MiHec .44 Mag/.444 Marlin HP Mould feeler thread

[hunter64]

I have permission to start this thread from our new found best friend MiHec. I have always wanted a hollow point mould for my .444 Marlin that was sized correctly. I bought a Lyman Devastator mould but it drops bullets to small to be used in a .444 Marlin . Sized correctly we need .432 to work in a .444 Marlin so I am thinking about 300-310 Grn .432-.433 with one or even two crimp grooves and GC design. This would work also in my .44 Magnums sized to .430-.431 with no problems. You could also have a crammer style (or regular style) hollow point two cavity mold, one with GC and one without. I was kind of thinking along the same lines as the Lee C430-310-RF http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1238771441.252=/html/catalog/bullmol2.html with a nice hollow point in the end. I don't have the Lee mold so I am not sure of the crimp groove distances if it would work in the .444 Marlin I kind of think it was designed for the 44 Mag instead. Ranchdog's excellent TLC432-300-RF http://www.ranchdogmolds.com/ would be perfect with a hollow point in the end either TL style or regular lube groove. I talked to Ranchdog about 2 years ago about making available his bullet designs with a HP and at that time he had no interest, not sure about now. I have Ranchdog's 300 gn mold and I use the fosters HP drill to make my own HP and man o man what a game stopper, on a moose I shot (about 120 yards) with it last fall it walked about 3 feet and that was it. Expansion was almost 7/8 of an inch and didn't exit which is what you want. What do you guys think?

[mike in co]

i agree 432 or a little more, 300 deisign( so 300 or less with hp). 2 or 4 cramer..and i'm in....

[arcticbreeze]

I will be in.

[MiHec]

As we speak i'm doing on 2 cavity

In a day or two you will be able to see 4 cavity

Miha


P.s. the boolit is .452 - 200 grain on the picture

[arcticbreeze]

After my experience with your .452 and .453(4) I will be anxiously waiting until I can send you more money:)

[hicard]

Man, I thought Lee kept me broke. Mihec is going to send me to the poor house.

[hunter64]

Man, I thought Lee kept me broke. Mihec is going to send me to the poor house.

Yes but at least MiHec will make us what we want and not have to wait a year to get it,lol. Added bonus is that we don't need a honcho so to speak, I can imagine it is a lot of time and effort and headaches involved.

[Heavy lead]

I would buy this or a copy of the Lyman Devastator in appropriate weights for the 44 as well as the 45 and the 41, I would like a two cavity cramer style hp gas check or keith style single grease groove in all cases. I have two of Mihec's 453 and they are a work of art, we are lucky guys. Best thing since sliced bread, maybe better, breads easy to tear.

[6pt-sika]

Post an exact drawing of this thing along with weight and the cost !

I'm intrested but I want to see a drawing , a price and a definite idea of the exact weight with WW's alone !

[DAFzipper]

I would love a 2 hole cramer style at 300 grains as cast .432

[hunter64]

I am not a bullet designer but I have measured a few of the bigger bullets that I have on hard and came up with a simple drawing using Paint for a general idea.

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/6595/433300rfhptrial1.th.jpg (http://img406.imageshack.us/my.php?image=433300rfhptrial1.jpg)



The dimension from the top of the bullet to the crimp groove must be met for the .444 Marlin to funtion and feed reliably. I want a bullet that drops at .433 to take in to account bullet alloy being used and it can be sized down to .432 for the .444 or .431 for 44 Mag. Not sure if this would work in a .44 Mag lever action as I don't have one to test.

Wish I could figure out how to get the image bigger.

[DaveD]

I'm interested.

[DAFzipper]

How about 2 crimp grooves to make us handgun shooters happy? .433 diameter is good for me.

[hunter64]

How about 2 crimp grooves to make us handgun shooters happy? .433 diameter is good for me.

