Welcome back pal. Sorry to hear about your mom. I went through with the same situation about two years ago. Lost my mother and three months later my dad. They are sorely missed, but memories are good.

I also have been doing a lot of cartridge making. With the current situation, thanks to the guy in the white house, I am in good shape for brass, powder and primers. All that stuff is hard to find now. Got a letter from Midway on this matter and telling all to have patience. It will get better I'm sure.

I didn't realize how good I was for bullets, both lead and jacketed. I also have more then enough lead for making new bullets. Now that is something I really like, making bullets! Lately I have been make some BPCR cartridges for my Trapdoors (rifle & carbine). Tried to shoot the carbine with my full BP loaded cartridges and nearly nocked my shoulder off. I checked it out and found that the Army discouvered this problem and down loaded the .45-70 with 55 hrs of BP. I have some made now, but have not had a chance to shoot some. I ended up using creme of wheat as fill. I should work nicely.

Here is a photo of my Trapdoors:





I only shoot BP in them. I figure they are too old to shoot anything else.

I may have moved off of topic, but at my age that happens a lot!