Reconsidering Rule .308 – Part 2, by Tunnel Rabbit

(Continued from Part 1. This concludes the article.)
I can reload, so it is possible have a pile of very accurate 77 grain OTMs reserved for this kind of work as a part of a contingency plan that excludes the use a bolt gun. At 65 cents per round, I would get a pile and not let my stock go below 500 rounds. This is not blasting/training ammo, use the 55-grain bullet for that, but we would need to use up part of the case getting familiar with the round. The barrel twist rate should be 1:8 or better yet, 1:7. If your current upper does not, then get a spare upper with a 1:7 twist 20-inch barrel and leave the scope on it.

The 75/77 grain .223 ammunition would also be a better fight stopper than 55 grain FMJ, as the bullet tumbles and leaves a wider wound channel. And because it is a soft match bullet, there will also be some expansion and fragmentation that typically does not occur with FMJ. This means it can be a dual-use ammunition, for up close home defense ranges and for extended ranges.Continue reading“Reconsidering Rule .308 – Part 2, by Tunnel Rabbit”

SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets

This weekly Snippets column is a collection of short items: responses to posted articles, practical self-sufficiency items, how-tos, lessons learned, tips and tricks, and news items — both from readers and from SurvivalBlog’s editors. Note that we may select some long e-mails for posting as separate letters.

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Scientists design super-battery made with cheap, readily affordable chemical element, Na — Salt-based cell has surprisingly good energy density and charges in seconds.

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Over at the great Rural Revolution blog: Poliphobia?

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Reader R.K. suggested a DIY YouTube page called Invention Incarnate that includes these two interesting videos:

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Reader D.S.V. mentioned this news published at a substack: Britain Refuses to Sign WHO Pandemic Treaty.

Continue reading“SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“What defines us as Christians is not most profoundly that we have come to know him but that he took note of us and made us his own.” –  John Piper, Think: The Life of the Mind and the Love of God

Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — May 14, 2024

On May 14, 1853, Gail Borden, a land surveyor, newspaper publisher, and inventor, patented his process for condensed milk.

May 14th, 1686 was the birthday of Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit, who invented the thermometer.

On May 14th, 1948, in Tel Aviv, Jewish Agency Chairman David Ben-Gurion proclaimed the State of Israel, reestablishing the Jewish state after 2000 years.

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I noticed that my daughter-in-law’s Pilgrim & Patriot line of T-shirts has been expanded. Take a look at her clever designs.

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 112 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  are providing a store-wide 10% off coupon. Depending on the model chosen, this could be worth more than $2,000.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value),
  3. A Peak Refuel “Wasatch Pack” variety of 60 servings of premium freeze-dried breakfasts and dinners in individual meal pouches — a whopping 21,970 calories, all made and packaged in the USA — courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $359 value),
  4. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.
  5. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.

Second Prize:

  1. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  2. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).
  3. A $200 credit from Military Surplus LLC that can be applied to purchase and/or shipping costs for any of their in-stock merchandise, including full mil-spec ammo cans, Rothco clothing and field gear, backpacks, optics, compact solar panels, first aid kits, and more.
  4. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC.
  5. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun. There is no paperwork required for delivery of pre-1899 guns into most states, making them the last bastion of firearms purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. A Berkey Light water filter, courtesy of USA Berkey Filters (a $305 value),
  2. A $300 gift certificate from Good2Goco.com, good for any of their products: Home freeze dryers, pressure canners, Country Living grain mills, Emergency Essentials foods, and much more.
  3. Three sets each of made-in-USA regular and wide-mouth reusable canning lids. (This is a total of 300 lids and 600 gaskets.) This prize is courtesy of Harvest Guard (a $270 value)
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

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More than $875,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 112 ends on May 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how-to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

Reconsidering Rule .308 – Part 1, by Tunnel Rabbit

The situation in the near future will dictate a course of action (COA) or tactics, and your choice of rifles. My perspective is predicated on a remote rural forested setting with occasional mid-range shots that might exceed 700 yards. Many miles of lonely county paved roads, and dirt Forest Service roads are possible opportunities for an extended layered defense that we may need to use during a WROL situation. Bubba and the Backwoods Boys who hunt out here are a serious concern as they have been killing big game all their lives, and they could use game trails to come at us. We need to deny them entrance to our area, so they can not use the game trails. Our threats and terrain could be radically different from each other, and so should our methods differ.  Thinking in terms of only two domains would be a constrictive paradigm of either this or that limits our options from the onset and may steer us toward an unfortunate end.