Yes I forgot that, hey for me to work email I am doing good,lol. I thought of it when I was out shopping so I will modify the drawing. I don't have a .44 Mag rifle and I don't know anyone that has one. If someone could let me know any critical lengths that have to do with the .44 Mag rifle as far as over all length etc. I can make sure that the second crimp groove will work for that. Revolvers are generous so I am assuming if it works in a .44 lever rifle it will work in a revolver. If someone with a rifle can confirm that and in the mean time I will do some surfing and see what I can come up.

The .44 Mag Rifle is not very popular in Canada because we cant use it for hunting (Regulations) so the only reason really to have one is for Cowboy Action Shooting etc.

[hunter64]

OK, I redid the picture and used Photobucket (thank goodness for kids,lol) so now we can see them better. I added two crimp grooves and modified the grease groove to one big one or two smaller ones.
Top groove is for .444 Marlin
Middle is for .44 Mag Rifle
Bottom one is for .44 Mag Revolvers
Thanks to all that emailed the reply's for the .44 Rifle.

I am guessing about 310 GN with the Hollow Point with Lyman #2 lead.

First one is 2 smaller lube grooves.
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e304/1964bigfoot/433310_2Groove.jpg

Second one is for one big lube groove.
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e304/1964bigfoot/433310_1Groove.jpg

As far as the hollow point size goes ultimately I would like a big one for .44 Mag rifle/revolver and a smaller one for .444 Marlin but that is extra I am sure.

I have had a couple of emails saying that certain .44 Mag rifles like .434 . So for .444 Marlins we could size down 2 thou and for .44 revolvers we could go 3 thou down or leave it at .433. I guess if there is enough interest we could get both .433 and .434. Thoughts?

[johnch]

With 2 crimp groves
I would take 1 ( at least ) of either of the later 2 designs

John

[475/480]

Count me in for a 2 cav,GC version, around 300 gr's.


Sean

[Heavy lead]

Yup, I would prefer the gas check single grease groove, but also would accept the other design as well. Like the two crimp groove design. I'm assuming this will be a Cramer style hp mould, correct?
Also would love one of these in a .412 too, my 657's are jealous.

[Lloyd Smale]

I like the two crimp grove gas check design but you need to keep in mind that if its for a lever gun you arent going to want to go hog wild with the metplat or it isnt going to feed well. Something like a grown up lyman devestator would be ideal.

[6pt-sika]

First one is 2 smaller lube grooves.
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e304/1964bigfoot/433310_2Groove.jpg




This design would be optimum for me in 290 grains plus or minus 10 grains and cut the mold at .433" in a two cavity design .

Actually to be truthfull I would really like one in 280 another in 300 and a third in 325 ! But lets not get carried away [smilie=1:

[Mohillbilly]

6pt I agree, Just like that. I' like a 2-4 holer with 1/2 being GC and 1/2 Plain base....

[j20owner]

Is it just my vision or does that drawing have 3 crimp grooves?

[arcticbreeze]

6pt I agree, Just like that. I' like a 2-4 holer with 1/2 being GC and 1/2 Plain base....

I think the problem will having to have 2 cherries cut.

[Tomhorn]

Is it just my vision or does that drawing have 3 crimp grooves?

No its not your vision. I believe this is a modified drawing of a mould that was ran previously having three crimp grooves. I have the mould and it works great. The extra crimp groves give a lot of versatility in dealing with various chambers and throats.

Ideally I would also like a 4 cavity with 2 gas check and 2 plain base 260-300 grains.:coffee:

Or one 2 cavity gas check and one 2 cavity plain base.

Mark

[Heavy lead]

Yes but at least MiHec will make us what we want and not have to wait a year to get it,lol. Added bonus is that we don't need a honcho so to speak, I can imagine it is a lot of time and effort and headaches involved.

And no offense to Lee, but much better quality moulds. I am very happy with the first buy from him. I mean, heck, he actually inspects the product before he ships. Here's :drinks: to an old world craftsman.

[Heavy lead]

I would like one of these single groove in 2-cavity. One cavity GC and one PB ! :)

Or if that is not possible one 2-cavity GC and one 2-cavity PB !

I could certainly live with the 2-lube groove design if that is the majority choice !

