08/06/2023 – Every year I try find a new challenge. Something that takes me out of my comfort zone. No, besides writing. I used to ride motorcycles. Started in my teens, rode into my late 50s, early 60s, then stopped when my wife and I completed the move to Maine. So I thought I would get a bike and, next spring, go on an extended solo road trip.

I’ve been doing a bit of research, and sport touring seems to be the class of motorcycle that would work for me. I was hoping to find something that would be comfortable at Interstate highway speeds, but maneuverable around town. Seems there are a good number of motorcycles that come in at under 500 lbs and have really advanced braking and acceleration/suspension control systems.

Some instrument clusters are plain and analog. Some are digital and simulate analog. Some are relatively sophisticated digital displays. Some have GPS, which simplifies riding, and some feature connectivity to other communication devices. Almost all have variable suspension dynamic settings.

At this time, dealers could care less about bringing in customers, and many have arbitrary surcharges charges to take advantage of supply and demand circumstances. So, for now, I will plan trip logistics and visit dealers in November and December…. January? Right now, in descending order of interest it is Suzuki, Honda and Yamaha.

At the moment there are two major obstacles to overcome. The first is a 28″ inseam and 32 1/2″ seat height. Shortish riders know things like stopping before cresting a steep grade, or trying to duck walk into an upwardly inclined parking space present problem.

Then there is the issue of being mentally entrenched in a $5000 new motorcycle world of my own creation, while living in a $16,000 new motorcycle real world. A lot to think about.

Maybe this year, I will just buy the helmet. I could wear it while watching TikTok videos, where riders split lanes and drive 150 mph through congested traffic?  No need to rush into the whole motorcycle thing. In the mean time…

Bullet selections for the 300 Win Mag

Below a collection of slippery and not so slippery bullets, suitable for the 300 Winchester Magnum. None are match bullets, all are lead core under copper alloy jackets and made to expand on game, big and small. Why are they here, Joe? Why?

There are approximately eighty types of ammunition for the 300 Winchester Magnum, a composite of nineteen brand labels. Bullet weights range from 139 grains to 220 grains. Super! No need to handload ammunition. Price per 20 ranges from $32 to $108, with a median price of $62. Unfortunately, only twenty nine of the eighty are typically stocked.

For the handloader, after setting aside bullets intended for the 30-30 WCF, 300 Blackout, 30 Carbine, etc.,  there are 237 expanding bullets to choose from for this application, in weights from 125 grains to 220 grains. 169 bullet types, out of those 237, are typically stocked at online retailers. Handloading represents less financial commitment to material inventory and offers many combinations than would otherwise be available.