol and Revolver: Reloading Handbook: Third Edition" Book http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/...leitemid=277752 Total: $137 -- Other Sources --- * 9mm Brass -- ebay/forums * 147gr bullets from Precision/Masterblaster * Digital Calipers from Harbor Freight $14 * Unique Powder * Winchester small primers * Walnut Media from PetSmart I'm just about ready to slap plastic and get started reloading. I was hoping that some of the more experienced reloaders here could offer some final advice on the selections I've made. Or point out any other items I need to add to this list. I think the 550 is right for me as it's quicker and cheaper to switch calibers on. I only hesitate on the concerns of it being a manual progressive and the risks of a squib. I mostly shoot 9mm in IDPA and will reload it initially. I'll probably add .45acp soon after, and perhaps .223 down the road. I only have a small bench in the garage that I also have to share for cleaning. Hence I'm looking for a single press that I can change easily enough and getting the cover to be extra careful about not mixing solevants & cleaners with anything reloading related. I'm looking at getting the Lyman (or Hornady, Lee) 3-set carbide dies since they're a good bit cheaper than the dillon dies. (1/2) Any suggestions on the scale choice? I don't want anything too cheap that I might regret. Thanks. barry

Your score is 92%. Excellent job! I must have gotten too many bogus email forwards growing up.

Don't worry, there are tons of worms, exploits, and viruses entirely compatible with WinXP. Try a post on craigslist, I'm sure someone local to you would be happy to toss you an unused legit copy of Windows XPse or ME for free or postage. Or for ~$400 you can move a decade ahead with one of the dell's listed on the deal sites: http://www.gotapex.com/ Then there is always Linux, an entirely free and secure OS that would run faster on your old box. http://wiki.freespire.org/index.php/Screenshots

Sorry the photos aren't better. I'd like to see a 10rd magazine too. I haven't tried or seen a Kimber 9mm mag yet.

I finally bought some "Springfield" Metalform mags and see that they are much different from the Metalform mags now shipping with STIs. I took some photos and posted it in another thread: http://www.brianenos.com/forums/index.php?...45059&st=0#

The subject of 9mm 1911 magazines has come up a few times including some confusion regarding mags. I bought Mecgar, Metalform/STI, and some "Springfield" metalform mags to try in my new STI Trojan. Here is a photo comparison of the three. The Springfield/MM mags are by far the most well made, although I've yet to have a feed problem with any of them in the few rounds I've shot so far. Time will tell. Costs were with C&R discount. From left to right in each photo: * Mecgar (chrome, 9rd, no holes in plate) $16.79 * STI Metalform (blued, 9rd, 2 holes) $18 retail - additional shots of STI Metalform with Ed Brown bumper added. * Springfield Metalform (stainless, 9rd, 2holes, rubber bumper) $21.08

Thanks for the pointer Bruce, for $16 I don't care how the digi camo looks; I'd never wear it past the range no matter the color anyhow.

Thanks for the information and links. Jeff, What load were those numbers for and what did you price the brass at?

Your "primary goal" is probably not achievable with 9-mm - I don't think it is possible to reload for the current price of the WWB 100-round "Value Pack" I've heard that quoted in the past too. Now that WWB is up to $13.85 /100 and 9mm brass will be either free or near free I'd suspect 9mm reloads with cast/cheap bullets to beat Wal*Mart prices. Anyone have current math on that subject? If/when I move on to .45acp & .223 I'd expect to see better savings too.

I'm finally shooting enough that I can no longer deny the economy of reloading. The bulk of my shooting is 9mm from a 5" 1911 which is where I plan to start reloading. I have been running commercial 115gr FMJ UMC & WWB and 125gr RNL Ultramax without a problem. I prefer the longer OAL of the WWB and would like to reload either 125gr or 147gr because I've gotten the impression that it takes down the steel better. (true/false?) As a new reloader, I'm looking for general advice on bullet type, primers, and powder that will be safe and simple to get started on. Are 147's easy to seat than 122's? Suggestions regarding jacketed, lead, or moly? Any powder selections that won't allow a double charge perhaps? (i.e. a double charge would fill the case beyond being able to seat a bullet?) My primary goal in reloading is to beat commercial ammo prices so costs are also a factor. I'm just looking for some load suggestions to get started on to get some experience before moving on to other loads/calibers or experimenting. Thanks. bp

STI Trojan 5" 9mm Brazo's Micro-dot FO sight. STI Steel magwell & housing.

I posted a very similar question a while ago. The STI Trojan was by far the most recommended 9mm 1911. I bought one from Brazo's and I'm still very happy with it. http://www.brianenos.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=42312

Merlin, Which base pads did you prefer in the end?

Anyone with a pointer on where those Simmons scopes are available these days?

I'm another one using the 550 packs of Federal at Walmart for $9. My Ruger 22/45 has no problem with them nor does my Dan Wesson. I'm sure their are more accurate rounds out there, but I have no complaints for the cheap Federal stuff so far.

Merlin. Those are the Metalform Mags designed by TGO. They are also the mags you get with a 9mm 1911 from Springfield. The same Metalform mag also just came OEM with my new STI Trojan 9mm. I also purchased two more "STI" mags with the gun that are the same TGO/Metalform. I only have around 200rds through the gun so far this week, but they've been absolutely flawless. I too would love to see a 10rd version but given the history I guess I better not hold my breath.

I would, and did, get the Nano. It has a slick interface & screen and is solid-state (no moving hd parts, all flash memory) so I feel less likely to break it running or skiing or something. Maybe I'm not keeping up enough, but I really don't see the draw of video on an iPod. If I'm static, I may as well watch stuff on the HD TV at home or on a plane 8/10 times I'll have my laptop with me anyhow. Not as though I could drive or run and watch video...

I had custom LASIK (all-laser) last January and couldn't be happier with it. It was pricey, just short of $5k todo both eyes. Insurance didn't cover it at all but my plan got me a lower negotiated rate & I setup a flex-spending account and paid it with pre-tax dollars. My vision was pretty bad going in, -6.5 contacts. Because my vision was so bad, I got the higher-risk warning packet which I signed-away. When going through it all, Keep in mind contacts carry a pretty significant risk too; I had actually been in contacts so long that my eye started growing blood vessels to get more oxygen in. You'll find horror stories if you look for them, I preferred to not read them or watch the procedure before hand. The procedure was painless and the happy-pills pre-op made it less un-nerving to see and smell your cornea cooked off your eye. I talked to a bunch of co-workers and friends locally who all recommended the same doc. I just had my 1year checkup and my vision is still 20/15ish now. It took a few weeks to see the results, day after op I was only 20/45ish.