Jerry

http://www.fototime.com/6305262F5EB1F77/standard.jpg

I am not a machinist, but could not the same cherry be used for this? Myself I really like this grease groove design, but would settle for the other as well.
Mihec, I'm thinking this mould along with a lookalike in 454, 412, and 359 plus your designs already on the 45 acp boolit would keep you busy making moulds for the next 10 years, especially with your quick turn around and quality.

[MiHec]

for different lenght we need different pins

The GC and PB versions can be made with same cherry - but you will get two different weights.

What if I mill GC both and later in the process I remove one so you can get one GC and one PB and the boolit is the same lenght



Miha

[arcticbreeze]

I will be in either way but I would just as soon have them both the same and GC. I hate sorting bullets

[Lloyd Smale]

same here. If its two bullets everyone wants have him make two differnt molds. Its alot less complicated for everyone. Also it would be near impossible to run a two cavity hp mold and keep it hot enough to make good bullets. To much to do with your hands dropping pins and putting them back in. Hp molds in my opinion should be done only in a single cavity mold for bullet quality. Now a two cavity mold with one hp and the other just a plain nose would make sense. I would think the extra bullet in the other cavity would even help keep heat in the mold. Make mine both with gas checks and two crimp groves please. idealy shorten the bullet by the lenght of that third crimp grove and get it down to 280 which would be a better compromise for 44 spec 44 mag at lighter levels and 44mag and 444 at heavier. Ive found 280 grain 44 bullets to be about ideal for most hunting applications. If the hp casted out at 280 that would put the non hp side at about 300 and theres nothing wrong with that. I will be in either way but I would just as soon have them both the same and GC. I hate sorting bullets

[GLL]

Probably best to make it with 2-cavity GC and try the PB in a different run !

I am in no matter what is selected ! :)

Jerry

[mike in co]

yep..i agree. we need some definition and get it moving. from me a min 2 cav, better a 4. for those that want no gc. split hp/no hp.....start your own thread. no hp is easy...just intall a dummy pin( does not go into the buoollit, only mold length)
and three groves means adustable for my 44 levergun....
mike in co

[Tomhorn]

I am fine with two separate moulds. I sometimes have to remind myself "KISS".

[DAFzipper]

I like the 2 grease 2 crimp gas check. Would be OK with 3 crimp grooves. HP weight at 300. Cramer style.

[hunter64]

I worked on the bullet dimensions on Saturday, and as I was sleeping I thought "I wonder if someone else has done a three groove .44 bullet before about 300 Gn ". So Sunday morning I went thru all the previous posts and sure enough Boomer Mikey ran a group buy two years ago here
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=15734 and the bullet was designed by Bob (45 2.1). I was a member but didn't know about GB's at that time. My numbers were really close to Bob's numbers when I used the Mountain Molds site design software and a few different samples I have on hand. I emailed Bob and he said that my grain loss for the HP pin was a bit off, I guess 10 gn and he said closer to 20 gn, his original design spec'd at 330 Gn and when the bullet was cast it dropped at 315 gn. So if we keep his original design and add the hollow point it will drop out at about 295 gn. He says he can modify the design slightly to make it a 335 gn solid and a 315 HP. I personally wanted about 300-310 Gn HP for my .444 Marlin, I added the other crimp grooves to accommodate .44 Mag rifles and .44 mag revolvers as did Mikey and Bob.


http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e304/1964bigfoot/44-310-hp.jpg


Now the dimension could be .434 or .433" no smaller. I have tallied up the total interest in this thread so far as well as a few people on other sites that have email me.

300-310 GN with Hollow Point , Single lube groove, GC and 2 cavity or 4, Cramer style pin----17 People

Same bullet only with two lube grooves ------9 People

5 People would be interested in a dual purpose mold, 1 or 2 GC and 1 or 2 Plain Base.

So you can see we are kind of diversified as far as options and opinions so I will get some more feedback and post a final count tomorrow at the latest.

Right now I am leaning towards a 1, 2 or 4 cavity (depending on MiHec of course) GC version sized .434" 300 GN with hollow point, single lube groove, Cramer style pin's then another mold .433" the same only plain base. Thoughts?

