Just for fun, I've been thinking a lot lately about what I would do if the unthinkable ever happened - a complete ban on the sale and manufacture of ammunition! (You don't reckon the presidential election had anything to do with these thoughts, do ya? ) I mean, if I couldn't get components, do I posess the skill to manufacture ammo from scratch?

I think the answer is "no." Bullets, yes, they'er doable with a lathe or a simple mold, and maybe I could concoct a workable powder (after a crash course in chemistry), but this is the only part of the process that a novice could attack. Brass is very difficult and requires very expensive machinery to manufacture. Primers present a whole different problem, mostly mechanical.

So what do you think, You think it's possible for a basement operator to really roll his own?

Cast lead, black powder (sulfur, saltpeter & charcoal), and flint.

quote:

Originally posted by Winchester 69:
Cast lead, black powder (sulfur, saltpeter & charcoal), and flint.

yup...muzzle loaders

But the stocking of a few thousand primers isn't difficult at all.....and a few pounds of powder....save the empties.....and some bullets (cast works well).....is all one needs unless he's planning on joining the freedom fighters.....in which case I actually think the US Army is going to be on your side.....

Owning a .223 makes good sense to me.

I think a simpler way would be to run for office yourself.

It's definitely a heck of a lot less work! But, if you are interested in the craft side of this check out a copy of "gunpowder" by Jack Kelly which is truly a good read, and Foxfire 5 which deals with rifle making from scratch.

Below is proof that a motivated and resourseful people can get it done!

http://www.dailymotion.com/relevance/search/pakistan/vi...el-darra-pakistan%3E

quote:

Originally posted by GAHUNTER:
Just for fun, ...You think it's possible for a basement operator to really roll his own?

With the right incentive, almost anything is possible. Years ago, Mr. Vernon Speer began making his own Bullets and it "got out of hand". Same with most of the folks who supply our components. So, it can be done.

I do find it comforting to have a right good Supply of the things it takes to get one ready to fire. If I somehow lost all this stuff, I'd be in trouble making "all" my own components though.

During WW II, desparate patriots (and/or refugees) made primers using already fired primer cups and anvils, and dissolved match heads mixed with a tiny dab of ground glass or river sand (not ocean beach sand). Not 100% reliable, but worked for many purposes.

Powder is not easy, but is doable. A mechanical mix of black powder and nitrated cellulose is more powerful than black powder alone, but is not consistent, so charges need to remain smaller than otherwise. Nitrating is easy. Factories use nitric acid and gelatinizing agents, but that process is very hazardous. Home make-dos are better off using saltpeter baths for their cellulose (such as onion-skin paper). Not nearly as good a product, but not likely to blow one up in the process either.

Ive got a few good molds and I dont think they are going to do away with wheelweights anytime soon.

Before we all run over too my place an learn Powder and Primer formulas lets think for a moment .

What always happens when the Government Bans or gets involved where it shouldn't .

BLACK MARKET No control No tax revenue No Lawyer salaries !.

I don't think our government is that stupid GOD help us if they are !!.

Their simply Ignorant Idiots !. Besides " War on Powder " just doesn't carry the same ring

as say the War on Drugs does . Besides all the Military personnel will be home

and .223 .308 as well as .50 cal. will be gladly sold during the great financial rift !.

just my oppinion but:

if the world went to the dogs (sorry dogs best example with out offending any one) every thing but brass and primers is easily makable with nothing more then a good old fashioned wood powered forge and some ingenuity.

powder - in its many forms is nothing but a few natural compounds and or chemicals twisted together look on wikepedia for the individual components and how to combine them "semi-safely"

bullets - copper and lead or copper jacketed with todays population quanities are easily found in the average house to make a decent quanity of bulets, copper plumbing, wheel weights multible other sources.

primer powder/compound - see powder above
primer anvil/cup - both of these pieces are relitvly simple designs requiring very little effort to make. question would be on material and quality control

cartridge cases - to be perfectly honest i have no clue i havent found any information that is conclusive to making cartridge cases to many variables but i dont think they can be made using a mold

that said reloading will allow the few cases that are already made to be used multible times extending the time in which knowledgeable people can uses exsisting fire arms.

after all the cartidges are gone for what ever reason the same knowledge we have of how to make the other components will allow us to refine simpler firearms (ie. non-cartridge type)to do an adequate job.

but for now while we can it isnt a bad idea to stock up on supplies.

besides if it wasnt fun to reload ten why the heck are so many people doing it?

quote:

http://www.dailymotion.com/relevance/search/pakistan/vi...el-darra-pakistan%3E

Absolutely facinating! All of us should read and learn about these people. I would be enthralled to be able to visit there! But I prefer to keep my head! In a way they are not much different than us! "Lots of sons and many guns"! LOL!

Some where, in my library, I have a set of instructions on building an AK47 with only hand tools. It can be done.