HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: petekunz@iiic.ethz.ch (Peter John Kunz)
Newsgroups: rec.guns
Subject: Re: How much ammo does the footsoldier carry?
Date: 28 Jan 93 04:15:25 GMT
Organization: Dept. Informatik, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Zurich, CH

In article <1993Jan26.184945.14910@Csli.Stanford.EDU> cower@csli.stanford.edu (Richard Cower) writes:
#
#How much ammo does the Army footsoldier take with him/her (?) these days?

hearsay about infantry boot camp in switzerland:

get 1000 rds
march for 10 kms
shoot 100 rds
march again
give back 900 rds

from personal experience in communicatiosn bootcamp and one 'tour'

none
6 rds on guard duty
they handit to you before you go to the range and collect excess after you
leave (ok, so we're not at war...)
there was a motion a few years back trying to force the army not to use
live ammo in service during non war times, except for shooting practice,ie
no guarding wiht live ammo

#How quickly can they get more? Does the amount being carried vary depending 
#on the branch of service (ie...does the Marine carry more/less?)? I can 

i would hope so. imagine a pilto lugging along tons of 'personal' ammo :-)


cu
-pete



-- 
Peter J. Kunz	Vogesenstr. 60	4106 Therwil	Switzerland
petekunz@iiic.ethz.ch	pkunz@amiga.physik.unizh.ch
From: cjp@megatek.com (Chris "Systems Stud" Pikus)
Newsgroups: rec.guns
Subject: Re: Clips are not magazines
Date: 26 Jan 93 13:05:14 GMT
Organization: Megatek Corporation, San Diego, California

#From article <ATAYLOR.93Jan25172736@gauss.nmsu.edu>, by ataylor@nmsu.edu (Nosy):
# 
# 	At the risk of being pedantic, I'd like to get on my
# 	soapbox and point out that magazines are metal objects
# 	that surround cartridges (NOT "BULLETS") with a spring
# 	and 'follower'.
# 
# 	Clips are pieces of metal which do not enclose  or completely
# 	surround cartridges. 

	[snip]

# 	The M1A (civilianized M14) uses a MAGAZINE. 
# 	The M1 Garand uses a CLIP.
#

	A rule of thumb: "If it has a spring, it's a magazine."
 
-- 
Christopher J. Pikus,        | "Forgive me for not knowing about El Salvador. 
Megatek Corp., San Diego, CA | Like it's not like I'm ever going to go to Spain
INTERNET: cjp@megatek.com    | or anything."	  -- "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"
From: leem@jpl-devvax.Jpl.Nasa.Gov (Lee Mellinger)
Newsgroups: rec.guns
Subject: Re: Home Invasion Prevention Tactics Wanted
Date: 22 Jan 93 04:00:31 GMT
Organization: Jet Propulsion Laboratory (NASA)

In article <jrh.2b5aecbf-e@mustang.dell.com> jrh@mustang.dell.com (Randy Howard) writes:
:rboudrie@chpc.org (Rob Boudrie) writes:
:
:#In article <C0vpqE.Hs5@scylax.uucp> scylax!tiglath@uunet.UU.NET writes:
:##Several armed intruders against a family is bad news for the family even
:# 
:#                                        rob b.
:
:I hope that the "media" doesn't find out, or they will
:start *advertising* it on every news show in order to guarantee that the 
:crooks know all about it.
:-- 
:Randy Howard            _o	    @'s: jrh@dell.com

It is already too late, a local TV news broadcast here (Los Angeles)
did a feature story last night on home invasions mimicing SWAT Team
entries.  This virtually guarantees there will be more.


Lee

"Mit Pulver und Blei, die Gedanken sind frei."

|Lee F. Mellinger                 Caltech/Jet Propulsion Laboratory - NASA
|4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA 91109 818/354-1163  FTS 792-1163     
|leem@jpl-devvax.JPL.NASA.GOV
From: x90hornbach1@gw.wmich.edu
Newsgroups: rec.guns
Subject: Electroplating
Date: 27 Jan 93 04:55:18 GMT
Organization: Western Michigan University

Anyone had any luck electroplating gun parts?  A few specific questions:
-How well does it work?

-Is it difficult?

-where can you get cheap chemicals?

-Prior surface treatments?

