I cast a couple hundred RCBS 44-250 bullets this morning. I normally cast just what I need for the short term future rather than what some guys on this forum do, like casting 1000 or more over the course of a day.
BTW, this area is so dry that I have never put a protective coating on any of my molds; I've never had a spot of rust. Years ago I cut out a piece of sheet metal to cover the top of my RCBS furnace and while it heats up I put my molds on top of it, no other mold preparation necessary.
Chairmen of the Politically Incorrect
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Re: Chairmen of the Politically Incorrect
You won page 288 Walt. 
I've only done a little casting mainly for muzzle loading and over a campfire, slow but fun.
I've only done a little casting mainly for muzzle loading and over a campfire, slow but fun.
Whatever you do always give 100%........... unless you are donating blood.
Re: Chairmen of the Politically Incorrect
I cast the same way Walt. Ive gotten so lazy I only cast for my old guns now. For most of my handgun cartridges I use the Acme coated bullets. They are pretty reasonable and it saves my lead for my oldies.
Got in a little ride with the DRZ today. It seems to go really good.
Got in a little ride with the DRZ today. It seems to go really good.
"Oh bother", said Pooh, as he chambered another round.
Re: Chairmen of the Politically Incorrect
GK, casting over a campfire makes me think of mountain men, frontiersmen. Like you say, slow but fun. Very cool!
Jay, riding your DR-Z, how were the road conditions, how far did you go, did it stimulate any thoughts of new modifications? You had said that the bike had been lowered by a previous owner. Did you bring it back to stock? Does it have decent tires on it?
Good for you, Jay. I hope it's just what you had envisioned.
Jay, riding your DR-Z, how were the road conditions, how far did you go, did it stimulate any thoughts of new modifications? You had said that the bike had been lowered by a previous owner. Did you bring it back to stock? Does it have decent tires on it?
Good for you, Jay. I hope it's just what you had envisioned.
Re: Chairmen of the Politically Incorrect
Hey Walt!
Yeah, it's a great bike.
Yes, I put the stock links back in. The lowering links change the leverage on the shock and make it soft. It's already lower in the travel so it's like having your sag set too low. Handling was not good.
Once the links were back stock, I set the sag. I had to up the preload about 3/4" to get the sag at 3.5". Huge difference! I haven't played with the clickers yet, but there isn't any point till I can get it in the woods proper. It's still way too soft or frozen, depending on where you are. Even the maintained dirt roads have some sketchy spots.
The bike has Kenda Trackmasters on it. They are DOT, but probably a 90/10 tire. Just what I want. They are great in the dirt. Maybe a little sketchy on the road, but I do t care about that. Downside is they will probably wear fairly quick.
I rode today on some paved back roads and some maintained dirt/gravel roads. Seems like an excellent bike for what I want. The PO had the gearing set with a 14/47. It would be awesome in the woods, but maybe a little short legged on the road. When I had the wheel off, I put the stock 44 back on and left the 14 front. This doesn't seem too bad. Going down the road at 60 is doable without it screaming, but it doesn't feel like I have to go 30 in 1st. I will be able to tell once I get it in the woods.
I dug out the Jeep and the TW today also. It was our first 70 degree day. Man! Doesn't that TW feel funny after getting off the DRZ! I love that little thing though. I feel like I can go anywhere on it.
Yeah, it's a great bike.
Yes, I put the stock links back in. The lowering links change the leverage on the shock and make it soft. It's already lower in the travel so it's like having your sag set too low. Handling was not good.
Once the links were back stock, I set the sag. I had to up the preload about 3/4" to get the sag at 3.5". Huge difference! I haven't played with the clickers yet, but there isn't any point till I can get it in the woods proper. It's still way too soft or frozen, depending on where you are. Even the maintained dirt roads have some sketchy spots.
The bike has Kenda Trackmasters on it. They are DOT, but probably a 90/10 tire. Just what I want. They are great in the dirt. Maybe a little sketchy on the road, but I do t care about that. Downside is they will probably wear fairly quick.