[DAFzipper]

I'd be OK with a single lube groove. .433 works. 2 cavity max. I think it would be hard to keep a 4 cavity hot enough to get good HP nose fill out. 310 grains good.

[arcticbreeze]

For your tally I would prefer 2 hole cramer with GC in both made in brass like he is doing the 453/454 rerun. Miha has already said you can reverse one or both pins for a flat point with this configuration.

[Heavy lead]

I worked on the bullet dimensions on Saturday, and as I was sleeping I thought "I wonder if someone else has done a three groove .44 bullet before about 300 Gn ". So Sunday morning I went thru all the previous posts and sure enough Boomer Mikey ran a group buy two years ago here
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=15734 and the bullet was designed by Bob (45 2.1). I was a member but didn't know about GB's at that time. My numbers were really close to Bob's numbers when I used the Mountain Molds site design software and a few different samples I have on hand. I emailed Bob and he said that my grain loss for the HP pin was a bit off, I guess 10 gn and he said closer to 20 gn, his original design spec'd at 330 Gn and when the bullet was cast it dropped at 315 gn. So if we keep his original design and add the hollow point it will drop out at about 295 gn. He says he can modify the design slightly to make it a 335 gn solid and a 315 HP. I personally wanted about 300-310 Gn HP for my .444 Marlin, I added the other crimp grooves to accommodate .44 Mag rifles and .44 mag revolvers as did Mikey and Bob.


http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e304/1964bigfoot/44-310-hp.jpg


Now the dimension could be .434 or .433" no smaller. I have tallied up the total interest in this thread so far as well as a few people on other sites that have email me.

300-310 GN with Hollow Point , Single lube groove, GC and 2 cavity or 4, Cramer style pin----17 People

Same bullet only with two lube grooves ------9 People

5 People would be interested in a dual purpose mold, 1 or 2 GC and 1 or 2 Plain Base.

So you can see we are kind of diversified as far as options and opinions so I will get some more feedback and post a final count tomorrow at the latest.

Right now I am leaning towards a 1, 2 or 4 cavity (depending on MiHec of course) GC version sized .434" 300 GN with hollow point, single lube groove, Cramer style pin's then another mold .433" the same only plain base. Thoughts?

I'm in on this, nice mould, I'm thinking a 2 cavity is the way to go with a hp. If it's official, I'll email him when necessary.
This is awesome.

[mike in co]

i'll be in for a 2 hole crammer..as shown.
thanks
mike

[Slow Elk 45/70]

Hunter64, count me in, 2 or 4 cav. 434 or 433 GC HP what ever for a lub grove.
When do you want $$$$

[hicard]

I would like a 2 or 4 cavity with half PB and half GC with cramer HP's. .433 dia would be fine with me and around 295 GRS.

[mike in co]

i think we should move from a feeler to a sign up...get our mold maker to list a cost for a 2 cav cramer as described, and cost for removing gc for those that one or two removed.

mike in co

[hunter64]

I have submitted the drawings to MiHec to look at and make any final changes. Once everything is a go we will post another thread and get this rolling.

[jim4065]

I will probably be in for one - depending on final specs. Hate to see it get so big that I wipe out the grease capacity when sized to .430 for my Ruger.

[MiHec]

Here is some 3d model picture

My Cad software say that it will cast 320 grain with WW (witouth GC)

Miha

[CENTEX BILL]

My question will this stablize in a 1:38 twist barrel on the older 444 Marlins.

Centex Bill

[475/480]

Here is some 3d model picture

My Cad software say that it will cast 320 grain with WW (witouth GC)

Miha


Look's great,anyway to get closer to 300-310 gr's

Sean

[DAFzipper]

How about a little wider and deeper HP to get closer to 300 grains?

[arcticbreeze]

It looks like the hollow point is a little small. I just measured the Lyman devastator pin; it is approx. .240 wide at the entry point.

[hunter64]

My question will this stablize in a 1:38 twist barrel on the older 444 Marlins.