-Any Specific info would be appreciated.

thanks
John Hornbach
From: drkerns@sony7.sdrc.com (sean kerns)
Newsgroups: rec.guns
Subject: Re: FFL Application Form Question?
Date: 27 Jan 93 19:57:09 GMT
Organization: SDRC


In article <1993Jan25.183905.25556@watson.ibm.com>, breslau@watson.ibm.com (Art Breslau) writes:
|> In article <1993Jan23.021157.15986@henson.cc.wwu.edu>, n9020351@henson.cc.wwu.edu (James Douglas Del-Vecchio) writes:
|> |> WES@SSCVX1.ssc.gov (Wes Smith) writes:
|> |>
|> |> #I received an FFL application yesterday in the mail.  The BATF people seem
|> |> #real adamant about the FFL being issued for business purposes, rather than
|> |> #personal use (my intentions).  They insist that you have regular business
|> |> #hours and be open to the public.  Since I am not intending to buy and sell
|> |> #guns as a business would, and not keep regular hours for the public (I
|> |> #don't even wish to deal with the public), how do I answer on the form?  Is
|> |> #this some attempt by the Feds to limit the FFLs being issued?  It seems
|> |> #unreasonable to me that they would attempt to limit issuance to business
|> |> #organizations only.  Or did I miss a real obvious answer for the hobbyist?
|> |>
|> |> Two simple ways to comply:
|> |>
|> |> 1) 	Set short business hours: one hour a week, either after work or
|> |> during the weekend, when you are home.  My business is open from
|> |> 9-10 am on Saturday.
|> |>
|> |> 2)	Give hours as "by appointment only".   This is a legitmate way
|> |> to run a business, and I know of dealers who advertise their hours as
|> |> this.   How the BATF reacts to this in leu of a set "open doors" time I
|> |> cannot answer, because I chose #1 to minimise potential objections.
|> |>
|> |> JD
|> |>
|> |>
|> |>
|> 
|> The BATF can and WILL come to inspect your premises and books during THEIR
|> business hours. You better be damn sure you are in compiliance with all Federal,
|> State and Local regulations and be prepared to pay taxes as a legitimate business.
|> I run a supply house when I am not twiddling bits and bytes, and know from first
|> hand experience what an inspection entails.


So, is getting the FFL more hassle than it's worth? Should you just get to know
somebody who's got one real well? >-}

It just seems like a shame not to be able to take advantage of any of those great
mail-order prices.

SRK
From: betz@gozer.idbsu.edu (Andrew Betz)
Newsgroups: rec.guns
Subject: 9mm load for 147grL using WW-231?!?
Date: 27 Jan 93 03:37:01 GMT
Organization: SigSauer Fan Club

hi folks;

i found a good deal on some 9mm 147gr lead bullets and
was wondering if anybody has some loads using WW-231.
i've looked in the winchester loading pamphlet and several
other sources but without luck.  i've found loads using
AA#5 with 147gr leads, but i've already got the WW-231
on hand.  i could estimate about what a load should be,
but there's no way i'm getting into the experimenting
business (i.e., i like my fingers and hands intact, thanks!).

cheers,

drew 
--
betz@gozer.idbsu.edu
*** brought into your terminal from the free state of idaho ***
"Now I am become death, destroyer of worlds." - Oppenheimer
From: harp@netcom.com (Gregory O. Harp)
Newsgroups: rec.guns
Subject: Re: BEST SHOTGUN DEFENSE ROUND?
Date: 25 Jan 93 01:04:18 GMT
Organization: Netcom - Online Communication Services  (408 241-9760 guest)

gary%ke4zv.uucp@mathcs.emory.edu (Gary Coffman) writes:

#In article <n9020351.727559970@waldorf> n9020351@waldorf.cc.wwu.edu (James Douglas Del-Vecchio) writes:
##???  Under what circumstances would it be desireable or lawful to 
##use lethal force against a figure 50+ yards away?

#Well, how about if a carload of punks starts shooting at the house
#when they're only 2/3 the way up the driveway?

You have a 150 yard driveway? ;) (Note: It might be common to have as
long or longer driveways in rural settings.  Perhaps you really _do_
have a long driveway -- I don't know where you live.)