I rode today on some paved back roads and some maintained dirt/gravel roads. Seems like an excellent bike for what I want. The PO had the gearing set with a 14/47. It would be awesome in the woods, but maybe a little short legged on the road. When I had the wheel off, I put the stock 44 back on and left the 14 front. This doesn't seem too bad. Going down the road at 60 is doable without it screaming, but it doesn't feel like I have to go 30 in 1st. I will be able to tell once I get it in the woods.
I dug out the Jeep and the TW today also. It was our first 70 degree day. Man! Doesn't that TW feel funny after getting off the DRZ! I love that little thing though. I feel like I can go anywhere on it.
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"Oh bother", said Pooh, as he chambered another round.
Re: Chairmen of the Politically Incorrect
I'll tell you what feels funny; a couple of days ago after I rode the TW on that 30 mile loop, I rode my BMW on a little 60 mile trip because I wanted to put some fresh gas into it. Quite a contrast!
The TW is SHORT.
The TW is SHORT.
Re: Chairmen of the Politically Incorrect
Haha I bet it does. It's still one of the most fun bikes I've had. I have to get mine registered this week.
"Oh bother", said Pooh, as he chambered another round.
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gamekeeper
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Re: Chairmen of the Politically Incorrect
My son found an old ESSO quart oil bottle in a wood where he was fencing, I don't know how old it is but I never saw them when I was a Grease Monkey back in the sixties, anyway they are now selling for over $40.00 
so I'm hunting for more.
.
so I'm hunting for more..
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Whatever you do always give 100%........... unless you are donating blood.
Re: Chairmen of the Politically Incorrect
Thats awesome! I love finding stuff like that. Makes my whole day.
It's beautiful here today. It's 70 degrees and sunny, so I cranked up the DRZ and took a ride. Nothing serious, just some dirt back roads in Cornville through to Canaan, and back home. I'm kind of running the tank down so I can get an idea when it will hit reserve. I'm at 100 miles and haven't yet. Better than I'd hoped for really.
It's beautiful here today. It's 70 degrees and sunny, so I cranked up the DRZ and took a ride. Nothing serious, just some dirt back roads in Cornville through to Canaan, and back home. I'm kind of running the tank down so I can get an idea when it will hit reserve. I'm at 100 miles and haven't yet. Better than I'd hoped for really.
"Oh bother", said Pooh, as he chambered another round.
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Old Savage
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Re: Chairmen of the Politically Incorrect
We “harvested” a basketful of those glass insulators from telegraph poles, selling for $6 at an antique store that expressed interest. We took them to the antique store and then it seems she had no interest in buying them.
So check what they are really “selling for” if you have them
So check what they are really “selling for” if you have them
In the High Desert of Southern Calif. ..."on the cutting edge of going back in time"...
Re: Chairmen of the Politically Incorrect
Jay, of course it depends upon riding style and terrain but driving at reasonable rates on the highway, my DR-Z always gets above 60 mpg. My range with a 4+gallon IMS tank is around 250 miles. Even with an aftermarket Sargent seat, "monkey butt" ends the ride well before I run out of gas.
Re: Chairmen of the Politically Incorrect
Haha yeah i can see that with me and the stock tank! If I stand some, which you should do in a lot if situations anyway, I'm good. Or take a break every hour or so.
"Oh bother", said Pooh, as he chambered another round.
Re: Chairmen of the Politically Incorrect
Walt,
I fueled the DRZ last night and it was better than I expected. It took 2.07 gallons for 111 miles. Worked out to 53.5mpg of mixed riding. I still hadn't hit the reserve yet with the new petcock, but it had to be close. That would only leave me about half a gallon. Either way, for the distances between fuel here, I'm all set with the stock tank.
Out there in your part of the country is a different story.
I fueled the DRZ last night and it was better than I expected. It took 2.07 gallons for 111 miles. Worked out to 53.5mpg of mixed riding. I still hadn't hit the reserve yet with the new petcock, but it had to be close. That would only leave me about half a gallon. Either way, for the distances between fuel here, I'm all set with the stock tank.