As an example of an impractical choice that would have bragging rights and a grin attached, I might boast that this is the rifle of my choice as it best fits what I might want in a Battle Rifle, if it could handle a high pressure cartridge and have a 1:10 twist that is ideal for .30 caliber 200 grain bullets. Check out BCA’s HUNTMASTER. This baby could give one fire superiority.  Alas, it is only an ideal and a figment of my imagination.  We must be pragmatic and do the best with what we got, or might have in the future.
Continue reading“Reconsidering Rule .308 – Part 1, by Tunnel Rabbit”

SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt 

This weekly column features news stories and event announcements from around the American Redoubt region. (Idaho, Montana, eastern Oregon, eastern Washington, and Wyoming.) Much of the region is also more commonly known as The Inland Northwest. We also mention companies located in the region that are of interest to preppers and survivalists. Today, a special look at the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in the American Redoubt generated by the recent major solar storms.

Region-Wide

Stunning pictures of the northern lights captured across the northwest.

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KREM 2 viewers capture northern lights show around the Inland Northwest.

Idaho

Precinct Wars: MAGA Patriots vs. RINOs.

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Northern lights create dazzling spectacle in the eastern Idaho sky.

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Video: Aurora borealis North Central Idaho, May 10, 2024.

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Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in Idaho, May 11th, 2024.

Continue reading“SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt “

Preparedness Notes for Monday — May 13, 2024

On May 13, 1787, the First Fleet headed by Arthur Phillip set sail with 11 ships of convicts for Botany Bay, Australia.

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A recent Jonathan Rawles interview with NC Scout has been released. They discussed relocation, real estate prices and affordability, how internal migration is driving a cultural change in rural areas, and how to get established and connected, post-relocation.

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An Update: The fundraising drive for the Baan SuFan orphanage and school in northern Thailand is now almost 50% complete. Thanks to everyone who has donated! The remainder is $2,900 — to fill their current renovation and expansion needs. Please prayerfully consider donating to help them in these projects, and also becoming a monthly supporter.  Thanks! –  JWR

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Today’s feature article is a product review written by SurvivalBlog staff Field Gear Editor, Tom Christianson.

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We are in need of entries for Round 112 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. More than $875,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 112 ends on May 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how-to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

Henry Pump Action Rifle in .22WMR, by Thomas Christianson

The Henry Pump Action Rifle in .22WMR reflects classic design elements from such iconic firearms as the Winchester Model 1890, the Winchester Model 62, and the Remington Model 12. With a 20.5 inch octagonal barrel, a 12 round tubular magazine, and a beautiful American Walnut stock, the Henry Pump Action Rifle provides better than average accuracy with a tight and smooth action and minimal felt recoil. It comes with iron sights and a grooved receiver for mounting optics. It weighs 6 pounds.

With a manufacturer-suggested retail price of $654 at the time of this writing at www.henryusa.com , and widely available for under $600 online, it represents a viable option for the control of pests and small varmints. It is also fun to shoot.Continue reading“Henry Pump Action Rifle in .22WMR, by Thomas Christianson”

Recipe of the Week: One-Hour Homemade Bread

The following recipe for One-Hour Homemade Bread is from SurvivalBlog reader Tractorguy.  He writes:

“What is a better accompaniment to nearly any meal than hot, fresh, homemade bread? I know, most people think it takes a lot of time and effort, but it doesn’t have to. Give this fast recipe a try. It is so easy, and literally takes only 60 minutes from the time you dissolve the yeast until you pull the bread out of the oven! Since there is some downtime in the recipe, you can multi-task this in while you are preparing other parts of the meal.”

Ingredients
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 tsp. yeast
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. honey
  • 1 ½ cups flour (approx.).
Directions

Add the salt and honey to the water, and heat it up to around 100 degrees (25 sec. in the microwave on high is about right). Add the yeast to the hot water and stir to dissolve. Allow the mixture to set until it has a head of foam on it (5-10 minutes). Add the mixture to one cup of flour. Stir to dissolve the flour in the yeast mixture, then keep adding flour and kneading to get it to the consistency of normal bread dough – usually not more than 2-3 minutes.

Divide the dough and form it into the desired shape(s) – one medium loaf, four medium-sized rolls, or six breadsticks. Allow to rise in a warm place for twenty minutes, then bake at 400 degrees – about 17 minutes for breadsticks, 22 minutes for rolls, or 25 minutes for a loaf. You will have hot fresh bread in about an hour!
(Serving tip – we love to make breadsticks with this recipe. The crust and texture are identical to the ones we used to get from a now-defunct area pizza chain. To serve, dip them in your favorite brand of Salsa Con Queso, if you have it!)

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Do you have a well-tested recipe that would be of interest to SurvivalBlog readers? In this weekly recipe column, we place emphasis on recipes that use long-term storage foods, recipes for wild game, dutch oven recipes, slow cooker recipes, and any recipes that use home garden produce. If you have any favorite recipes, then please send them via e-mail. Thanks!