I'd be willing to bet that most homes are 10-20 yards from the street.
2/3 the way up the driveway would place them within a few feet.
-- 
-----------------Greg-Harp----------------harp@netcom.com------------------

                     Dallas Cowboys -- NFC Champions
                           The 'Boys are Back!
From: nahst6+@pitt.edu (Nathan A Horstman)
Newsgroups: rec.guns
Subject: 9mm Nyclad HPs
Date: 22 Jan 93 04:01:16 GMT
Organization: University of Pittsburgh


OK....here's the scoop....

I shoot two kinds of ammo in my 9mm--115 gr. JHP (non +P reloads) and 125 gr.
Federal Nyclad HPs.  

Now...one time I decided to "experiment".  I based this experiment on the
(faulty?) assumption that if you shot a HP into, say, a swimming pool, it
would expand because of the water.  Correct me if I'm wrong, but...

So I take several jugs, (plastic milk jugs, plastic two-liter bottles) fill
them with water and line them up one behind another.  I load up a Nyclad
and fire from @ 10 feet away.  It went through (to the best of my 
recollection) a one-gallon jug, a half-gallon jug, 2 two-liter jugs and came
to rest inside the last two-liter jug.  I very carefully emptied out the 
water and what was left in the bottom was a perfectly unexpanded Nyclad 
bullet...in such good shape that it probably could have been loaded and 
fired again....the only distortion being the rifling marks in the plastic 
coating and the hollow opening was slightly oval shaped instead of perfectly
round.  What happened?

I'm not done.  So I take my only remaining two-liter jugs, set them on an
embankment, and load up 2 115 JHPs. I put one squarely in each jug.  When
I'm done, I retrieve the two bullets from @ 2-3" deep in the earth of the
embankment behind each jug and.....drum roll.....perfect mushrooms both.

So what happened?  I know it wasn't the perfectly conducted scientific 
method type of experiment, but the events should have had nearly the same
outcome, shouldn't they?  A little more info:  the ground behind the two
jugs was slightly damp, and there was nothing clogging the hollow point of
the Nyclad.

I wonder if the structure of the Nyclad is at fault:  It has no jacketing
that I'm aware of except for a plastic coating and the walls around the
hollow section seem very thick, and the lead very hard and stiff.  Does
anyone know for sure?  Could this be it?  
Do hollow points normally expand when in contact with JUST water?

I just wonder how well it would REALLY work against a perp.  Makes me 
wonder.

Nathan

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<-->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>       G  O       H  O  U  S  T  O  N 
<<      Nathan A. Horstman      >>  OOOO  IIIIII LL     EEEEEE RRRRR   SSSS  ||
<<   University of Pittsburgh   >> OO  OO   II   LL     EE     RR  RR SS     ||
<< in%"nahst6@vms.cis.pitt.edu" >> OO  OO   II   LL     EEEE   RRRRR   SSSS  ||
<<      nahst6+@pitt.edu        >> OO  OO   II   LL     EE     RR RR      SS ||
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<-->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>  OOOO  IIIIII LLLLLL EEEEEE RR  RR  SSSS  oo
From: ems@michael.apple.com (E. Michael Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.guns
Subject: Illegal off duty carry?  An oxymoron? (Was Re: Self defense...)
Date: 28 Jan 93 16:10:53 GMT
Organization: Circle 'C' Shellfish Ranch, Shores-of-the-Pacific, California

In article <9301261912.AA21959@mmddvan.mdd.comm.mot.com> booth@mdd.comm.mot.com (Greg Booth) writes:

#Although I have heard that here in the B.C. lower mainland, some cops
#illegally carry off duty, and some private investigators carry as well.

Did I read this right?  It is illegal for a cop to carry when 'off duty'?

This is, to me, a bizzare concept!  I've hung out with cops a bunch
and, at least in N. Calif, it has been often stressed that even if
they are out of uniform and 'off duty' that they were a cop 24 hours
a day.  AND that their departments expected them to be prepared/armed
at all times...

The image of a cop taking off his work cloths, hanging up his gun, and
punching the time clock, walking out the door and seeing a rape in
progress and thinking 'Gee, someone should call 911' is just bizzare ...