Out there in your part of the country is a different story.
"Oh bother", said Pooh, as he chambered another round.
Re: Chairmen of the Politically Incorrect
I went down and registered the TW yesterday. Took it for a little ride out through the Burril woods as it was a beautiful day here yesterday. Quite a difference after getting off the DRZ. Rolling along about 50 on the road is about the comfortable limit with my gearing, but there's just something about this little bike. It's really fun, and I'm so glad I have it. My rear brake is 100% better since I tore it apart this winter and cleaned it up.
"Oh bother", said Pooh, as he chambered another round.
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Old Savage
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Re: Chairmen of the Politically Incorrect
Gk, not legal for you but came across this folding chef’s knife for travel. Blade on the Opinel is 4”. $20 and it is stainless, locking and quite sturdy.
The other picture is a bat that triggered the motion detector at my daughter’s house.
The other picture is a bat that triggered the motion detector at my daughter’s house.
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In the High Desert of Southern Calif. ..."on the cutting edge of going back in time"...
Re: Chairmen of the Politically Incorrect
Regarding the TW, I'm happy for you, buddy. I had hoped I could get up into the mountains today but then remembered I had an appointment to get my annual physical today. Foiled again. The physical turned out good though. I guess I'll be around for a bit longer. 
How much higher than stock are your handlebars?
How much higher than stock are your handlebars?
Re: Chairmen of the Politically Incorrect
Hey Walt. Sorry you didn't get out. I think they are like an inch and a quarter. It's not much but it does help.
Got up to camp for some woods loafing this morning. It was cool and windy. I wasn't there long as I had to get home and tear my parents deck off. Time for a rebuild. Been there since 1980.
I took along my button mag 38-55 94 SRC and the little Colt Peacemaker .22 I got from my friend about a month before he passed. The carbine was his too, but I've had it for years. It was made in 1899, and has seen a lot of country, but has a mint bore. It's quite rare. Not only for the button mag, but because it has a nickel steel barrel. Not seen much in 38-55. Anyway, I was thinking of him, so I brought his guns for a walk.
I was kinda scouting stand sites. Wanted to beat the leaves coming out, and REALLY wanted to beat the black flies. I parked at the road and walked all the way. While the snow is gone, the frost is going out, and even walking it's pretty soft.
Saw a couple partridge. Snapped a pic of one in the road you can barely make out.
Got up to camp for some woods loafing this morning. It was cool and windy. I wasn't there long as I had to get home and tear my parents deck off. Time for a rebuild. Been there since 1980.
I took along my button mag 38-55 94 SRC and the little Colt Peacemaker .22 I got from my friend about a month before he passed. The carbine was his too, but I've had it for years. It was made in 1899, and has seen a lot of country, but has a mint bore. It's quite rare. Not only for the button mag, but because it has a nickel steel barrel. Not seen much in 38-55. Anyway, I was thinking of him, so I brought his guns for a walk.
I was kinda scouting stand sites. Wanted to beat the leaves coming out, and REALLY wanted to beat the black flies. I parked at the road and walked all the way. While the snow is gone, the frost is going out, and even walking it's pretty soft.
Saw a couple partridge. Snapped a pic of one in the road you can barely make out.
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"Oh bother", said Pooh, as he chambered another round.
Re: Chairmen of the Politically Incorrect
Thanks for the beautiful pictures, Jay. I can't read the label on the old square can. Can you?
I don't have any old guns. My oldest, my Winchester model 62A was made in 1949, my model 61 in 1952. I have a Chief Special Smith made in 1952, I believe and a Browning 20 ga Superposed made in 1959. Most of the remainder of my guns were made from the early 70s to my Ruger Bisley .41 mag which was made in late 2024 or early 2025.
Oops, I just remembered a wall-hanger Smith and Wesson. It's a Third Model Double Action 32 cailber made in 1883 and it's in poor shape. It has a broken spring inside and is not functional.