SurvivalBlog Graphic of the Week

Today’s graphic is a map that shows home affordability, by county. (Graphic courtesy of Reddit.)

FYI, the only two counties shaded red in The American Redoubt are right next to Glacier National Park (Whitefish, Montana) and The Grand Tetons (Jackson Hole, Wyoming).

The thumbnail image below is click-expandable.

 

 

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Please send your graphic ideas to JWR. (Either via e-mail or via our Contact form.) Any graphics that you send must either be your own creation or uncopyrighted.

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“The most interesting political questions throughout history have been whether humans will be ruled or free, whether they will be responsible for their actions as individuals or left irresponsible as members of society, and whether they can live in peace by volitional agreements alone. The fundamental question of politics has always been whether there should be politics.” – Karl Hess

Preparedness Notes for Sunday — May 12, 2024

On May 12, 1789, William Wilberforce made his first major speech on abolition in the UK House of Commons, reasoning the slave trade morally reprehensible and an issue of natural justice. Following a conversion experience and becoming an evangelical Christian Wilberforce became one of the leading English abolitionists. Wilberforce headed the parliamentary campaign against the British slave trade for 26 years until the passage of the Slave Trade Act of 1807.

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On May 12, 1921 a solar storm began, dubbed The Great Geomagnetic Storm of May 1921. These were some of the headlines: “Telegraph Service Prostrated, Comet Not to Blame” — declared the Los Angeles Times on May 15, 1921. “Electrical Disturbance is ‘Worst Ever Known’” — reported the Chicago Daily Tribune. “Sunspot credited with Rail Tie-up” — in the New York Times.

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 112 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  are providing a store-wide 10% off coupon. Depending on the model chosen, this could be worth more than $2,000.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value),
  3. A Peak Refuel “Wasatch Pack” variety of 60 servings of premium freeze-dried breakfasts and dinners in individual meal pouches — a whopping 21,970 calories, all made and packaged in the USA — courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $359 value),
  4. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.
  5. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.

Second Prize:

  1. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  2. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).
  3. A $200 credit from Military Surplus LLC that can be applied to purchase and/or shipping costs for any of their in-stock merchandise, including full mil-spec ammo cans, Rothco clothing and field gear, backpacks, optics, compact solar panels, first aid kits, and more.
  4. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC.
  5. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun. There is no paperwork required for delivery of pre-1899 guns into most states, making them the last bastion of firearms purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. A Berkey Light water filter, courtesy of USA Berkey Filters (a $305 value),
  2. A $300 gift certificate from Good2Goco.com, good for any of their products: Home freeze dryers, pressure canners, Country Living grain mills, Emergency Essentials foods, and much more.
  3. Three sets each of made-in-USA regular and wide-mouth reusable canning lids. (This is a total of 300 lids and 600 gaskets.) This prize is courtesy of Harvest Guard (a $270 value)
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

—

More than $875,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 112 ends on May 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how-to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

Short Season Gardening, by Tunnel Rabbit

I am known for my many articles about radio communication, but my secret passion is gardening. My mother grew up barefoot in a dirt floor log cabin built by my Grandfather on his 100-acre farm he worked with a team of horses that fed a family of 10 during the Great Depression. I am half hillbilly/farm boy as that is how I grew up in the country on a small ranch, and 100 percent American as my father’s side represents how the other part of America lived. I wish I had more time for gardening. But I strive to be well-balanced. Fortunately, I learned to be a jack of all trades starting at a young age, so I could have been a rancher or farmer. I talk a lot about radio because communications is greatly underappreciated and there are more experienced gardeners out there than myself. However, because we are faced with a potential nationwide famine as our country is intentionally collapsed, and because most preppers do not have enough food storage and the ability to grow a productive garden, I feel it necessary to discuss my experience with gardening and pass along some of the methods that have helped me most.Continue reading“Short Season Gardening, by Tunnel Rabbit”

JWR’s Meme Of The Week:

The latest meme created by JWR:

Meme Text:

That Face You Make — When You Are Told That In The Past Two Years Under Biden…

…The Number of Military-Age Illegals Entering The Country Was Six Times The Manpower of the Active U.S. Army

News Links:

U.S. Military Manpower.  (Estimated: 453,551 in the Active Army)

Arizona sheriff: Border crossings are by primarily ‘military-aged men’.

Alarming Rise in Military-Aged Chinese Men Entering US Illegally, Border Patrol Union Chief Warns.

Notes From JWR: Do you have a meme idea? Just e-mail me the concept, and I’ll try to assemble it. And if it is posted then I’ll give you credit. Thanks!

Permission to repost memes that I’ve created is granted, provided that credit to SurvivalBlog.com is included.