-- 

E. Michael Smith  ems@apple.COM

'Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it.  Boldness has
 genius, power and magic in it.'  -  Goethe

I am not responsible nor is anyone else.  Everything is disclaimed.
From: kdw@icd.ab.com (Kenneth D. Whitehead)
Newsgroups: rec.guns
Subject: Re: Nyclad expansion in water (was 9mm Nyclad HPs)
Date: 27 Jan 93 19:57:14 GMT
Organization: Allen-Bradley Company, Inc.

nahst6+@pitt.edu (Nathan A Horstman) writes:

(Stuff deleted to save bandwidth)

#So I take several jugs, (plastic milk jugs, plastic two-liter bottles) fill
#them with water and line them up one behind another.  I load up a Nyclad
#and fire from @ 10 feet away.  It went through (to the best of my 
#recollection) a one-gallon jug, a half-gallon jug, 2 two-liter jugs and came
#to rest inside the last two-liter jug.  I very carefully emptied out the 
#water and what was left in the bottom was a perfectly unexpanded Nyclad 
#bullet...in such good shape that it probably could have been loaded and 
#fired again....the only distortion being the rifling marks in the plastic 
#coating and the hollow opening was slightly oval shaped instead of perfectly
#round.  What happened?


Odd result.  I tried the same test with 125 gr. Nyclads in .38 Sp. fired 
into milk jugs (1 gallon, I think).  The slug delivered enough shock to the 
first jug that it ruptured the sides of the jug.  The second jug was
penetrated completely, but no explosive effect.  The bullet came to rest in
the third jug in line, perfectly expanded.  I then did the same test
with a 154 gr. "range round" reload wadcutter - it blew the smithereens out 
of all three jugs and kept on going.  Even though the Nyclad worked as
advertised, the shock and penetration of the round (at least in 125 gr.)
was so wimpy that we decided to get some factory 154 gr. wadcutters
as a defense round.
From: dave.williams@chaos.lrk.ar.us (Dave Williams)
Newsgroups: rec.guns
Subject: Re: Gun in an Apartment
Date: 28 Jan 93 16:09:50 GMT
Organization: The Courts of Chaos * 501-985-0059 * Public Access Usenet


-> Why not consider having your apartment lock(s) changed/upgraded?
-> Seems like a small price to pay for added security. Anytime I move
-> that's the first thing I do -- regardless of what my landlord says. I
-> keep a lot of my "stuff" in my apartment all the time.

 I've had occasion to kick open two or three doors.  Damned near
sprained my whole leg, but when they open they usually take a big chunk
of the frame with them.  In one case (a cheap contractor-type prehung
door) it pulled the whole board out of its cheap staples, knocked off
the corner molding, and that was that.  I was able to "repair" it later
by simply hammering the finishing nails back in.

 At a minimum, you need a 10ga or so steel plate with either bolts or
several large screws running into the studs alongside the door.  Even
fancy locks aren't worth much in the typical apartment or tract-house
doorframe.
From: rboudrie@chpc.org (Rob Boudrie)
Newsgroups: rec.guns
Subject: Re: LFI Graduates--Opinions Wanted
Date: 22 Jan 93 04:01:32 GMT
Organization: Center For High Perf. Computing of WPI; Marlboro Ma

In article <9301201901.AA00546@author.ecn.purdue.edu> blackm@ecn.purdue.edu (Michael A Black) writes:
#
#I just learned that LFI will be offering a number of their courses
#(LFI-1, Combat Handgun, Stressfire) here in Indiana this summer.
#Before I commit the $$$ for one or more of these, I'd like to hear
#from any LFI grads out there.  What is your general impression of
#the program(s)?  Was it worth it?  What did you especially like or
#dislike?  Do you have any insightful bits of wisdom to share that
#might prove beneficial during the course of the program(s)?
#

I took LFI-1 about 5 years ago (back when the price was $400) and thought
it was well worth the money.  Massad did most of the instruction personally,
and let the days classes run long (he was in no hurry to leave as soon
as he could).  I think he did a great job.

The classroom part was most useful - lots of stuff you already know if you
read the magazines and the net, combnined with lots of stuff you don't.

Although the shooting instruction was very good, I would not recommend LFI-1
for someone who is going to fine-tune shooting skills (it was more supervised
practice with pointers from some experts).  *BUT* LFI is NOT a gunfighting
school - go to Cooper's place if that's what you're after.

The split is about 60% classroom, 40% range.

