text:
From Parameters, Spring 1996, pp. 91-99.
Field Marshal Helmuth Carl Bernard Graf von Moltke (1800-1891), Chief of Staff of the Prussian General Staff from 1857 to 1871, and then of the Great General Staff (GGS) from 1871 to 1888, and architect of Germany's brilliant Wars of Unification (1864-71), remains the historical figure most responsible for shaping modern German military thought.[1] He not only established enduring paradigms for Prusso-German tactical, operational, and strategic thinking during his lifetime, but also shaped many of the political attitudes within the officer corps, particularly in his later years.[2] Numerous attempts at imitation, combined with the spate of hagiographic biographies that followed his death, attest to the reverence that the elder Moltke enjoyed within the officer corps.[3] His nephew, General Helmuth von Moltke (generally referred to as "the younger"), by way of contrast, exhibited indecisiveness and lack of resolve during the critical battle of the Marne in 1914, and consequently has suffered only ignominy in the hands of history.[4] By the end of his long career, the elder Moltke had significantly increased the capabilities, influence, and prestige of the GGS, developing and refining the staff-ride system, demanding the highest standards of professionalism from GGS officers, gaining "direct access" (Immediatvortrag) to the Kaiser in 1871, and obtaining direct control over the training program at the War Academy in 1872. In fact, the Prussian army and its general staff system had become the envy of and model for other armed forces both on the continent and beyond. Moltke's military philosophy and strategic approach have survived to inspire successive generations of soldiers. This essay offers an introduction to the great Chief of Staff's significance to the German military tradition.
Born in Mecklenburg in 1800, Moltke served initially in the Danish army, less by choice than through paternal "persuasion," for his father had forced him into the Danish cadet corps. Moltke's quiet nature, gentle disposition, and broad cultural interests had rather inclined him toward becoming a professor of history. In 1822, he enrolled in the Prussian army primarily because it offered better opportunities for promotion. In 1826, Moltke received his first assignment to the General Staff--to its topographical section--where his talents for detail and thoroughness became evident. Between 1835 and 1839, he served as a military advisor in Turkey. Upon his return, he became well acquainted with the Prussian royal family, serving first as an aide to Frederick III and eventually appointed Chief of the General Staff by King, and later Emperor, William I, whom he had greatly impressed. While arguably Germany's most important soldier, Moltke spent only a few years with troops and never commanded a unit before assuming overall direction of the campaign against Austria at the age of 65.
Military Theories: Moltke and Clausewitz
Although he attended the Berlin War College (or General War School as it was then called) in 1823 while Clausewitz was serving as its director--a purely administrative position which involved no teaching--the two had little, if any, contact. Nonetheless, in an interview in 1890, Moltke reputedly listed Homer's works, the Bible, and On War among the five books that most influenced him.[5] Indeed, many of Moltke's writings draw from or paraphrase the great military philosopher.[6] Soldiers and historians of his day wrote that the renowned Chief of the GGS had simply put the master's theories into action: "The intellectual development of our Moltke came to completion under the closest connection with Clausewitz's posthumously published work, On War."[7] Sigismund von Schlichting, a devoted disciple of Moltke, declared him the "best student" Clausewitz ever had.[8] The well-known military author and biographer of Clausewitz, Rudolf von Caemmerer, described the great Chief of the GGS as the "most gifted pupil of Clausewitz," and stated that reading the master had taught Moltke how, not what, to think.[9]
Like Clausewitz, Moltke emphasized flexibility in military planning and execution. He eschewed dogmatic thinking, whether tactical or strategic, accepted chance and uncertainty as inseparable from the nature of war, and recognized the often decisive (but incalculable) role that moral factors played in victory. He originally viewed the destruction of the enemy's main fighting force as the proper aim of war, but gradually became less convinced of its genuine decisiveness after the French resorted to partisan warfare in 1870-71.[10] "We want to believe," he later told the Reichstag, "that neither the Thirty Years' nor the Seven Years' War will recur, but when millions of individuals are engaged in a bitter struggle for national existence, we cannot expect that the matter will be decided with a few victorious battles."[11]
Although clearly influenced by On War, Moltke's military theories differed from Clausewitz's in one very significant way. Moltke attempted to maintain separate spheres for politics and war, and believed that policy should not influence military operations. "Policy," he wrote, "avails itself of war to attain its aims; it works decisively at the beginning and end of war, [and has] the right to increase its demands or be satisfied with a lesser success," but "in its actions [strategy] is fully independent of policy" for it needs a free hand to pursue that elusive quarry, tactical victory, the attainment of which serves policy best.[12]
Moltke's rejection of Clausewitz reflects the struggle to retain control over the wherewithal that permits decisive victory and brings about the realization of the perfect battle.[13] The dispute between Moltke and Bismarck after the battle of Königgrätz on the third of July 1866 provides a classic example. Following the Prussian victory, Moltke wanted to advance on Vienna and complete the annihilation of the Austrian forces. Bismarck, however, wanted to avoid humiliating the Austrians, for he needed their support (or at least their neutrality) if war against France proved necessary to complete the unification of Germany. Then, a few days after the Prussian victory, the French Emperor, Napoleon III, offered to act as mediator in negotiations with Austria. Bismarck could not refuse such an offer from a European sovereign without risking a war over the issue of honor. Indeed, Prussia had to proceed cautiously, for, as Bismarck wrote to his wife on 9 July, "we don't live alone in Europe but with three other Powers who hate and envy us."[14] Thus, the perfect tactical victory that Moltke desired in this instance would not have served policy.
On another level, however, this rejection of Clausewitz amounts to more than a struggle for autonomy. It subordinates diplomacy to strategic thinking, thereby reversing Clausewitz's famous formulation that war is a continuation of policy by other means. This perversion, which appears quite often in the military literature of Moltke's epigones, men like Colmar von der Goltz and Friedrich von Bernhardi, owes much of its popularity to Moltke's powerful influence at the turn of the century. Of course, such interpretations of Clausewitz do not belong solely to Moltke or to the Germans. French, British, and US military writers have cast the master in a similar light throughout much of the 19th and 20th centuries.[15] Indeed, Clausewitz's dictum regarding the subordination of military leadership to political authority remains the hardest for soldiers--who witness firsthand the price of military failure--to accept.
Tactical victory formed the center of Moltke's vision of war. He saw strategy--a "free, practical, artistic activity"--as a "system of expedients" designed to establish, as far as possible, the conditions for tactical success. Strategy must remain flexible to take advantage of unexpected opportunities and to react to unpredictable factors like "weather, illnesses, railway accidents, misunderstandings, and disappointments."[16] Attempting to carry a war plan beyond the opening engagement he considered the greatest of follies, for the first clash of arms brought only new opportunities and necessities to attacker and defender alike. Nonetheless, staff officers should spare no effort in planning for as many contingencies as possible. After 1871, Moltke himself never ceased planning military solutions to Germany's constant strategic dilemma--a war on two fronts. He developed Germany's war plans inductively, changing them according to the evolving military situation in France and Russia, focusing the main effort first on one front, then the other, and back again as necessary.[17]
The last half of the 19th century saw revolutions in communication, transportation, and weapon technologies that would fundamentally alter the conduct of war. Improvements in long-range, rapid-firing rifles and cannon afforded a defending enemy decisive advantages in firepower, and threatened to make the successful execution of an infantry attack, especially a frontal one, impossible.[18] As Moltke wrote in 1858, the universal and fundamental improvements in infantry weapons alone necessitated "a change in the tactics of all branches. . . . The firepower of an infantry platoon [today] surpasses the range and destructive effect of the case-shot of a six-pounder cannon."[19] His response to this general "crisis" illustrates his creative genius--he advocated combining the advantages of flank attacks and the tactical defensive, enticing the enemy to attack, waiting for the right moment to smash his assault with overwhelming firepower, then finishing him off with an annihilating counterattack.[20] To be sure, this solution had obvious limitations in that it required either an available flank for the assaulting force, or an enemy willing to attack first. Nineteenth-century warfare lacked neither.