Centex Bill

This bullet was specifically designed to work in the older Microgroove barrels. I have shot 340 Gn in mine and as long as you push them hard there is no problems. You can look here for more info:
http://www.lasc.us/Fryxell444Marlin.htm

I have resubmitted to Mihec some changes to the drawings to bring the as cast weight down a bit, great looking bullet.

[cohutt]

FYI, MiHec's hp pins are of adjustable depth and are reversable - one end is tapered, one is flat cut.

[arcticbreeze]

FYI, MiHec's hp pins are of adjustable depth and are reversable - one end is tapered, one is flat cut.

That is on the single cavity, I understand this might be a cramer like this http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showpost.php?p=538554&postcount=28. the pins would be reversible to a flat point but the depth would not be adjustable.

[Heavy lead]

Is this going to be a truncated cone rather than a tangential ogive then?

[6pt-sika]

This bullet was specifically designed to work in the older Microgroove barrels. I have shot 340 Gn in mine and as long as you push them hard there is no problems. .


I use the Ranch Dog 432-350GC bullet and the NEI 429-330GC bullets in my old Micro barrels with no problems as long as I water quench and push them well with H322 !

I'd kinda now like to have the bullet in a 300 and 330 offering as long as it has a GC !

[mike in co]

too heavy....300...please
(a 320 gr hp is gonna be long like a 340/350)

back up please

mike in co

[MiHec]

working on that....

P.s. This one is 2 cavity cramer style - so pins will be only reversible if it is possible (measures of blocks.....)


Miha

[Lloyd Smale]

I agree with mike 300 would be better. Ive got enough regular molds in that weight range so i really dont care if the pins reverse

[jim4065]

Another "vote" for 300. I'd also like to see a small radius on the edge of the meplat - it helps if the nose is borderline too long. The Lee C430-310-RF will hang in my Marlin if I don't crush in a new groove with the factory crimp die.

[MiHec]

What you see on my pictures it's not final design....

It's just a "draft"


Miha

[hunter64]

Is this going to be a truncated cone rather than a tangential ogive then?

No, this was just a draft and is not final, the nose is a secant ogive so it will chamber in the .444 Marlin.

After much deliberation there is no way we can go with a cramer style hollow point two cavity system to satisfy both worlds without replacement pins. This bullet is designed for a .444 Marlin first and .44 Magnum second. I have always wanted a heavy .44 cal bullet that is hollow pointed for my Marlin rifles. There is no way we can design a be all end all hollow point size that will address the needs of the bullet to hold together at 2000 fps out of a .444 Marlin and at the same time work wonders in a .44 Mag cruising along at 1200 fps. If we had the pin size like the Lyman Devastator and used it on a Moose at broad side from the .444, the hollow point would grenade on impact for sure, and like wise to shoot a small hollow point at a buck from a .44 Mag it would go right thru and no mushroom at all.

So if we go with a basic single mold adjustable pin type Hollow Point we can satisfy both worlds and make the weight adjustable also. If we have one small pin at .150"-.170" and the bigger pin at say .225"-.240" then we can choose the pin size and depth that we want. Of course turn the pin upside down and you now have a solid if you want so you could have a bullet from about 300-320 gn depending on which pin configuration you would like.

[giddyupgo55]

Looks interesting, if you let new people in I would be interested in a 280-300 grain with gas check

[6pt-sika]

Can this guy make Top Punches as well ?

If so decide what weight , how many cavities and tell me what the cost will be and I'll get one !

If this thing can be variable where I can get it in 280 , 300 and 320 then let me know and I just might order one of each :drinks:

[Heavy lead]

Sounds like we are trying to squeeze to much into this design. I'm stepping back as my primary concern is a 44. I'll let this continue as a true 444 boolit and step aside. You all will be happy with Mihec's quality. Hope it works out well.

[arcticbreeze]

Can this guy make Top Punches as well ?

If so decide what weight , how many cavities and tell me what the cost will be and I'll get one !

If this thing can be variable where I can get it in 280 , 330 and 320 then let me know and I just might order one of each :drinks:

He included a custom top punch with his first 45 run so I assume the same will be true here.