I don't have any old guns. My oldest, my Winchester model 62A was made in 1949, my model 61 in 1952. I have a Chief Special Smith made in 1952, I believe and a Browning 20 ga Superposed made in 1959. Most of the remainder of my guns were made from the early 70s to my Ruger Bisley .41 mag which was made in late 2024 or early 2025.
Oops, I just remembered a wall-hanger Smith and Wesson. It's a Third Model Double Action 32 cailber made in 1883 and it's in poor shape. It has a broken spring inside and is not functional.
Re: Chairmen of the Politically Incorrect
The name on the can is Saphire. I've seen other old cans laying around from logging in days gone. This is the the only Saphire labeled on I've seen.
"Oh bother", said Pooh, as he chambered another round.
Re: Chairmen of the Politically Incorrect
I cast some bullets over the last 3 or 4 days. No marathon casting sessions but just cast 50 or 100 miscellaneous bullets of some that were due to be refilled. I think I ended up casting about 500. Because wheel weights these days are harder to come by and shops want to sell them rather than giving them away as they used to, I bought foundry-alloyed ingots from a friend of a friend who has a commercial casting business. I bought about 250 lbs from him 3 years ago and about 350 lbs last December. BTW, the price went up 50% over that period of time. It is an excellent alloy with a 16-18 BnH hardness and it makes some beautiful bullets. I would rather cast my own instead of buying machine-cast bullets because I don't like the lube that the commercial casters use and I think the lube grooves are too small. I do frequently add some pure lead to bring the hardness down a bit. I still shoot some machine-cast bullets but prefer pouring my own in order to size them to the diameters I want.
It used to be that you could trust that all wheelweights were made of the same alloys but that came to a skidding stop when the wheel weight manufacturers began using zinc or steel or whatever else. The zinc weights have the letter Z imprinted on them but that means you have to closely examine each weight. I learned my lesson when I carelessly dropped a couple of zinc weights into a 20 lb pot and ruined the whole potfull.
It used to be that you could trust that all wheelweights were made of the same alloys but that came to a skidding stop when the wheel weight manufacturers began using zinc or steel or whatever else. The zinc weights have the letter Z imprinted on them but that means you have to closely examine each weight. I learned my lesson when I carelessly dropped a couple of zinc weights into a 20 lb pot and ruined the whole potfull.
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Re: Chairmen of the Politically Incorrect
I looked up Saphire Lubricants on Google and the company is still in business.
Re: Chairmen of the Politically Incorrect
Haha no kidding? I never would have guesses. I've never seen it before.
"Oh bother", said Pooh, as he chambered another round.
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gamekeeper
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Re: Chairmen of the Politically Incorrect
My WiFi went AWOL yesterday so I've got to catch up on what's up.
I love the photos Jay and great that you got a bit of woods loafin' in especially with a couple of special firearms with a personal history
OS I haven't seen many Bats up here strange as there are lots of very old buildings around. That Huusk knife looks useful and is legal over here just not for EDC.
Walt, casting bullets as I've said before I have very little experience but I have collected lead over the years from several sources, old pianos, wheel weights and roofing lead (not off church roofs
) my old muzzle loaders weren't too particular on the chemical make-up as used mostly for target practice.
I took a photo of the wild flowers while walking the dog, the mown path leads to the owners residence.
I love the photos Jay and great that you got a bit of woods loafin' in especially with a couple of special firearms with a personal history
OS I haven't seen many Bats up here strange as there are lots of very old buildings around. That Huusk knife looks useful and is legal over here just not for EDC.
Walt, casting bullets as I've said before I have very little experience but I have collected lead over the years from several sources, old pianos, wheel weights and roofing lead (not off church roofs
) my old muzzle loaders weren't too particular on the chemical make-up as used mostly for target practice.I took a photo of the wild flowers while walking the dog, the mown path leads to the owners residence.
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Whatever you do always give 100%........... unless you are donating blood.
Re: Chairmen of the Politically Incorrect
Glad you're back buddy! Beautiful picture. Sure has greened up over there!
"Oh bother", said Pooh, as he chambered another round.