Political Attitudes
Moltke also set the political tone within the officer corps, particularly with his attitudes toward the liberal agenda of the mid-19th century, and toward social democracy thereafter.[21] The famous man of literature and letters who, in the 1820s and 1830s, embraced cosmopolitan and romanticist views, had hardened into a cynical conservative after witnessing the turmoil created by the failed Revolution of 1848.[22] Moltke feared that, like the French Revolution of 1789, the present one would follow the "old course, from monarchy to republic, from republic to dictatorship."[23] By November 1848, however, even as he wrote to his brother that he saw "no choice other than reaction or anarchy," counter-revolutionary forces had already begun to restore order across much of Europe.[24] Two years later, Moltke experienced the humiliating terms of the Punctation of Olmütz, in which Austria forced Prussia to abandon her early plans to unify Germany.[25] Moltke called the agreement a "shameful peace" and considered it further evidence of the bankruptcy of liberal values.[26]
While serving as a member of the Conservative Party in the Prussian Parliament (Landtag) and later in the Reichstag, Moltke campaigned repeatedly against the Social Democrats' efforts to abolish the military as a separate and privileged class and to reduce the standing army to a militia.[27] In his 1874 address to the Reichstag, he declared:
Wars conducted by militias have the characteristic of lasting much longer and for this reason costing much more in terms of lives and money than all other wars. I remind you of the recent War of Secession in America, which each side had to wage essentially with militias.[28]To be sure, the Chief of the GGS did not need to inspire conservative attitudes within the officer corps; its mostly aristocratic members were already predisposed to them. Rather, Moltke's speeches and writings articulated the officers' general apprehensions regarding Germany's future political course, and set the agenda for the military's campaign to preserve its hard-won status and prestige. In the face of newly emerging pacifist and materialistic attitudes, many officers, in fact, took great delight in quoting Moltke's famous statement that "Eternal peace is a dream, and not even a beautiful one; . . . war is an integral part of the divine order of things . . . the fate of humankind, the inevitable activity of nations."[29]
Moltke left positive and negative legacies to German military theory. First, the overwhelming success of his victories against Denmark, Austria, and France encouraged the development of a self-stylized, uniquely German approach to war in the last third of the 19th century. In 1873, for example, the Prussian military periodical Military-Weekly published an anonymous essay entitled, "On Military Education and Science," which examined the intellectual and educational climate responsible for the "great successes of German arms."[30] It described the German approach to war as soundly pragmatic and free of abstract, doctrinaire thinking:
The abstract view [of war which Clausewitz] derided now stands discredited in many ways. . . . [A] single conceptual system spanning all time is impossible . . . . The overwhelming successes of the wars of 1866 and 1870-71 encourage this view--that strict discipline, good weapons, effective elementary tactics, good marching orders, railways, practical supply measures, and telegraphs decide everything in war.[31]By the early 1880s, this free-form approach to war had further established itself as part of the German military tradition, accruing still more Moltkean ideas: simplicity is the essential ingredient of an order; war plans do not endure beyond the first engagement; friction, chance, and uncertainty are inescapable elements of war; and strategy serves policy best when it strives for the highest aim, complete tactical victory.[32] The fact that military writers often accused each other of Schematismus--rigid, prescriptive thinking--in Germany's turn-of-the-century military debates indicates that Moltke's ideas had become paradigmatic within the officer corps. Ironically, an inherent contradiction developed in the German view of war at this time--namely, that while war possessed no absolute rules, the destruction of the enemy's forces had to remain its ultimate aim.[33]
Second, Moltke's open, inductive approach to war also helped legitimize a decentralized style of warfighting called (perhaps wrongly) Auftragstaktik. Much confusion reigns concerning this concept and its "dubious" historical validity.[34] Military writers on either side of the Atlantic have somewhat abused the term Auftragstaktik in an effort to legitimize their own preferred style of command.[35] In fact, Auftragstaktik and the meaning behind it surfaced decisively, albeit sparingly, in the debate over tactics that raged for years between the Imperial Army's traditionalists and reformists. In its origins, the concept probably owes more to that leading figure of the Prussian Restoration, Gerhard von Scharnhorst, than to Moltke.[36] But Moltke clearly advocated the decentralization of military effort. He reasoned that war, a product of opposing wills subject to a host of frictions, gives rise to rapidly changing situations that quickly render a commander's decisions obsolete. Hence, subordinates had to think and act according to the situation, even without or in defiance of orders.[37] While Moltke did indeed promote such a style of command, he did not condone willful disobedience. In fact, the Prussian, and later the German, army maintained strict codes of discipline.
On the negative side, Moltke's near-perfect victories at Sadowa (1866) and Sedan (1870), combined with his efforts to avoid the greater accuracy of infantry weapons, actually contributed more to the establishment of the so-called dogma of the "battle of annihilation" and the cult of the flank attack than did Schlieffen's writings. Schlieffen believed that the essence of military history lay in the flank attack, and saw no contradiction between hammering home his message in the pages of the GGS's Quarterly and the apparent German tradition of attempting to remain free of doctrinaire thinking.[38] In addition, military genius--shorn of Clausewitz's emphasis on the harmonic balance between qualities of character and intellect--became associated with the ability to execute the perfect battle; indeed, it sometimes served as an underlying, if tacit, justification for the exclusion of political influence from the conduct of war.[39]
In sum, Moltke's 70-year military career indelibly enhanced and legitimized a long martial tradition and shaped an entire way of military thinking. He conducted near-perfect battles at a time when military technology severely challenged traditional procedures and preferred notions. He remained committed to decentralized execution, a creative approach to tactics, an inductive method of strategy, meticulous and continuous war planning, and the ideal of personal and total dedication to duty, perhaps to a fault. Finally, to modern military theory, he contributed merely a few simple principles centered on the principle of simplicity itself.
1. Eberhard Kessel, Moltke (Stuttgart: K. F. Koehler, 1957) remains the best biographical study. Rudolf Stadelmann, Moltke und der Staat (Krefeld: Scherpe Verlag, 1950) and volume two of Gerhard Ritter, Staatskunst und Kriegshandwerk. Das Problem des Militarismus in Deutschland, 4 Vols. (Munich: R. Oldenbourg Verlag, 1954) are also important. William O'Connor Morris, Moltke: A Biographical and Critical Study (New York: Haskell House, 1893, rpt. 1971) though dated and less critical than its title suggests is probably the best biography in English. The following works address aspects of his military theory: Lothar Burchardt, "Helmuth von Moltke, Wilhelm I. und der Aufstieg des preußischen Generalstabes," and Wilhelm Meier-Dönberg, "Moltke und die taktisch-operative Ausbildung im preußisch-deutschen Heer," in Generalfeldmarchall von Moltke. Bedeutung und Wirkung, ed. Roland G. Foerster (Munich: R. Oldenburg Verlag, 1991), pp. 19-38 and 39-48 respectively. See also: Hajo Holborn, "The Prusso-German School: Moltke and the Rise of the General Staff," and Gunther E. Rothenberg, "Moltke, Schlieffen and the Doctrine of Strategic Envelopment," in Makers of Modern Strategy, ed. Peter Paret (Princeton: Princeton Univ., 1986), pp. 281-95 and 296-325 respectively; and Roland G. Foerster, "The Operational Thinking of the Elder Moltke and its Consequences," in Operational Thinking in Clausewitz, Moltke, Schlieffen and Manstein (Bonn: E. S. Mittler, 1988), pp. 21-40.
2. During Moltke's lifetime, German military theory did not formally recognize an operational level of war. Rather, it viewed the conduct of operations as a sort of applied strategy.
3. S. v. Schlichting, Moltkes Vermächtnis (Berlin: E. S. Mittler, 1900); Max Jähns, Feldmarschall Moltke, 3 vols. (Berlin: Ernst Hoffmann & Co., 1894-1900); Wilhelm Bigge, Feldmarschall Graf Moltke. Ein militärisches Lebensbild (Munich: C. H. Beck, 1901); Fritz von der Goltz, Moltke (Berlin: E. S. Mittler, 1903); and Wilhelm von Blume, Moltke (Berlin: G. Stalling, 1907).
4. Considerable debate raged after the war concerning the younger Moltke's alleged compromise of the Schlieffen plan through his weakening of the all-important right flank. But these accusations have been laid to rest by the work of Lothar Burchardt, "Operatives Denken und Planen von Schlieffen bis zum Beginn des Ersten Weltkrieges," in Operatives Denken und Handeln in deutschen Streitkräften im 19. und 20. Jahrhundert (Herford, Bonn: E. S. Mittler, 1988), pp. 45-72, and others.
5. Kessel, Moltke, p. 108.
6. See especially his essay "On Strategy" (1871) or "Über Strategie," in Großer Generalstab (ed.), Moltkes Militärische Werke, 14 Vols. (Berlin: E. S. Mittler, 1892-1912), here Vol. IV, Part 2, pp. 287-93. Reinhard Stumpf, ed., Kriegstheorie und Kriegsgeschichte. Carl von Clausewitz, Helmuth von Moltke (Frankfurt am Main: Deutscher Klassiker Verlag, 1993) highlights similarities in the military theory of each soldier. Jehuda Wallach, Das Dogma der Vernichtungsschlacht (Frankfurt am Main: Bernard & Graefe, 1967), emphasizes the differences; and Daniel Hughes provides a good introduction in English in Moltke on the Art of War: Selected Writings (Novato, Calif.: Presidio, 1993).
7. See Bernard Schwertfeger, "Die Kriegsgeschichte, ihr Wesen und ihre Bedeutung," Vierteljahrshefte für Truppenführung und Heereskunde (Hereafter, Vjhft) VI, No. 3, (1909), 498. See also the comments of Herbert Rosinski, The German Army (London: Hogarth Press, 1939), esp. p. 127.
8. S. v. Schlichting, Taktische und strategische Grundsätze der Gegenwart, 3 Vols. (Berlin: E. S. Mittler, 1898-9), here II, p. 96.
9. R. v. Caemmerer, Die Entwicklung der strategischen Wissenschaft im 19. Jahrhundert (Berlin: Wilhelm Baensch, 1904), chap. X; and Clausewitz (Berlin: B. Behr's Verlag, 1905), pp. 118-19.
10. Stig Förster, "Helmuth von Moltke und das Problem des industrialisierten Volkskrieg im 19. Jahrhundert," in Bedeutung und Wirkung, pp. 103-16; "Optionen der Kriegführung im Zeitalter des Volkskrieges--Zu Helmuth von Moltkes militärisch-politischen Überlegungen nach den Erfahrungen der Einigungskriege," in Militärische Verantwortung in Staat und Gesellschaft, ed. Detlev Bald (Koblenz: Bernard & Graefe, 1986); and "Facing `People's War': Moltke the Elder and Germany's Military Options after 1871," Journal of Strategic Studies, 11 (December 1988), 209-30.
11. Kessel, Moltke, pp. 747-48; and Militärische Werke, I, 7.
12. Most of these ideas are drawn from Moltke's essay "On Strategy." Similar ideas are expressed in the essay "Krieg und Politik," Militärische Werke, IV, 1, pp. 13-40, a composite essay which draws from a number of Moltke's other military writings. As Daniel Hughes has recently pointed out, the essay, "On Strategy," which appears in volume IV, part 2 differs significantly but not substantially (in that the ideas expressed therein remain the same) from that which appears in Generalfeldmarschall Graf von Moltke, Ausgewählte Werke, 4 vols., ed. F. v. Schmerfeld (Berlin: Reimar Hobbing, 1925). See Hughes, Moltke, p. 17.
