This is my reply to both the cheap and anal threads.
cheap: Last year when I HANDLOADED my 30-06 round I put a peace of paper under the shell when I added the powder it worked great.
anal: I have my scope for my ML on layaway. (I won't be able to do any hardcore shooting for at least a month) I have already made my per soaked patches and have a dry set to the side. by the way, gladware 1/2 cup containers hold 50 dry patches.
very anal: I ask for too much advise.

I use a cheaptin pie plate when I load because the powder will not stick to the tin, you can push/tap it all to one edge, and then it pours along the creases in the edge of the tin, back through a funnel into the powder jug. I'd hate to guess how much powder I have saved over the years.

I used to just let the powder fall on the workshop floor when making loads, until one winter I swept up the floor debris and threw it in the wood stove. That was exciting for a few seconds when the stove flared..

I also make my own patches out of old cotton T-shirts, socks, you name it. If it is pure cotton, I will use it. When I run out of all that I buy the bag patches at Wal Mart. I make my own cleaning solutions, lubes, patch lubes, cut my own bulk patches. So I guess I am a little "cheap" myself. Nothing wrong with that.

As for your asking too many questions or advise.. that is nonsense. I worry more about the person that does not ask something about a simple thing and then ends up hurting themselves, others, their rifles, or makes their life miserable for a time being. You, me or anyone else.. got questions? Ask away.

RESOLUTION: From this point forward, all forum members shall, in their minds, automatically substitute the words "thrifty" or "inexpensive" whenever a post contains the word "cheap", and shall substitute the word "orderly" whenever a post contains the word "anal".

Cheap: I frequently buy stuff from Wal-Mart at the end of seasons when it's about 50% off or more.And I wait for it, too I use both sides of my patches, one side for one shot and the other for the next.

Anal: I arrange everything in my backpack before rangetime and hunting, with labeled tape designating what each pocket is for.

I also use 100% cotton from shirts, etc. I don't look atthis as being cheapb/c I would require many different store bought patches for my various bopre sizes - effecient comes to mind! I also use a tin foil cookie sheet when pouring powder, it saves powder from tracking all over the house which keeps the wife happy (in turn that makes my life easier as well)[8D]. Homemade solvents as well.

aNaL - not me!!! LOL. I have a cleaning schedule and keep it faithfully, pull every firearm out of the safe that I own at least 2 times a year for a once over. I test fire my modern guns at least once year to ensure they are funstioning properly still and also to clean completely. Always ensure I have more then enough supply of components on hand for my hunting or main used firearms - primers, bullets, cases, etc. I cover my preped brass between charging and seating. Everything is labeled, sortedand stored high b/cI have small childern. I wash my clothes and store them in rubbermaid containers - labeled and sorted of course. I couldgo on but fear I may be labeled with COD...lol

lol
let me add CREATIVE to my list. I found 6 and 7 oz tubes of GLITTER at wal_mart, I am going trash the glitter and wash them a number of time. Also got a utility strap ($1.70 something)and going to make a sling out of it.

Why not use it as a buffer between the powder and bullet?

Ought To Be Pretty !

That would be a great idea Semisane. Then he could see if his shooting abilities really sparkle. Personally, I'd do it just for the fun. I'd load some powder, put a wad on top the powder, dump the sparkle down the barrel, put another cloth patch on all of that, and let it fly. You could wet some paper and make muzzleloader art....

Here we go again!

Everyone's invited to the New Years Eve party at Cayugad's place. Bring your own gun, sparkle, and powder (BYOGSP). Oh heck, never mind the gun -cayugad has enough for all.

HEY, I am new to ML don't give me any ideas, but i will do it if you clean my ML.

glitter is hard to clean up