[mike in co]

i'm out.......300 44 mag hp in a double was my goal...guess i will wait.

[hunter64]

Sounds like we are trying to squeeze to much into this design. I'm stepping back as my primary concern is a 44. I'll let this continue as a true 444 boolit and step aside. You all will be happy with Mihec's quality. Hope it works out well.


You are forgetting that Mihec will own the cherry and it won't be a one time deal. I guess I didn't explain fully what I meant.
The base bullet will be lets say 300-320gn without check or lube, no hollow point.

1. You want a Crammer Hollow Point dual cavity mold with large pin's to produce a Lyman Devastator type bullet, it can be done.
2. You want a Crammer Hollow Point Dual cavity mold with smaller pin's for a .444 Marlin, it can be done.
3. You want a Crammer HP dual cavity, one size pin of each, yup.
4. You want an adjustable single cavity with both size pins, it can be done.
5. You want any of the above without the gas check, yup.
Lots of possibilities.


Now obviously the prices will vary and that is totally up to Mihec what he can offer but we no longer have to have a one shot, all or nothing bullet design that takes a year to get.

[Slow Elk 45/70]

Roger that Hunter64, nice wish list, now lets have one built. I don't care which one first, put me in the count, Mihek has built us a 1st class .45 HP and I purchased 2, one of each diameter, I will be buying more of his molds. Make a 300gr-320gr, it can be scaled down if folks want liter boolits for their revolvers. The way the pins are built makes it easy to have a solid nose if they want it. What the man said, Get ER Done.

[MiHec]

Top punch will be included

No extra charge :-D

[Lloyd Smale]

I guess to me it doesnt matter if its a single cavity mold. Hollow points are usually not what a guy goes out plinking with anyway. I can cast plenty out of a single cavity mold and its easier to control the quality that way also. Why cant we do it that way and compromise on say a .200 pin that can be reversed to make a plain based bullet. I like the single cavity for anothe reason. Like with the 45acp mold the pin is adjustable. That about gurantees that with some experimenting with hp dept this bullet is so adjustable that it can be made to shoot well in about any gun. Between varying alloys lube and now hp dept the possiblitys are about endless. Also controling the hp dept goes along way toward adjusting the bullet for expansion with a wide swing in velocitys.

[MiHec]

Boys hold your horses......

I'm working on two cavity cramer style with replacement pins

One set of pins for 444 and one set of pins for 44mag

I will post pictures as soon as i get final design / drawing


Miha

[BD]

This is a good looking HP design. But why so heavy? .44 265 grain FPs will penetrate anything in North America. I'd think adding some length for the HP would leave you around 280 grains? What's the extra weight adding to the equation, besides recoil?

BD

[Tomhorn]

This is a good looking HP design. But why so heavy? .44 265 grain FPs will penetrate anything in North America. I'd think adding some length for the HP would leave you around 280 grains? What's the extra weight adding to the equation, besides recoil?

BD

I could not agree more.

Mark

[mike in co]

my best guess on weight is that this started as a 444 over 300 and for the most part we had talked them down to 300. this will be for my 44 handgun. i currently shoot 290/300 and like it, so a hp at the same wieght is good for me. i shot lite 44's for a while...245, 255, 265, 280 and settled on our group buy 300. i am not a full velocity guy...my 300's are only doing 1050/1100 fps.

mike in co

[hunter64]

I think you are right Mike, I was all for a heavier bullet but 300 GN is good by me. With a dual HP cramer type mold and a single adjustable type we can cover a lot of bases.

[Mohillbilly]

Traded my 444 Marlin years ago, hate'd to see it go. I still have Black/Red hawks and a Win 94 in .44mag. This boolit even sounds good for the Dan Wesson .445 supermag .I like the idea of a versitile mould with different size H.P. pins , and with & without check. 1 hole ,2 hole,4 hole are ok by me.