13. Frhr. v. Freytag-Loringhoven, Kriegslehren nach Clausewitz aus den Feldzügen 1813 und 1814 (Berlin: E. S. Mittler, 1908), pp. 15-16. See also: Ritter, Staatskunst, Chapter 8, Part 2; Wallach, "Misperceptions of Clausewitz' On War by the German Military," and Müller, "Clausewitz, Ludendorff and Beck: Some Remarks on Clausewitz' Influence on German Military Thinking in the 1930s and 1940s," in Handel, ed., Clausewitz and Modern Strategy (London: Frank Cass & Co., 1989), pp. 213-66.
14. Cf: Gordon A. Craig, The Politics of the Prussian Army 1640-1945 (Oxford: Oxford Univ. Press, 1955), p. 200.
15. See: Douglas Porch, "Clausewitz and the French," in Handel, ed., Clausewitz and Modern Strategy; Timothy Travers, The Killing Ground: The British Army, the Western Front and the Emergence of Modern Warfare 1900-1918 (London: Allen and Unwin, 1987); and Christopher Bassford, Clausewitz in English: The Reception of Clausewitz In Britain and America 1815-1945 (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1994).
16. Moltke, Militärische Werke, Vol. II, Part 2, pp. 33-40.
17. See: Peter Rassow, Der Plan Moltkes für den Zweifrontenkrieg 1871-1890 (Breslau: Scientia Verlag Aalen, 1982); and Förster, "Facing `People's War,'" pp. 209-30.
18. See, for example: "Aus den Verorderungen für die höheren Truppenführer vom 24. Juni 1869," and "Aufsatz vom Jahre 1871 `Ueber Strategie,'" in Moltke, Militärische Werke, II, 2, pp. 175 and 291-93, respectively; and compare Carl von Clausewitz, On War, Book III, Chapter 1, "Strategy."
19. "Bemerkungen vom 12. Juli 1858 über Veränderungen in der Taktik infolge des verbesserten Infanteriegewehrs," in Militärische Werke, Vol. II, Part 2, p. 7. See also his essays: "Bemerkungen vom April 1861 über den Einfluß der verbesserten Feuerwaffen auf die Taktik," and "Bemerkungen vom Jahre 1865 über den Einfluß der verbesserten Feuerwaffen auf die Taktik," in the same volume, pp. 27-41 and 47-65, respectively.
20. "Bemerkungen vom 1861," Militärische Werke, II, 2, pp. 29ff. Moltke uses the term "crisis" (Krisis) to refer specifically to the difficulty of conducting the final assault on the objective, "Verteidigung und Angriff," Militärische Werke, IV, 3, p. 213.
21. For a summary of Moltke's political transformation see Azar Gat, The Development of Military Thought: The Nineteenth Century (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1992), esp. 53-6.
22. Moltke's novelle, Two Friends, and his Letters from Turkey remain classics in German literature.
23. Letter to his wife Marie, dated 2 July 1848 in Helmuth von Moltke, Briefe an seine Braut und Frau (Stuttgart & Leipzig: Deutsche Verlags-Anhalt, 1910), p. 122.
24. Letter to his brother, Adolf, dated 17 November 1848, in Helmuth von Moltke, Briefe 1825-1891, ed. Eberhard Kessel (Stuttgart: Deutsche Verlags-Anstalt, 1959), p. 241.
25. Holborn, "Prusso-German School," p. 285. The Punctation of Olmütz exacerbated the distrust between liberal and conservative, and liberal and soldier, causing widespread disillusionment in Prussia regarding liberal-democratic ideals. James J. Sheehan, German History 1770-1866 (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1989), pp. 713-17. For the impact of the settlement of Olmütz on the Prussian officer corps see Craig, Politics, esp. pp. 128-33.
26. Letter to Adolf, dated 25 February 1851. Moltke, Briefe, pp. 255-56.
27. The liberal cause lost momentum after the Indemnity Act of September 1866 gave retroactive approval to military reforms enacted without parliamentary consent. But a new enemy of the Prussian army and state had emerged in the form of the Social Democratic Worker's Party, later the Social Democratic Party (SPD). The first socialist organization in Germany was the General German Workers' Association founded in Leipzig in 1863 by Ferdinand Lassalle. Members from this group formed the Social Democratic Workers' Party in 1869. Hajo Holborn, A History of Modern Germany 1840-1945 (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1982), pp. 288-89.
28. Address to the Reichstag on the Imperial Military Law, dated 16 February 1874. Moltke, Leben und Werk in Selbstzeugnissen. Briefe, Schriften, Reden, ed. Max Horst (Brisfelden bei Basel: Verlag Schibli-Doppler, n.d.), p. 412.
29. Letter to Professor Dr. Bluntschli, dated 11 December 1880. Moltke, Leben und Werk, p. 351. This phrase and other portions of the letter were used by military writers such as von der Goltz, Bernhardi, and Freytag-Loringhoven. See, for example, Goltz, Volk in Waffen, p. 430.
30. "Über Militair-Bildung und Wissenschaft," Beihefte zum Militär-Wochenblatt, No. 1 (1873), pp. 1-37, here p. 7. (Hereafter, Beihefte.) The article draws from a variety of authorities (e.g. Pascal, Voltaire, Kant, J. S. Mill, and Gibbon), suggesting that officers of the Bismarck era possessed a broad educational background.
31. "Über Militair-Bildung," Beihefte, pp. 13 and 29.
32. See, for example, "Die Lehren der Kriegsgeschichte für die Kriegführung," Beihefte, No. 8 (1881), pp. 380-408.
33. "Lehren der Kriegsgeschichte," Beihefte, pp. 381-82.
34. See Bassford, Clausewitz in English, p. 233, n. 46; and Daniel Hughes, "Abuses of German Military History," Military Review, 66 (December 1986), 66-76.
35. The US Army's rather free and enthusiastic use of the term Auftragstaktik in the 1980s has become something of an embarrassment. An oft-cited source of this confusion is Trevor N. Dupuy, A Genius for War: The German Army and the General Staff, 1807-1945 (Englewood, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1977), esp. p. 116.
36. The so-called "mission tactics" embodied Scharnhorst's entire philosophy of command, and provided the foundation for the new infantry, cavalry, and artillery manuals written after Jena. Charles E. White, The Enlightened Soldier: Scharnhorst and the Militärische Gesellschaft in Berlin, 1801-1805 (Westport, Conn.: Praeger, 1989), pp. 139-40.
37. Nineteenth-century English military writers like F. N. Maude and G. F. R. Henderson argued a similar need for a decentralized approach to warfighting. F. N. Maude, Military Letters and Essays (Kansas City, Mo.: Hudson-Kimberly, 1895), p. 40; and G. F. R. Henderson, The Battle of Spichern (London: Gale and Polden, 1891), pp. 287-91. Bassford, Clausewitz in English, p. 240, n. 23. French authors like du Picq acknowledged that modern war required greater decentralization, but sought measures to retain unit cohesion and control. Du Picq, Battle Studies, esp. pp. 152-62.
38. Schlieffen once wrote to Freytag-Loringhoven that "flank attacks were the essence of all military history." Generalfeldmarschall Graf Alfred Schlieffen, Briefe, ed. Eberhard Kessel (Göttingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 1958), p. 312.
39. See for example: Schlieffen, "Der Feldherr," in Gesammelte Schriften, 2 vols. (Berlin: E. S. Mittler, 1913), pp. 3-10; and Freytag-Loringhoven, "Eine Zeit der Rückganges in der Kriegskunst," Vjhft II, No. 4 (1905): 597-608. The Second World War witnessed renewed interest in the intuitive aspects of military genius. Famous Wehrmacht officers like Generals Herman Balck and Friedrich von Mellenthin referred to this inner awareness as Fingerspitzengefühl, a "fingertip sense" for the terrain and the dispositions of the enemy. See William DePuy, Generals Balck and von Mellenthin on Tactics: Implications for NATO Doctrine (Alexandria, Va.: Defense Technical Information Center, 1980). Aspects of Clausewitz's military genius still receive emphasis in the Bundeswehr's Heeresdienstvorschrift (HDv) 100/100 VS-NfD Truppenführung (Bonn, 7 September 1987), esp. paras. 605-15 and US military manuals like FM 22-102 Command (1995, Draft), esp. pp. 10-12; and FM 22-103 Leadership and Command at Senior Levels (Washington, D.C., 1987), pp. 11, 38, 39.
Reviewed 27 August 1997. Please send comments or corrections to firstname.lastname@example.com


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Tammy Espino 3/20/2011 6:05:18 PMBig congrats on this wonderful finalist!! :) #1362528
Nikki McDonald 3/20/2011 8:12:12 PMI'm going to have to say this young man looks as if he thinks he has two sisters too many LOL Great expressions you caught here, Amber. Congratulations on the finalist and good luck in the next round. #9302768
Daniella Puente 3/20/2011 8:40:17 PMSo cute and beautiful, congrats Amber! #9302869
Nancyj E. Hovey 3/22/2011 6:09:23 PMC O N G R A T U L A T I O N S
Tammy Espino 3/22/2011 6:33:58 PMCongrats on your WIN!!! :) #9310630
Anne M. Young 3/22/2011 7:51:19 PMCongratulations - super happy shot! #9310922
Merna L. Nobile 3/23/2011 7:27:26 PMYes, you heard right! Congratulations you are a winner! Merna
Usman M. Bajwa 3/25/2011 2:48:05 AMBeautiful capture, Amber. CONGRATZ on the Second Place Gold!!!
