Opinions on a good hp mold for 45 acp

[Strtspdlx]

I'm strongly considering buying an hp mold or modifying an existing mold I have for hp. I mInky want this to experiment with alloys and bullet expansion and to learn more about casting. That and so I can finally shoot a real hp. Not the rubber tip nonsense I find in nj. I'd like to be under 200gr if possible as my gun tends to like a 185gn swc so I think in an hp it may like close to the same thing. I know of rcbs molds, saeco, Lee, H&G, Lyman. I'm sure there are more. If anyone could throw some molds manufacturers names out so I can look into them so I can start saving for my next mold that would be greatly appreciated also. While I'm at it. I have the Lyman cast handbook. Can anyone recommend any other good casting/reloading manuals I should get my hands on so I can keep learning. I recently started building my own loads nearly from scratch because none of the published data works for my firearm. So the more literature I have the better. Thanks

[DerekP Houston]

I believe if you take a look at the group buys Mihec is doing a rerun of the 452 HP RN design. Mine are weighing right at 200gr though, might have to check one of the other vendors and then have it modified for a HP if you want it a bit lighter.

edit: http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?306670-452-200-HP-Flat-base-(45ACP)-4-cav-Brass-MP-Molds-re-run-May-SPECIAL-OFFER

That's the mold I use for my 45acp HP.

[runfiverun]

well a 200gr mold that gets sent to Erick ohlen will come back with a hollow point pin in it.
the pin usually takes place of about 10-15grs of lead.
an alloy of 30-1 poured into this modified mold and poked along with starting jacketed data will open up better than most factory jacketed rounds.
put a gas check on it and you can push things along in the 1-K area which will ensure that the boolit opens itself up to some impressive diameters.

as far as data goes the 45 is the 45 I have never changed anything when using jacketed, plated or cast.
I just work a load that operates the gun 100% of the time.
and then add more powder until it's close to max or hitting where I'm pointing.
I'm more interested in it hitting where I'm pointing.

[harley45]

I have that MP 200gr mold and really really like it!

[trixter]

MP molds are a cut above, not only do they cast great boolits but they are works of art.

[plainsman456]

I bought a mold from N.O.E ,it casts 230 grain hollow point .
Have been using it in the 45 colt and the 45 ACP with good results.

I know for certain that jack rabbits do not like it loaded with 7.0 grains of red dot.
I just played with the mix to get the expansion i wanted,got one for the 44 mag as well,both work good.

[Moonie]

I love my 200gr Mihec HP mold.

[leftiye]

My Lyman Devastator mold makes a real purty boolit!

[harley45]

That Lyman is a great mold and if your just starting with HPs a good way to learn and see if you like the process

[Ed_Shot]

My NOE 453-210-RF/HP is outstanding in both 45 ACP and 45 LC. Mine drops 222 gr HP's, 228 gr. cup-points and 235 gr. flat-points. I load my .45 ACP's to a COAL of 1.187 which covers the crimp grove.

[cainttype]

NOE and MP both make very good HP moulds. Their systems are different, but choosing either is a leap forward from the Lyman (or any other) style that uses a removable pin.
It would probably be good to start with a double cavity mould to get familiar with casting HPs from the NOE and MP offerings. The 4 cavity moulds are great for an experienced caster but they might cause a few headaches to the new HP caster.
One big difference is often in availability. NOE normally has a good selection ready to ship, while MP is often a "sign up and wait" proposition... That said, MP moulds are worth waiting for if you aren't in a hurry.

As previously mentioned, Eric Ohlen enjoys a very good reputation for quality work in modifying standard moulds to HP.
These 3 options cover just about anything you might be interested in.

[Boolit_Head]

Another vote for Miha, I love my brass 230 HP.

[Shiloh]

I like the LEE 200 gr SWC. It is the H&G #68 clone. My has the BB trimmed off.

Shiloh

[LabGuy]

Miha made a run of H&G 68 with hollow point, should be around 180 gr.

[Echo]

I, too, love my MP 4-banger in 45 HP/FP/Penta, depending on which plugs I install. The HP' turn out about 208 grs w/WW+2%Sn. Outstanding...

[DerekP Houston]

I, too, love my MP 4-banger in 45 HP/FP/Penta, depending on which plugs I install. The HP' turn out about 208 grs w/WW+2%Sn. Outstanding...

The penta fed and loaded so nicely I have never taken mine back out. I figure it saves me a little bit of lead each time.