[Lloyd Smale]

personaly if im hunting something the size of a moose or bison id want more then a 265 grain bullet in the 444. Im sure it would get by but a 300 would do better. Now personaly if im hunting something that big im not going to use a hp. We had hps in even the 500 linebaugh fail miserably but again you can probably get by as i shot one bison with a 44mag with a devestator and it worked fine. Is it ideal NO! For the most part a cast hp is going to loose its nose when it hits game and the rest of the bullet keeps penetrating, something like a nos partition. At least it has in just about everything weve tried them it. So to me the 300 insures i still have enough bullet left after the nose blows off to do some serious penentration. To me if it were only a 444 i was going to feed with it id even want a heavier bullet but id like to use this in both a 44 mag and 444 so 300 is about ideal. With some alloy expernimentation this bullet should expand as well as the devestator and give better penetration to boot. Anohter good use for this bullet would be in sabots in a inline muzzle loader. Ive shot a couple deer with the devestator using an inline and it flat untracks them!! Want a black powder varmit gun? cast them out of pure. This is a good looking HP design. But why so heavy? .44 265 grain FPs will penetrate anything in North America. I'd think adding some length for the HP would leave you around 280 grains? What's the extra weight adding to the equation, besides recoil?

BD

[45 2.1]

I have "several" drawings ready (all of which can be easily changed in regard to weight). Is this boolit going to be a hollow point or a solid in the weight specified? The hollow point occupies 15 gr. of weight removal if that helps you.

[hunter64]

personaly if im hunting something the size of a moose or bison id want more then a 265 grain bullet in the 444. Im sure it would get by but a 300 would do better. Now personaly if im hunting something that big im not going to use a hp. We had hps in even the 500 linebaugh fail miserably but again you can probably get by as i shot one bison with a 44mag with a devestator and it worked fine. Is it ideal NO! For the most part a cast hp is going to loose its nose when it hits game and the rest of the bullet keeps penetrating, something like a nos partition. At least it has in just about everything weve tried them it. So to me the 300 insures i still have enough bullet left after the nose blows off to do some serious penentration. To me if it were only a 444 i was going to feed with it id even want a heavier bullet but id like to use this in both a 44 mag and 444 so 300 is about ideal. With some alloy expernimentation this bullet should expand as well as the devestator and give better penetration to boot. Anohter good use for this bullet would be in sabots in a inline muzzle loader. Ive shot a couple deer with the devestator using an inline and it flat untracks them!! Want a black powder varmit gun? cast them out of pure.

Couldn't agree more, I want enough of the bullet left after or if the nose was lost to complete the work. Never thought of the sabot idea probably because I don't own a muzzle loader. I think the consensus is we want a bullet of 315-320 gn Solid and with Hollow Point 300-305 gn. For the Cramer style mold just reverse the pins for solid or HP and for the regular adjustable style mold just change the pin. Load em in my .444 Marlin and use the same bullet in my BlackHawk and 629. Now you can honestly say you can have the cake and eat it too,lol.

[GLL]

Now you can honestly say you can have the cake and eat it too,lol.

Are we getting close to sending "cake" money ? :) :)

Jerry

[mike in co]

[QUOTE=hunter64;543695]I think the consensus is we want a bullet of 315-320 gn Solid and with Hollow Point 300-305 gn. For the Cramer style mold just reverse the pins for solid or HP and for the regular adjustable style mold just change the pin. "

this sounds good. lets get a drawing up and then pay if your in....in a double ?

mike in co

[GLL]

hunter64:

Set it up the way YOU want it and let's get it going ! We can be either in or out !

A second run with a lighter bullet can be done separately next week ! That way we do not end up with a compromise that nobody is completely happy with ! :)

Jerry

[45 2.1]

Something to look at. 300 gr. HP/315 gr. solid set up like the original GB from the last crimp groove forward which has proven accurate and no feed problems in Dutch4122's rifles.

[Heavy lead]

So, is this the final design?

Me likes, looks like a fine 44 boolit, and even though my 444 is long gone, looks good for that too.

[johnch]

I LIKE !!

John

[Slow Elk 45/70]

Let's do it!!

[hunter64]

So, is this the final design?

That is it.