Datha Y. Thompson 3/26/2011 8:45:01 PMCongratulations on this most ADORABLE Portrait Amber!! The little one in the middles expression is TDF!! Love it!!
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I think Luke being on TAR is one of the greatest things that happened to the show and i'm also glad that the show didn't pimp the fact that he's deaf over and over again throughout the entire season.On the other hand, as long as people with "disabilities" are memorable, they seemed to be back for Allstars? Charla came back for the first one, while Luke returned for UB. The only other person i could think of was Sarah of Peter and Sarah who didn't make it to the first allstars because they came in seventh place in Season 10. Not that it's a bad thing for them to be asked back to race again.. but they seemed to be "pimping" their disability by asking them to be back on the show for a second time?
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The urine uric acid test measures the level of uric acid in urine.
Uric acid level can also be checked using a
How the Test is Performed
A 24-hour urine sample is needed. You will need to
How to Prepare for the Test
Your health care provider may ask you to temporarily stop medicines that may affect the test results. Be sure to tell your provider about all the medicines you take. These include:
- Aspirin or aspirin-containing medicines
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
- Water pills (diuretics)
Be aware that alcoholic drinks, vitamin C, and x-ray dye can also affect test results.
How the Test will Feel
The test involves only normal urination. There is no discomfort.
Why the Test is Performed
This test may be done to monitor people with gout, and to choose the best medicine to lower uric acid level in the blood.
Uric acid is a chemical created when the body breaks down substances called purines. Most uric acid dissolves in blood and travels to the kidneys, where it passes out in urine. If your body produces too much uric acid or does not remove enough of it, you may get sick. A high level of uric acid in the body is called hyperuricemia and can lead to gout or kidney damage.
This test may also be done to check if a high level of uric acid is causing kidney stones.
Normal Results
Normal values range from 250 to 750 milligrams per 24 hours.
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
A high uric acid level in the urine may be due to:
- Body not able to process purine (
- Cancers that have spread (metastasized)
- Disease that results in breakdown of muscle fibers (
- Disorders that affect the bone marrow (myeloproliferative disorder)
- Fanconi syndrome
- Gout
- High-purine diet
Low acid levels in the urine may be due to:
- Kidney is not able to get rid of uric acid well, which can lead to gout or kidney damage
- Kidneys not able to filter fuilds and waste (chronic glomerulonephritis)
Lead poisoning
- Long-term (chronic) alcohol use
There are no risks with this test.
Gerber GS, Brendler CB. Evaluation of the urologic patient: history, physical examination, and urinalysis. In: Wein AJ, Kavoussi LR, Novick AC, et al., eds. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 10th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 3.
Israni AK, Kasiske BL. Laboratory assessment of kidney disease: glomerular filtration rate, urinalysis, and proteinuria. In: Taal MW, Chertow GM, Marsden PA, et al., eds. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 25.
McPherson RA, Ben-Ezra J. Basic examination of urine. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 28.
Review Date:
Reviewed By:
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Bethanne Black, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.


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You all know the story of custom motorcycles manufacturer Big Bear Choppers. Going from boom to bust, then restarting a new business life as "Rage Hard Choppers" (Simon Scott), now the new owner and manufacturer of the BBC brand. After resolving all the legal and commercial issues that have heavily weighted on Big Bear Choppers' image and on Kevin and Mona Alsop's reputation as business people and persons, the couple is working hard at regaining the trust of both custom motorcycle lovers and at rebuilding a new dealers network, here in the US and abroad.
After much soul searching and marketing research, Kevin and Mona are re-emerging with a new approach to the market, a new Titanium model featured here and a soon to be annouced line of custom parts for Harley-Davidson Sportster. All being the first public expressions of what Big Bear Choppers is going to try to accomplish during the next few years. Clearly, leveraging some of the best of Harley-Davidson platforms to offer improved customized interpretation, both aesthetically and technologically, and this without sacrificing any original factory reliability. A philosophy that could be described as "finishing Milwaukee's job."
I wish that all of you focus your comments on this new model, not on the past, because everything about the BBC story has already been reported by me … and commented by you. Before introducing you to the Titanium to be unveiled in Daytona Beach on March 8th (Big Bear Choppers display will at the International Speedway) I must disclose that, at their request, I sat down with Scott Simon, Kevin & Mona Alsop during the last Sturgis Bike Week. The Alsops were sincere in acknowledging their mistakes, in admitting that they wrongly believed that pouring more of their own money (all of it), then borrowing more, they could survive a very depressed economy and a changing taste in bikes. And this until they realized that the business was surviving only with clients' deposits to pay for other clients work.
Of course, an unsustainable business model that had the consequences you know. Clients not getting their bikes completed as promised and the Alsops losing all their money. Today, after several more conversations I had with them, it's my conviction that they never intended to defraud anyone on purpose and it seems that at this time all commercial issues have been resolved.
Back to the Titanium, I asked Kevin to give me in exclusivity some details on this brand new BBC model marking the company official return to the custom motorcycle manufacturing business. .
Cyril. "What made you decide to build this style of bike as your Ragehard choppers/Big Bear Choppers new production model?"
Kevin. "Because in Sturgis you told me to build more affordable custom motorcycles and parts in the Sportster and Dyna categories, keeping in mind a younger clientele and those who want to ride long distances.". Laugh (it's true that I said to Kevin that his former style for which he was famous and very successful at during many years will not cut it anymore in a new custom motorcycle industry were taste and expectations have evolved so much during the last decade)
Cyril. "Glad you listened, but I didn't design or built this Titanium and Sportster parts. Tell me more"
Kevin. " Back in 2011 I put well over 30,000 miles on an FXR-P. Riding that bike for so many miles, I was amazed at the qualities and attributes the bike had. It has superior handling and superior comfort by isolating the engine in the frame and rubber mounting it. The frame in the FXR is 5 times stiffer than the original FXE frame, which is hard to imagine, but it really is, and that information comes directly from the engineers at Harley-Davidson. So learning about all of this while putting that many miles on it, gave me a true appreciation and understating on how the bike really works. It's all because of the stiffness of the frame with the side "Vs" or triangle tubing also contributing to it. Result, there is no flex in the rear swingarm and the rear of the bike is not "walking" like with some other HD models.
Cyril. "I agree that the Harley FXR is one of the best handling and comfortable bikes Milwaukee has ever produced. But what did you bring to its conception to make it even better"
Kevin. "I think Harley could have gone further, exploiting what was already the best handling V-Twin frame by adding essential attributes like a superior suspension and an improved braking setup. It's what I focused on and it makes the Titanium an unbelievable V-Twin bike to ride on long distances, at any speed and on any terrain or road conditions."
Cyril. "What other mechanical improvements do you bring to this FXR platform?"
Kevin. " Obviously, the FXR frame is not something new, but nobody that I can remember has taken that stock frame, and kept the drivetrain right where it is supposed to be with a 180 mm rear tire, keeping the bike perfectly balanced, as it is when delivered from the Harley factory. We didn't alter the integrity of the stock frame. Its geometry and structure are not modified. We did a 0.900 offset of the transmission sprocket, and using a chain drive we were able to fit a 180 mm tire. But everything else stayed the same. The only thing we widened are the fender struts to accommodate the fender hugging the new rear wheel width. Also, Harley used cleave blocks in the swingarm, and they sucked. We use spherical bearings.
Cyril. "You gave my readers the opportunity of being the first to see the Titanium. But when is the official public unveiling?"
Kevin. " March 8th In Daytona at our display on International Speedway . A Titanium will be available to journalists for test rides during all Daytona Bike Week. Come to see us and ride it as much as you want, Cyril"
Stay tuned for Big Bear Choppers new line of custom parts for Harley-Davidson Sportsters.


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Storage FAQ's
Do you have different policies and prices for students or active military members?
Students and active military members are clients that have unique needs because of the nature of their schedules. Most storage facilities in Colorado Springs offer discounts to students, and discounts and different policies for active military members. Please call your local facility or see our students and active military members pages to get detailed and updated information.
What are the prices of the storage spaces? Are prices based on the square footage of the storage space?
Generally the prices of storage units in Colorado Springs vary based on the size of the storage unit and the location of the unit in the facility. Prices range between 40.0 and 390.0, but representatives can better assist you once they have the details of your storage needs.
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Yes, climate-controlled spaces are available in Colorado Springs due to the varying weather. Temperatures range from 39.2 to 44.6, which can dramatically affect things in your storage unit. For storing items such as wine, wooden items, electronics, metals, artwork, etc. storage facilities recommend that you rent a climate-controlled unit. For questions and more details, please contact a local facility.
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What storage space sizes are available?
In Colorado Springs, there are 87 storage facilities, with a total of 46 storage units. Storage unit sizes generally range from 5' X 5' to 22' X 30'. Call one of your local facilities to have a representative find what size unit is best for you.
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Drive-up storage units are typically more expensive and not as clean as interior units. Drive-up units are more exposed to the elements (water, dust, etc.) and are therefore not as clean as interior units. Interior units, on the other hand, have a much better climate. Essentially, the desire to rent a drive-up unit comes from clients thinking that they will be visiting their unit very frequently, which is surprisingly not the case. Most people don't come to their units as often as they think they will, so given the cost and cleanliness issues, it's better to rent an interior storage unit.
Is there anything unique to keep in mind when choosing a storage facility in Colorado Springs?