Ayuoob has a standing offer of free (ie, expenses only) expert wittnessing
and defense consulting service if one of his students is ever so unfortunate
as to need it (he limits this service to students whose actions he 
considers justifiable).  This is in direct comparison to the Kappleson/
Farnham courses I've taken (both very good) where the instructor mentions
the amount it will cost you (the sutdent) to have them as expert wittnesses
if the need arises.

With the exception of a pre mediated hit, and the woodchipper incident
in Ct, NONE of Ayoob's students has been convicted of wrongfully shooting
someone.  (And numerous students of his have had to fire in self 
defense - he instructs lofs of people).

Also, Mas has the habit of charging full-retail for anythign he sells.  As
a general rule, if it's not LFI/Ayoob specific merchandise, you can get
it cheaper mail order elsewhere.

In summary, I *highly* recommend LFI-1.a

#Thanks all!
#
#Michael Black  <blackm@ecn.purdue.edu>
From: hollombe@polymath.tti.com (The Polymath)
Newsgroups: rec.guns
Subject: Re: SIG Sauer P226: I now understand the cult
Date: 26 Jan 93 01:52:17 GMT
Organization: The Cat Factory

In article <1993Jan22.022042.26338@netcom.com> pauly@netcom.com (Paul Yoshimune) writes:

}... Apparently, they had a P226 there that lastest about
}25,000 rounds, then peeled the frame rails clean off. ...

}Upon calling SigArms, he was told that 25,000 rounds was not unreasonable for
}the gun (!), and there was nothing they could do.  ...

}The upshot of the whole deal was that the SIG was far and away the best combat
}or duty gun to have, but was less than ideal for constant target shooting. ...
}... Anyone else had similar experiences or heard
}similar info?

The latest issue of SIGARMS' magazine talks about a P226 that's had
23,000+ rounds put through it with no cleaning or maintenance beyond
lubing the slide rails (they were attempting to test it to destruction).
Apparently it's still going strong, but maybe it's only got ~2,000
rounds left to go.

The Polymath (aka: Jerry Hollombe, M.A., CDP, aka: hollombe@polymath.tti.com)
Head Robot Wrangler at Citicorp                "If you can't stand solitude,
3100 Ocean Park Blvd.   (310) 450-9111, x2483  perhaps others find you boring
Santa Monica, CA  90405                        as well."  -- Mark Twain
From: barry@uts.amdahl.com (Barry Needham)
Newsgroups: rec.guns
Subject: Re: Home Invasion Prevention Tactics Wanted
Date: 22 Jan 93 23:41:51 GMT
Organization: Amdahl Corporation, Sunnyvale CA


leem@jpl-devvax.Jpl.Nasa.Gov (Lee Mellinger) writes:

#In article <jrh.2b5aecbf-e@mustang.dell.com> jrh@mustang.dell.com (Randy Howard) writes:
#:rboudrie@chpc.org (Rob Boudrie) writes:
#:
#:#In article <C0vpqE.Hs5@scylax.uucp> scylax!tiglath@uunet.UU.NET writes:
#:##Several armed intruders against a family is bad news for the family even
#:# 
#:#                                        rob b.
#:
#:I hope that the "media" doesn't find out, or they will
#:start *advertising* it on every news show in order to guarantee that the 
#:crooks know all about it.
#:-- 
#:Randy Howard            _o	    @'s: jrh@dell.com

#It is already too late, a local TV news broadcast here (Los Angeles)
#did a feature story last night on home invasions mimicing SWAT Team
#entries.  This virtually guarantees there will be more.

We have this problem in San Jose as well.  Last year there were over 120 home
invasions in the city of San Jose alone.  The Santa Clara County total was
approaching 500!  Claiming to be "police" as they go in seems to be a
favorite, and common, tactic.

It's nearly to the point that I'm going to have to remember where I stored
those damn Claymores :-)

Regards,
  Barry.

-- 
Barry Needham          barry@uts.amdahl.com          USA (408) 992-2527
From: bbx!bbxrbk!russ@unmvax.cs.unm.edu (Russ Kepler)
Newsgroups: rec.guns
Subject: Re: Clips are not magazines
Date: 27 Jan 93 04:56:21 GMT
Organization: russ at home in Albuquerque New Mexico

In article <1993Jan26.102654.4647@megatek.com> cjp@megatek.com (Chris "Systems Stud" Pikus) writes:
##From article <ATAYLOR.93Jan25172736@gauss.nmsu.edu>, by ataylor@nmsu.edu (Nosy):
## 
## 	Clips are pieces of metal which do not enclose  or completely
## 	surround cartridges. 
#
#	A rule of thumb: "If it has a spring, it's a magazine."

