Ripe eggs are ones that are too stale for frying up. They are still useful, just don't hold up so well in the skillet. I use ripe eggs for baking, casseroles, or pickling. Just make sure they haven't spoiled!
I got the plated HPs for cheap. 500 rounds to play with, for about what SWCs would run me. Otherwise, I only shoot the high end loads just enough to make sure they will work as expected. I am just starting to shoot again on a semi-regular basis. With Cabelas about to open a new store here in Anchorage next month, I suspect I will be filling my shelves significantly.
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The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly is to fill the world with fools.
-- Herbert Spencer, English Philosopher (1820-1903)