Some factors to keep in mind when choosing a storage facility in Colorado Springs are: weather, peak rush hour times, items that you will be storing, and location within Colorado Springs.
Will the company have access to my space?
No, no one in the storage facilities has access to your space unless you specifically ask them or give them the right to do so. For example, you may want them to have access to your unit for things you may want delivered directly to your unit.
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No, storage facility employees do not have copies of the keys used for the units. If you lose your key, check with the facility for lock cutting fees. They may also be able to sell another lock and key to you.
Will I receive a monthly invoice?
Most storage companies in Colorado Springs only provide invoices upon request.
Do you accept deliveries for customers?
Most storage facilities in Colorado Springs accept deliveries for their customers so that they don't have to go through the process of moving every time they need something to be placed in their storage units. They will keep your items in the office and will inform you when they arrive so that you can place them in your storage unit at your convenience.
Do I need insurance for my storage unit?
We recommend that you get insurance for your belongings because the contents of the units are not insured through storage facilities.
What if I need more or less space after I move in?
Once you move in and feel that you need to move into a smaller or bigger space, storage facilities are happy to accommodate your move. Before renting a space, it is recommended that you speak to a storage facility representative to help you find the best sized unit for your needs. If things change through the course of your lease, they will help make the transition to your next unit as efficient and simple as possible. We also have a size guide that may answer some preliminary questions you may have.
How do I know what size storage I need?
Storage managers would be happy to help you determine which size unit is best for you so that you're not paying for a 22' X 30' unit when you really need a 5' X 5' unit. Please reference our size guide for more information.
What security measures are taken to protect the storage units?
Security is every storage operator's priority. Speak with the storage manager of a facility of your liking in Colorado Springs to find out what security measures they take to protect your belongings.
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Teen hurt in fall from Phoenix mountain dies
PHOENIX (AP) — A teenage boy who, along with an off-duty Phoenix firefighter, was critically injured while rappelling down Camelback Mountain has died.
Phoenix police say 15-year-old Trevor Crouse died Friday evening after being taken to the hospital in extremely critical condition.
Firefighter Gary Johnstone was also killed in the fall.
Authorities say the 50-year-old Johnstone, Crouse and another 15-year-old boy were about 200 feet up the Echo Canyon Trail around 7 a.m. when they fell approximately 30 feet.
The other boy suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Authorities say it appears they were in the middle of a rappelling or rock climbing maneuver when the accident occurred.
Police are trying to determine what led to the fall but have ruled out foul play.
Johnstone was an engineer paramedic and 15-year veteran of the department.
Camelback Mountain, noted for its shape, is popular with hikers.
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SAN DIEGO—Trends related to children and seniors will take center stage in 2007. That's just two of the fitness trends that the American Council on Exercise (ACE) is predicting for next year based on research and input from its network of certified fitness professionals. Here are the top 10 trends as predicted by the organization.
1. Expanded specialized fitness programming for older adults. A well-balanced fitness program offers many benefits for seniors. It conditions muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones to help fight osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, keeping the body more limber and stabilizing joints to lower the risk of everyday injury and enhance overall quality of life.
2. Small-group training for all age groups. Small-group personal training (usually less than five individuals) continues to grow. Couples, families and friends will look to this option as a way to receive the technical instruction and close supervision of personal training at a more economical cost.
3. A focus on youth programming. Fitness programs targeted toward children will grow as the impact of health status reports regarding the nation's youth motivate community and program leaders, schools and parents to take action.
4. Personal trainers taking a team approach. Medical doctors, trainers and nutritionists will continue to make the connection that each member of the healthcare continuum can play a vital role in helping to prevent or reverse many of the disturbing health-related trends affecting society.
5. Simple, affordable options and alternatives for workouts. Participants are looking for variety in their workout regimens. Simple walking programs or a "back-to-basics" approach can fit those needs. Moderately intense, daily activity can help prevent illness and prolong life. Home gyms can also be a comfortable and inexpensive place to work out, especially since personal trainers can come directly to the home to offer guidance to inexperienced exercisers.
6. Functional fitness and balance training activities. Exercise programming and equipment aimed at improving individuals' performance capabilities continue to be among the fastest growing and most popular exercise options. Health clubs are offering balance training programs and classes for virtually all levels and types of participants.
7. The mind and body connect for a complete health and fitness experience. Yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi continue to provide an opportunity and an alternative to higher impact activities.
8. The best in personal training from experts in the field have an accredited certification. Personal training is frequently cited as one of the fastest growing professions and consumers are demanding competent practitioners.
9. Accountability and measurement-focused programming. Technological advancements are making it possible to more precisely measure a wide variety of physiological responses and to document training program results. Such documentation will be necessary for insurance reimbursement for fitness services to become a reality in the near future. Consumers are also choosing to use downloadable programs to iPods, PDAs and other portable devices that offer fitness programming with illustrations and/or streaming video.
10. Time-efficient workouts for those with tight schedules. A greater demand exists for group fitness classes and training sessions that are 45 minutes or less. Workouts and exercise programs will continue to respond to the critical need for time-starved Americans to get an effective workout in a short time.


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Addams Family musical.
Commercial for it's Chicago debut.
1 year ago
Welcome to the Macabre Drive-In Theater, enjoy the show. We only show the best Horror and monster B movies ever created or is that escaped? You're safe in your car, don't mind the screams, sometimes the Drive-In staff get, hungry.


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|Ammo and Reloading Factory Ammunition, Reloading, Components, Load Data and more.
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Reloading newbie questions
Getting into reloading to either a) affordably feed my .44, or b) spend the same amount of money and shoot a lot more.
I've been doing my homework, lurking here, and reading what feels like every reloading thread and site on the internet. Here's my proposed starter kit.
We've been saving all our brass for an eventual tumbler purchase, but will probably start off buying a box of Starline brass, 500 or so, to push that back a bit. I'm looking at various suppliers of plated and cast bullets, still deciding. My preference for factory ammo seems to be 240 grain bullets, I'm enjoying the Magtech SJSP's although the cases do seem to get stuck after a few dozen rounds.
Powder and primers, I don't know much yet. I've heard Hogodon H110 recommended for the magnum rounds. Open to suggestions.
Last edited by cycle61; 04-29-2012 at 6:06 PM..
You will want some calipers to measure OAL. If you are deatil oriented and patient, the scale that comes with the Lee kit will work fine. If you are less of the above, maybe getting an RCBS 505 or Dillion Eliminator would be a good investment.
I mainly shoot 240gr Elmer Keith style lead semiwadcutters (240gr LSWC) out of my .44RM, Missouri Bullet Company or SNS Casting are good sources.
I prefer Accurate #9 for full power .44 loads. It will get you right up there with H110/W296, but is less finicky and downloads (when you want to slow things down some) really well, something H110/W296 does not do well.
Use magnum large pistol primers.
Good luck, have fun.
When asked what qualities he most valued in his generals, Napoleon said, "give me lucky ones."
Since you probably aren't going to be loading hundreds of rounds at a sitting for a .44, a single stage press is good. Carefully choose your equipment. Different manufacturers have different philosophies on how to build equipment, and since you are going to be repeating the reloading steps many thousands of times for the life of the equipment, something that's a minor annoyance or slightly slow you down will cost a lot over the long haul.
Personally learned points: A digital scale is nice! Saves lots of time and frustration. Make sure your press has a way to catch spent primers. A tube with a jar setup is best. A tray setup is OK, the ones that kick it to the floor really sucks. A case cleaner is a must. Yes, you can shoot black sooty loaded rounds, but really? Spend a couple of bucks more for plated bullets to lessen lead exposure. Pick a powder that will flow through a volumetric powder measure nicely. Flake powders tend to bind the rotors. Check loading manual and load for economy, not super hot magnum danger rounds. There is invariably going to be some variation on your loads, and you want to design in a safety factor.
Who knows, you might start to enjoy the reloading process as much as the un-loading process.
Precisiondelta.com is a good, inexpensive source for jacketed projectiles, which if you're going to load full power .44 Magnum is a good idea. No leading and no ripping the plating off your bullets when you shoot them.
I use H-110 for my .460 S&W Magnum but you have to be careful with it since you can only download 3% from published loads before you get into inconsistency and pressure problems. Another powder is probably a better choice to start with, especially if you want to be able to load .44 Special rounds as well. Your dies should handle both, so the only thing you need is the cases.
Midway has the Lyman 1200 Pro tumbler on sale right now for $47. I've been using one for over a year with no problems. Once fired brass is available in the Marketplace all the time and you might even check craigslist for it.
You'll want large magnum pistol primers for .44 Mag and regular large pistol for .44 Special. If you've got a reloading supplier near you, you can get them in 100 packs for about $3. No need to buy 1000 right off the bat if you're trying to be concious of your initial investment. Just be aware that reloading supplies are in short supply these days so get enough to last you a few months, at least.
Bullets don't go bad, so again, watch the Marketplace for people selling excess. People that reload get rid of guns, too. So when they do, they usually have extra components they need to get rid of. I've gotten some killer deals on bullets, brass, primers and powder there, for things I didn't need right at that moment, but eventually needed and put to use.
If you've already got a lot of brass accumulated, I'd go ahead and get the tumbler, dies, book, loading block and press kit. You don't have to have a kinetic puller on day one. Any misloads can always be put aside to be dealt with later on. By getting those things right away, you can go ahead and start cleaning, decapping and resizing your brass, while you're reading through the book. After that's all done and you've read the book two or three times, pick up some bullets, powder and primers.
Good luck to you.
CORRECTION - Precision Delta does not offer bullets for .44 calibers
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Last edited by NotEnufGarage; 04-29-2012 at 8:03 PM..