Further, if it *is* a spring, it's a clip.

-- 
Russ Kepler, posting from home   russ@bbx.basis.com, bbxrbk!russ@bbx.basis.com
"It's better to be quotable than to be honest" - Tom Stoppard
From: paladin@west.darkside.com (Paladin)
Newsgroups: rec.pyrotechnics
Subject: Re: H2O2
Date: 22 Jan 93 23:03:33 GMT
Organization: The Dark Side of the Moon +1 408 245 SPAM

kjurena@lonestar.utsa.edu (Keith R. Jurena) writes:

> In article <1993Jan20.205252.14134@rtfm.mlb.fl.us> luckey@rtfm.mlb.fl.us (Jon
> >bbs.byron@gilligan.tsoft.net (Byron Reynolds) writes:
> >
> >>I saw 35% H202 today in a health food store.  Don't ask me why, I have
> >>no idea.  It was sold in 2L bottles.
> >
> >They think that drinking a glass of H2) with a few drops of H2O2
> >gives the bloodstream an O2 boost. (^^^-O is meant)
> What a bunch of psycobabble.  The reason H2O2 bubbles when applied to wounds
> and blood is the body has an enzyme to reduce it.  H2O2 is an intermediate
> product in cell metabolism.  If it were allowed to collect, the toxic effects
> would be lethal.  Drink a glass of 3% and you will puke from the foam created

The best, and only safe, way to give the blood an O2 boost is to buy an 
O2 cylinder from a medical supply store.

Not to mention that H2O2 tastes like liquid hell.

(ever watch football, see the players with O2 masks on the sidelines??)
From: fernee@newton.physics.uq.oz.au (Mark Fernee)
Newsgroups: rec.pyrotechnics
Subject: Re: H2O2
Date: 26 Jan 93 04:48:20 GMT
Organization: Physics Dept. The University of Queensland

In article <1993Jan25.201103.13698@hpcvaac.cv.hp.com>, billn@hpcvaac.cv.hp.com (bill nelson) writes:
|> schilkk@prism.CS.ORST.EDU (rAT) writes:
|> : 
|> : Hmmm....   (Sorry, had to delurk on this one...)  I've made *many* batches of
|> : acetone peroxide (in plastic 2-liter bottles in the freezer - great yield)
|> : from 30% Clairoxide hair bleach, and it works ***GREAT***!  I know that this
|> : stuff is supposed to be unstable, but I have never had a problem with it.  I
|> : would nominate it as best *easy* explosive - cheap, simple, and powerful.  
|> : Plus, a large pile of it can be detonated with a cigarette in the palm of your
|> : hand, causing a huge **WHUMPP!!!** and a big fireball.  Cool stuff!
|> 
|> Are you sure that is what you made? 
   ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
|> 
|> I guarantee, if it detonated, that you would not have any hand left. Even a
|> few milligrams of explosive can remove skin and flesh.
|> 
|> I am not sure what you produced - guess it is time to do some digging in
|> my references. 
|> 
|> Bill

It sounds very much like acetone triperoxide (AP) to me. It has the property
of rapid deflagration when unconfined. There is every possibility that
this deflagration would be reasonably safe. However, it has been noted
that AP can sometimes undergo the deflagration to detonation transition
when unconfined. As you have said, and myself previously, a detonation in
the palm would be very serious and I seriously doubt that the hand would
ever look or even function the same way again. I am a little concerned that
the recipe for such a treacherous high explosive is so readily available.
I base my observations on the behavior and characteristics of HMTD, another
organic peroxide which behaves in a very similar fashion. I only assume 
that the deflagration in the palm of the hand would be relatively safe, 
because I'd like to think that I have more respect for both my hand and
the explosive to ever do anything so foolish. In fact I use a very long
taper to make a small unconfined pile of HMTD go **WHUMPP!!!**.

BTW, I have checked on AP and HMTD in Fedoroff and Sheffield.

Mark.