Prepping for next run of blanks

[PapaG]

Son #2 is a coach and referee and often gets called to be the starter for track meets. The cost and availability of .32 S&W blanks is high and non. I've made him a bunch over the years. Not hard other than the things being tiny for my gnarled 80 year old shop worn fingers.
Doing some research I've found several starter guns being offered that take 209 primers. Traditions makes one for a C-note, Charter has one for about $300.
Have any of you dog trainers or refs tried one? I have a good stash of Cheddite 209s and they are replaceable. Actually, one 1000 round brick is about what two hundred blanks cost a couple years back. Maybe 250.

 

[Blue68f100]

I don't think there is enough meat on a 32 S&W to bore out for a shotgun primer. I have ~ 1k of the older 109 primers, that would be a good candidate for blank. Just remember they are design so no projectile can come out. Gas vents to the side if I recall, like a brake.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

I don't think there is enough meat on a 32 S&W to bore out for a shotgun primer. I have ~ 1k of the older 109 primers, that would be a good candidate for blank. Just remember they are design so no projectile can come out. Gas vents to the side if I recall, like a brake.

He’s talking about starters that take a 209 directly, no cartridges required.

@PapaG I have not personally tried those. We were traveling yesterday looking at garage sales and estate sales. When I saw your post I thought about it and decided to ask other folks about dad and grandad age. I ran across about a handful of people involved in youth sports and not one knew of them - but several were interested.

For a C-Note I would think it’s a worthwhile gamble. I’m not sure I would drop 3Bills on one.

Sorry but that’s the best I could find out.

 

[FROGO207]

I have used a regular .22 revolver and Ramset blanks as a training aid before and they are loud enough. No experience with those type of pistols but an empty 45 LC case converted to 209 and fired indoors hurt my ears. Sounds like a C note will save you reloading time and future materials to use for other things. I will bet that the primers alone would be "safer" in that enviroment than blanks that look like live ammo to many as well.

 

[PapaG]

Thanks, all. We have a 209 primer starter gun coming on Monday. A C-note. Will report on report.

 

[Mk-211]

Probably not what your needs are, you can also make your own blanks.

Blank Crimp Dies

Blank crimp dies

chtoolanddie.com

 

[PapaG]

Probably not what your needs are, you can also make your own blanks.

Blank Crimp Dies

Blank crimp dies

chtoolanddie.com

Been making them for years. 32 dies to size and decap, prime with Lee EZ prime, 2 grains of fffg, card wad cut with Harbor Freight hollow punch, drop of Elmers glue.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

Been making them for years. 32 dies to size and decap, prime with Lee EZ prime, 2 grains of fffg, card wad cut with Harbor Freight hollow punch, drop of Elmers glue.

The 209’s sound cheaper and easier.

 

[PapaG]

The 209’s sound cheaper and easier.

They will be. And “legaller”.

 

[jmorris]

$99

Traditions 209 Primer Starter Pistol

Traditions 209 Primer Starter Pistol SCHEELS

www.scheels.com

 

[Rule3]

They still allow "guns" at schools????

 

[Carl N. Brown]

I have an Orion orange 12ga flare gun. With fired flares and fired mini shells reloaded with just 209 primers I have a blank gun.