HEY NOW! I am an EXPERT at being a reloading Noob! Hope you like to read. If you do not, sorry in advance...
Glad you asked your questions here. Check out some of the other posts in the reloading forum as well.
Let me tell you what I see you missing...
FIRST the powder. I say go with Bill on the powder. If you are looking to reload 44 mag then you should use the AA#9.
WHY? Because Bill knows what he is talking about, so do other folks on this forum. BUT, I am building up 44mag loads right now and I am using AA#7 (because I did not THINK to order AA#9) with plated bullets. So far I got them to around 1100-1200 and they are working great. Just because it is a 44 mag does not mean that it has to shoot at magnum velocities. Remember that. When nobody is looking you can shoot the lower powered loads and still feel good. Just keep a few power ones around in case you wanna show off
As far as powder goes, I THINK you will end up using H110 so pick up a bottle, on top of that pick up a bottle of AA#9 and whatever else you want to get. Maybe even 2 bottles of each since you can use them with other loads. MAYBE even get a bottle of red dot or greet dot, one of them was supposed to play nicely with plated bullets. I have blue dot and THOSE sounded like 9mm/40 cal poppers at the indoor range. I say to get these powders because it is good to have a choice and you can certainly use them all for 44 mag. AA#7 gives a good feel at the higher limits and I have yet to use the AA#9 but I am really trying to get a bottle because I wanna try those loads out next. The H110 is what you will move on to to TEST that envelope. Those will give a pulse to your mag loads and you will FEEL the shockwave as 23.1gr ignite and scare those around you.
As for your primers and your powder, GET it all from powdervalleyinc.com They have REALLY SEXY shipping (like around $14.00 for a nice shipment)
AND they will only charge you a hazmat fee for the primers and the powder. Midway will charge you TWO hazmat fees. Powder Valley has REALLY good prices on primers too. Widners also has good stuff. Pick up a few thousand of the LARGE PISTOL primers. Some folks say get some magnums, I dunno if I totally agree there but then again, I am NEW. All of my stuff I shot yesterday did not need magnum primers but if you can look at your loads ahead of time they will tell you to use a magnum or not. You can ALWAYS use Large Pistol Primers in other calibers (45 maybe) but magnums I dunno, unless you get freaky calibers. Get 2000 magnums and 3000 LPP primers, mix it up. You have that hazmat fee so it is best to buy a LOT and make it worth it. I think Widners and sons have good prices too but they were out of stuff. Oh yeah, Wolf/Tula primers are good to use as far as I am concerned. A primer is a primer. It is like ford/Chevy. pick yer poison. Wolf/Tula are WAY cheaper then the others.
Midway had good prices on the rainier 240gr leadsafe plated HP but I have been hearing that Lately X-treme bullets is cheaper. I would check them out too.
I see a Lee Modern Reloading manual in your order. REMOVE IT. That is what I got started on and I have had nothing but questions and frustrations and well, let's not get into that here... I also have a Lyman 49th edition and I have heard that the Hornady and Sierra books are really good too. the Lee might be good for a SECOND book JUST to see how they do it but I almost took mine out and shot it the other day. but then I remembered that there are still some printed recipes in it so why would I destroy those? Even though they are out dated and inaccurate they are still recipes... Lee will give you all of the reasons why you should ONLY buy LEE equipment. This is us, this is our gear, oh look at how to reload, buy our stuff... That is the Lee book in one sentence. It has gotten me into MANY arguements because I had questions afterwards. Finally I found out that the secret is to read it from the back to the front. Because it tells you HOW to decipher the loads AFTER it puts them all there for you to read. Not before.
I might be picking up a RCBS 505 scale tomorrow. The problem with many digital scales is that the ones reloaders tend to use are setup for GRAMS and they are good for measuring .01 GRAMS. Yes many convert over to grains but what it means is that there is no such thing as a 23.0 grain load on H110 in 44 mag. Your scale will show it as 23.1 or 22.9 but 23.0 is nonexistent. IF you get a digital scale Just do your research because I got a Smart Reloader SR650 and I am mad that it is not as accurate as I want. Of course a good beam scale like the 505 would be a better choice for load development. If I had to get another digital scale I would try a Jennings JSVG40 because I THINK it has a 20 year warranty but it is accurate to .005 grams which SHOULD translate nicely to .1grains and I am willing to bet that it would be a better scale for someone as paranoid as me. AND it only costs about $80 and all is good...
Kinetic bullet pullers are all about the same. If you can get a local one for $15 it could save you a dollar or two. You might also want to consider getting that 44mag factory crimp die. I have one and I might not need it but I am glad that I DO have it because I think it makes a difference in my crimps. I destroyed a case already on my first 44 mag loads. Not with a factory crimp though. They are looking perty.
Look for a Competition Electronics Pro chrono DIGITAL also. You need that to check your velocities. They are on sale right now at Midway for $99 and you can ALWAYS get a printer or remote for them later on. I LOVE mine even though I am still figuring out how to use it right.
As for brass. Gunbroker has 44 mag brass ALL the time. I picked up 1500 44 mag shells for (once fired) for $240 after shipping. Mainly because I like shiny things though.
The trick to reloading CHEAPLY is to buy in large QUANTITIES. That bad thing is if you decide it is not for you, tell me and I will give you $100.00 for all of your stuff No seriously, the bad thing is that you had better like it if you buy in large quantities cause you are committed at that point. I am now scrounging estate and garage sales for bullets looking for good prices. I got some speer 230gr .45 ashtray hollowpoints yesterday for $7.00 Not bad for 88 of them..
Good luck and have fun. Sorry if I stepped on any toes but if I have a chance to offer MY opinions, then it is just that, my opinions and I am a fully qualified NOOB in the reloading department but I am dialing in my stuff and getting my loads in order...
Last edited by stilly; 04-29-2012 at 7:47 PM..
A word or two on brass cleaning...
I have a thumler and I use it for wet brass cleaning. If you do not shoot a lot then get the harbor freight special for about $35.00 and use it but I wanted the wet cleaner because I did not want to deal with TOXIC dust and buying cleaning media all the time for super expensive prices (unless you go to a feed store to buy it).
There are some good threads here on cleaning your cases with SS pins and water. I started one
On top of that, if you are like me (and God forbid that you are) you might want to pick up a Lee Hand Press for about $25.00 from midway (that was what mine cost) and get a Lee universal decapping die then use the shellholder from your 44 set on the die to deprime all of your brass.
The mentality is like this, use the decapper in front of your tv or whatever you do at night and deprime your shells that you have collected. Then clean them, then reload them. That way the only press subjected to the dirt is the handpress. Yeah it is a few more dollars but would you rather sit in front of your press with dirty primer pockets or watch tv and get a headstart on them?
I like doing things like that. When I got my thumler it was so easy to just start tossing batches in to be cleaned... MATTER OF FACT, THAT is the ONLY part of reloading that is SOLID and REPEATABLE... I can give you a recipe for cleaning shells with water and pins and it will not matter how long your truck is, how many doors your house has, or how many outlets are in your garage. They will always be nice and clean... Can't say that about loads because there are too many variables.
wow, I will never stop surprising me with the things I think up.
Experienced reloaders the world over are LTAO right now...
Get a case guage.
In the the 3 die set, does it have the combo seater/crimper die?
Actually I only started collecting Milsurps 3 years ago. I think I might own about 24...They're cheaper than guns that will most likely never get the opportunity to kill somebody...
Tis better to have Trolled & lost, Than to never have Trolled, at all.
Member: NRA, CRPA, IDPA, Diablo Rod & Gun, Local 39
Ahoy there!
couple of other suggestions:
Check Amazon for some of your supplies. If you do Amazon prime, free for one month, it's saves on shipping.
Digital caliper: Neiko caliper
Reloading manual: Lyman 49th edition
get a case length gauge and lock stud, cutter is included in the anniversary kit, the gauge and holder aren't included.
some bushings. Kit only comes with one.
I like using the balance beam scale. It's a little slow but my loads are very consistent.
As far as using a bucket to catch the spent primers after decapping, the kit comes with a catch tube.
ammo case? maybe? So you can keep tabs of your different reloads.... type of bullet, type of powder, type of casings.... yada,yada,yada.
Or you can just use freezer ziplock bags
Starline makes some nice brass, I use nickel plated for my .44 mag and regular brass for my .44 special to make separating the two easier.
Hard to tell from the picture above, but I don't see a primer flip tray in the Lee kit. If it's not there, you'll need it. Oh, and a 2nd load manual is nice as a backup and comparison for both load data and procedures.
"Everything I ever learned about leadership, I learned from a Chief Petty Officer." - John McCain
"Use your hammer, not your mouth, jackass!" - Mike Ditka
Lee manual removed.
Lyman manual added.
Primer flip tray added.
(2) 2-packs of bushings, case trimmer/lock stud, case length gage, and depriming die added.
I'm up to $227 now.
Thanks for the information on powders and primers, the AA#9 looks like a good way to go. Being able to load lighter is important, as I definitely want to be able to do some .44 special power rounds for my girlfriend to shoot. She's a bit intimidated by the magnums at this point. Hopefully I can find some supplies locally (San Jose/Santa Cruz area) to avoid shipping/hazmat/etc for right now.
I would classify myself as a patient and detail-oriented person, definitely. I've watched some videos on the included beam scale, and I can see getting along with it for a good while. I have good digital calipers already, so that's covered. Regarding case length gauges and trimmers, how necessary are those on rounds being used exclusively in a revolver? My understanding is that many semi-autos are finicky about length, revolvers not so much. Or am I confusing OAL with case length? How much does .44 brass stretch with normal rounds? Do I need a separate crimping die, and should I get the separate de-priming die to keep the sizing die clean? Will my head explode before I figure all this out?
Thanks again.
Last edited by cycle61; 04-30-2012 at 8:16 AM..
When I first bought my RCBS 1010, it came with a factory defect that I was able to address. Until I was totally comfortable with its repeatbility, I used a Lee Perfect Scale to double check my loads. A $20 scale checking a $150 scale's accuracy.
You don't need to trim straight walled handgun brass, it doesn't get longer when sizing. Some guys trim their revolver rounds as a consistent length will yield a more consistent crimp (roll crimp for .44RM). Not needed yet.
You don't need a primer flip tray. When using Lee equipment, anything that requires primers to be flipped comes with a built in flip tray.
Just use you gun to do chamber checks for now.
I like using a separate crimp die, but I do not like the Lee FCD, especially with the larger calibers, like .45 ACP and .44RM. For now, just get the three die set. On a single stage press, crimping while seating will eliminate an extra step. If you find you like reloading and start shooting more, you may decide to move up to a press like a Lee Classic Turret or a progressive, at this time get a crimp die. My recommendation at that time would be to buy a Dillon crimp die from Brian Enos.
Personally, I would leave the Lee book on the list. It has by far the most load data, not critical, unless you happen to get some esoteric weight bullet or powder brand, many times Lee is the only place I have found a starting point for a less than mainstream load. In addition, his information on loading lead is really insightful. I think Lyman is a terrific book, I just wouldn't make it an either/or proposition.
You don't need a separate de-cap die. If you start loading for precision rifle, get one then.
Be conservative when you start out, have fun.
When asked what qualities he most valued in his generals, Napoleon said, "give me lucky ones."
Last edited by Bill Steele; 04-30-2012 at 8:47 AM..
First buy a couple of loading manuals and study up. To make big "as possible" savings you have to shop sales and order from the online warehouses this takes large outlays of $$ to buy bulk but the savings add up in the long run.
Since you're loading for revolver (assumed) you don't need a case gauge or worry about overall length. As long as your loaded ammo isn't to long for your cylinder, you're fine.
Use a regular balance scale and a powder measure, set up your powder measure and check it every tenth round.
You might want to try W296 powder as it
meters really smoothly.
I think OAL is the cartridge AFTER seating the bullet. Case length is just that, the length of the CASE. WOOHOO! I just got a call from XTREME bullets! $60 shipped for 500 of their 240gr 44 mag FLATPOINTS and they are rated to 1500 FPS! GOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL! (that is cheaper than my rainier 240gr hp rated at 1250 fps that I paid $71 + shipping from midway for)
Sorry, where were we? With you shooting from a revolver your brass will last a bit longer. My Deagle punishes the brass. He rips it out and throws it against the back wall and when I look at it it has teeth marks on the rim and an extra smack on the head. Last I checked revolvers were more civil.
As far as the powders go. Good for you. I am relying on Bill and bubbapug1 that they have a lot of experience with that AA#9. I have not used it yet but then again, I am on my 90th reloads today to go test the 44 mag out. I can tell you for certain though that AA#7 has good speed but is really soft. I got it to where it did not cycle properly. but in a revolver shooting that load at about 1100 fps your GF should have no problems. AA#9 is prolly right up there slightly above it. The H110 though, EEEDOGGY! I only loaded it up with 23.1gr of that stuff and a max load is supposedly 24 but it depends on the source. I got some 23.6 loaded up for today. Gonna come back with my highbeams on for the rest of the day...
I am torn on the manuals. (no pun intended) I think you should for sure own one or two or three, obviously the more the merrier. HOWEVER, there is a LOT of free information out there also and even though it may not be published and accepted as gospel in a printed media form, when it comes down to it, any errors in the book that YOU follow and blow yourself up with can not be put on them anyways so just compare loads to others and keep that. and do NOT take your Book of Lyman as infalible holy words like I did. I did that because the Book of Lee kinda gave off that vibe. I had to make the sign of the cross and genuflex (sp?) before I opened it up and read any of it. Now it sits by the toilet... To Bill's credit, YES the Book of Lee is like the dictionary of loads and there are a TON of loads in it. That is the ONLY thing that kept me from blasting a hole in mine at the range. But they do not tell you what those loads were tested with and compared to what I have been making they are off. Of course any good chef has many cookbooks and if nothing else they are great for load recipes. Your dies will also come with load recipes and they wil ask you to send a dollar for more I think. Of course it is your money so yes, it is a good thing to keep it on the list BUT just do not read it first. Read the Book of Lyman first. The Book of Lyman has about 1/5 as many loads it seemed but it was not The Book of Lee so I was happy to rebel. I bet a reloading magazine would be cool to have too. Each month they can publish a load data block for specific calibers... That would be cool. There is also a cool place to check out called handloads.com They have GREAT resources there and even cost calculators so you can see what your powder + bullets + brass will end up costing you per shot.
I dunno what kind of student you were but it might be kind of hard to read the how to manuals and NOT do anything. I was kind of pressured by my friend because he wanted to see how to use the press I got but he did not want to sit around and stare at me reading the book so I experimented here and there. I am GLAD that I painfully made my way through all of those chapters though and I even skipped a few on casting and loading for rifles. I figure that I will return when I get there.
I only decap with a hand press because I want CLEAN primer pockets and the last time I checked I tumbled (on accident) shells with spend primers still in them and after letting them sit for a day under the fan and THEN decapping them, there was still water in the primer pockets. Plus with the primers still in it kind of creates a vaccuum and does not let the water just flow out as easily as when there are no primers. This could be an issue with the ss pins sticking inside as well... But it is al up to you, some folks have no problems with dirty primer pockets. It could just be that I am a spent primer phobe...
Okay I am spent (yes pun intended) so now I am gonna go and see if that metal 505 scale is still available. I dunno how old it is but it was rather nice and in the box all wrapped in plastic and all. I am excited about getting an analog scale. (0o0o0o next I will be excited about starting a mid morning fiber routine...)
Have fun.
Last edited by stilly; 04-30-2012 at 9:18 AM..
With that said, why are these other crimp dies better to have then the Lee FCD? Will you please expand upon this answer? I still do not have a clear idea about factory crimp dies except that the Lee will not crush your case like the bullet seater/crimp does and what is the difference between the crimp for the 44mag FCD and the 44mag carbide bullet seater /crimping die ?
I know I was horrified to see that brass case smashed on one side and I NEVER want to do it again.
Last edited by stilly; 04-30-2012 at 2:25 PM..
The thing I don't like about the FCD is the carbide ring at the mouth of the die. This ring will contact the case mouth when loading with headstamps that have slightly thicker brass or when loading lead bullets (.430+ in .44RM), screwing up that area of the round before the crimp portion of the dies gets to the case mouth.
Many like the FCD to size the Glock bulge in brass or to correct sizing errors when loading oversizd bullets in thicker brass headstamps, etc. It is a "bigger hammer" approach to loading. It will assure your round will chamber, but can also make it less accurate.
The claim that it won't crush cases is about the bottle neck rifle version of the FCD. This a completely different design than the handgun version and gets mixed up by many uninformed on the net (guys just parroting what they read from someone else). The LFCD is a terrific crimp die for rifle round use.
The normal Lee sizing die has a tight mouth and will size the glock bulge fine, so using the LFCD to take a Glock bulge out is primarily for use with other brand sizing dies that are designed for progressive presses with radiused mouths.
For me personally, the only nice design feature of the LFCD is the knob on top of the die to adjust crimp. With the dies I prefer, you must loosen the lock ring and screw the die in and out to adjust crimp. That is the only thing I like about the Lee FCD (for handgun rounds).
I think there is more misunderstanding about the FCD than just about anything out there. Most of the misinformation is caused by Lee themselves.
When asked what qualities he most valued in his generals, Napoleon said, "give me lucky ones."
Is the lee FCD the one that comes with the kit, or an upgraded one sold separately?
I think I mentioned it above, but I'll add: This is going to be for my S&W M29 revolver. Hopefully that helps.
How does one set up a chronograph at a range? I went to Los Altos over the weekend, really enjoyed shooting there much more than I did at the indoor places. Do they let you set up something a few feet in front of the firing line, or ???
Last edited by cycle61; 04-30-2012 at 11:50 AM..
The LFCD comes in the Deluxe 4 die set.
Each range has different rules about chrony's. Most indoor ranges don't allow you ahead of the line at any time (hence the trolley for targets), so velocity measurments indoors is less likely.
I use a friend's private land for my chrony testing.
When asked what qualities he most valued in his generals, Napoleon said, "give me lucky ones."
I emailed Los Altos regarding their chronograph policy. Also picked up a 1# jug of AA#9 and a box of 1,000 large pistol primers at Sportsmen's supply. Prices higher than internet of course, but no shipping or hazmat. Should be enough to get me started, and decide if I'm going to do it enough to order bulk.
2400 is the powder for 44mag
""When you see that in order to produce, you need to obtain permission from men who produce nothing - When you see that money is flowing to those who deal, not in goods, but in favors - When you see that men get richer by graft and by pull than by work, and your laws dont protect you against them, but protect them against you - When you see corruption being rewarded and honesty becoming a self-sacrifice - You may know that your society is doomed." -- Ayn Rand, "Atlas Shrugged", 1957"
For light target loads for my 6" Model 29, I load 14.5grs under a 240gr LSWC, your girlfriend should like this loading, just a little over 1000fps. I do use magnum primers (Winchester Large Pistol at a minimum) when loading #9.
Have fun.
When asked what qualities he most valued in his generals, Napoleon said, "give me lucky ones."
Thanks for starting this thread, found some good info here. As a new reloader of rifle rounds I don't have any amazing technical info to add in regards to pistol reloading. I do agree that having more than one manual is a good idea. A digital scale, in addition to a balance beam, might be nice too.
On a side note: That looks like a midway shopping cart. If you go that route try one of the promo codes here:
Good Luck.
I only bought it for the 44 mag because I wanted to know that as a noob I am doing the most that I can do to have a fully functioning round at the end of the day. BUT, I still do not know that much about crimping. The lee die crimps AND seats the bullet or sizes and crimps depending on which you get. I am going to guess that ALL of the lee bullet seating dies crimp as long as you drop the die down more and then adjust the bullet seating depth with the knob on the top. THAT is my hypothesis based on what I have seen.
Sorry, I ran off on a tangent again...
It is funny that you say that the Lee sizing die will remove the glock bulge. I ALMOST bought one of those Redding RX dies for the 40 cal because of all of the 40 cal that I pick up and the Lee literature never addressed the issue that people have with 40 cal unsupported chambers. So then why Lee makes no mention is odd to me but why do all of those other folks rush out to buy those bulge busting die kits for $35+ when they can just get a Lee sizing die in the set for $10 less? Makes no sense. (said the pot to the kettle) And to think that I was going to get one when I started loading .40. LoL. Glad I waited.
Anyways, good stuff to know. I heard that some folks opened up that carbide ring or removed it altogether and just use the die to crimp, but how would that be any different then a regular crimp from their lee bullet seating die? Heh...
Mr. cycle61: If you ever want to add a factory crimp die later on you can always buy them for about $13-$20 by themselves. There is a killer website that is called fsreloading.com. IF you have the urge to buy anymore LEE stuff, check them out. They have some of the best prices on dies of course we all have our opinions of dies as you can see and mine has been steadily reduced to lee dies are GREAT for beginners (like me!) but certainly do your research.
OMG those balance beam scales are SWEET! I was able to crank out about a round per 40 seconds last night when I was reloading my 44 loads to test again. I picked up an rcbs powder trickler and that 505 scale was easily dialed in (despite that it was missing a pan) and loading things to an EXACT amount is awesomely easy now. For load development they can not be beat except by one of those cool auto dispensing scales that cost about 4 times as much...
Last edited by stilly; 05-01-2012 at 8:02 AM..
Now I have to get a LB of AA#9 AND 2400 in my next order. OH I am collecting powder bottles AND brass now...
I am thinking out loud on this one BUT, I see they have a load there for:
210gr Gold Dot
23.5 gr
velocity about 1566
Based on what I have read I should be able to substitute:
200gr Plated Xtreme (now rated to 1500 fps!)
23.0 gr
Velocity expected about 1300-1400
Yes? Anyone wanna check my math? I am almost guessing on the velocity based on powders and stuff.
Have you used 2400 in any 44 mag loads? Any other powders? How have they performed/contrasted to each other?
When asked what qualities he most valued in his generals, Napoleon said, "give me lucky ones."
Nonetheless, I have all my dies so I can afford to replace one here or there with a dillon to see the difference.
BUT, if I happen to walk into China Harbor and find those same dies for $9.99 each I am gonna be a bit upset.
Last edited by stilly; 05-01-2012 at 3:20 PM..
I was using a Lee FCD for 45 ACP. It needed lots of experimenting to get it somewhat right. Then a strange thing was happening when using it. I could feel a strong "bump", both on the way in and out. It also needed a stronger press of the lever to crimp. It worked, but I wasn't happy.
I followed Bill's advice about getting the Dillon die and the difference is literally night and day. The crimping stage is so much smoother; initially I was thinking that it failed to crimp, that's how much smoother it was. Even after reloading about 500 rounds with it I'm still surprised when I crimp. All the other Lee dies are good. I don't know if this is everyone's experience, but it was mine.
Yeah that bump might be the sizing die dropping down over it all? I want to try those Dillons now. I might have to stand on the side of the freeway holding a sign that says: Will work for a Dillon crimping die!
So I completely forgot about this thread last week when I bought my press at Cabelas' in Oregon. Ended up with the Lee Breech Lock Anniversary kit, so scale, powder thrower, primer feed thingy and press are all there. Picked up a Lyman 1200 tumbler since it was only $10 more than a bag of brass, and ordered the Lee Manual off Midway for $12. First round of about 100 cases have been tumbled (dusty, have to move that operation to the garage or cover it somehow), sorted, deprimed/resized, and now primed as of last night. Interesting how different the various brands of brass feel (I have about 45 each of S&B and Magtech) during each step. The S&B seem thinner, and were notably harder to resize since I'm assuming they stretched more when fired. They were also more difficult to seat the new primers, and three of them actually went in crooked and got bent.
The press is not mounted as securely as I like, so that may have something to do with it. I have an 8x8" piece of 3/8" aluminum plate that will be drilled and tapped for the mounting bolts, 1/4" bolts into an OSB desktop will have to suffuce.
I have a pound each of Accurate #9 and Trail Boss, and a box of Hornady cast lead 240gr SWC bullets. Apparently the Hornady bullets don't like magnum velocities, and the #9 shouldn't be loaded light, so I'm going to load the first couple rounds with Trail Boss powder and get the feel for some light loads that both my gf and I can practice with easily.
Tonight will be charging the cases and setting/crimping bullets, I'm excited to finally have my first home made ammo!
Looks great.... Congrats and good luck!
It's ok to be jealous. We understand your animosity. We live the life you wish you had. And of over 4000 universities and over 1700 division 1 schools, only one is simply known as "The U"
My advice... stay away from digital anything. Get an analog scale and micrometer. Digital just leads to trouble.
Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.
I have a digital micrometer, but the scale is the analog Lee safety scale. Powder dispenser was definitely finicky with the bulky Trail Boss powder. Had to tap in on the side on both the up and down strokes to get a repeatable charge. Ended up weighing 100% of them to make sure, never saw a variance of more than a tenth of a grain once I got the technique a little more sorted out.
And the first press with the bullet seating die, well... Manual didn't really specify to screw it ALL THE WAY OUT before testing. Oops. Ignore that little guy in the corner.
OAL length is 1.625" +/- 0.002, fits easily in the revolver and didn't look like it was going to compress the powder at all.
Here's 8 different loads, 5 rounds each, from 6.0 to 7.3 grains, heading to the range tomorrow to see how they do.
Last edited by cycle61; 11-29-2012 at 8:41 PM..
7.0 grains, definite winner.
Zero FTF or any other problems across the whole set. The 6.0 gr loads went through the paper sideways, I'm assuming too slow to get a good spin in the rifling, and some of the loads grouped okay but had 1-2 inexplicable flyers several inches away from the other impact points.
Figure I'll load up a bunch of these at 7.0gr and give them a more thorough run. Recoil and muzzle blast was nice and mild, a little more than the .44 specials we tried last month, and certainly within the range that'll be comfortable for both of us to practice with.
Eta: didn't realize thread was old and you've obviously already got everything.
Last edited by mroels; 12-02-2012 at 4:02 AM..
I really wasn't sure how to tell if the rounds I made were adequately crimped. With the higher powered ones, I fired 3-4 of the set, unloaded the last two, and checked to see if OAL had changed. Any definite way of determining how much crimp to put on them, or is it again trial and error?
Loaded up 100 of them with the 7.0 grain load. Mixed headstamps this time, from a batch of brass I bought here on CG. The slight differences in case length visibly affect how much of a crimp the Lee die puts on them. It'll be interesting to see if they shoot differently.
Should I be trimming my brass, at least the first time, to get a consistent case length?
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As it turns out, Warriors center Andrew Bogut did have microfracture surgery on his left ankle in April, as he revealed on a Bay Area radio station Tuesday. But, according to team sources, it's not the same as the alarming procedure we learned about through the likes of Penny Hardaway, Chris Webber and Greg Oden.
Well, it's the same surgery. Just not the same situation.
"Some people go in for microfracture surgery. This wasn't that," one source said pointing out that players who are experiencing chronic and degenerative problems turn to microfracture surgery.
Bogut, on the other hand, went in to get his left ankle cleaned out of scar tissue and bone fragments. When Dr. Richard Ferkel was inside, he noticed a "minor" cartilage issue and he addressed it with a form of microfracture surgery. The major part of the surgery, the source said, was cleaning out the debris.
The important thing, another source said, is the microfracture surgery part of the procedure was accounted for when Ferkel gave the Warriors his timetable for Bogut's return.
Even though Golden State failed to mention the microfracture part — probably because the words "microfracture surgery" comes with a stigma they didn't want out there — and even though the Warriors initially said Bogut would be out for three months, nothing has changed from what Ferkel said.
He was given the OK to test out his ankle after six months (which put him back to practice on Oct. 27). He was to be limited when he came back, hence the minutes limit and the prohibition of back-to-back sets. The rest would be determined by how his ankle responded and how he felt.
When Bogut decided to shut it down earlier this month, everything really shifted to "he'll be back when he's back" mode. Now, Warriors officials are avoiding any timetables. Several in the organization were hopeful Bogut would keep playing at a limited capacity because he still gave the Warriors something. But once he pulled back, they had no choice but to exercise patience.
As previously reported here, Golden State management was expecting for Bogut to be out until December even though the initial evaluation timeline given was seven to 10 days. And nobody would be shocked if he didn't return until the new year. Bogut suggested as much Tuesday when he told reporters he wasn't close to ready.
Bottom line: Bogut's ankle was kind of a mess when Ferkel went in; the doc knew all along it would take a long time; and the Warriors (and Bogut) were in denial that Ferkel was being conservative. He wasn't.