We are close to sending "Cake" money!!! MiHec will be working out the details of price etc. and post when he is done. It is still hard to believe that we can start an idea, throw around some thoughts and suggestions and have a mold in our hands in under 2 months. The great part is that MiHec is the Honcho so we don't have to worry about calling Lee after the 6 Month mark to see how things are going, hoping that someone will answer the phone, getting excuses and the run around and generally ignored. Then of course the shipping end of things, holding the money etc. is gone also.

Happy Easter everyone:
Hunter64

[mike in co]

That is it.

We are close to sending "Cake" money!!! MiHec will be working out the details of price etc. and post when he is done. It is still hard to believe that we can start an idea, throw around some thoughts and suggestions and have a mold in our hands in under 2 months. The great part is that MiHec is the Honcho so we don't have to worry about calling Lee after the 6 Month mark to see how things are going, hoping that someone will answer the phone, getting excuses and the run around and generally ignored. Then of course the shipping end of things, holding the money etc. is gone also.

Happy Easter everyone:
Hunter64


good job hunter....even better being able to use an existing design...

mike in co

[Heavy lead]

That is it.

We are close to sending "Cake" money!!! MiHec will be working out the details of price etc. and post when he is done. It is still hard to believe that we can start an idea, throw around some thoughts and suggestions and have a mold in our hands in under 2 months. The great part is that MiHec is the Honcho so we don't have to worry about calling Lee after the 6 Month mark to see how things are going, hoping that someone will answer the phone, getting excuses and the run around and generally ignored. Then of course the shipping end of things, holding the money etc. is gone also.

Happy Easter everyone:
Hunter64

It is hard to believe, but shouldn't be. This Gentleman MiHec is what free enterprise, customer service and workmanship is all about. I truly hope he is making money doing this, as he deserves to be profitable. We Americans should be hanging our heads in shame we have no mould makers here that can provide a service with such high demand.

Thanks Hunter64 for putting this together.

Thank MiHec and :drinks: to you!

[Lloyd Smale]

perfect design. Im in

[Heavy lead]

And it there are any fellows out there that want another testimonial, I just got done casting 125 of MiHecs original single cavity hp group buy, wow even more impressed the second time I used it, I did/do nothing different that using a regular non-hp mould and this thing works like butter, no mallet, no pounding, just open the sprue with a leather glove, pop the pin, open, drop, repeat very easy casting with just 50/50 ww/pure out of the Lee bottom pour.

[hicard]

#86 design looks great. I would like a four cavity crammer mould, 2 pb and 2 gc. But would settle for a 2 cavity, one of each gc/pb.

[MiHec]

3d model of boolit and 3d model of mold (not completely finished)

[Slow Elk 45/70]

Mihec, looks great to me, let us know when you want pm for buy... Your .45 molds are great , IMHO......Regards

[JFE]

I've been following this story unfold and its great to see this developing as quickly as it has.

This design looks like a very useful design, however as there have been so many iterations, for the sake of good order could someone post the final design specs. I'm mostly interested in length and the various nose to crimp groove distances but all the dimensions wouldnt hurt.

Is this bullet going to stabilise in a 1 in 38" twist out of a levergun ? I'm guessing probably not ???

Appreciate feedback.

Joe

[6pt-sika]

Is this bullet going to stabilise in a 1 in 38" twist out of a levergun ? I'm guessing probably not ???



I'm shooting the NEI429330GC and the RD432-350GC in the slow twist Marlin Micro Groove barrels just fine with WW alloy . The only thing different I had to do was water quench .

I've been able to do just fine with air cooled WW's up to 315 grains in the slow twist Micro barrels as well . But once you hit 320 grains water quenching seems to do the job for me in the 444 !

[JFE]

I meant to say out of a 44 mag levergun with a 1 in 38" twist.

I once tried 340 gr SWC's out a 44 mag rifle and they were keyholing at 25 mtrs.

Joe

[ddeaton]

I've been following this story unfold and its great to see this developing as quickly as it has.

This design looks like a very useful design, however as there have been so many iterations, for the sake of good order could someone post the final design specs. I'm mostly interested in length and the various nose to crimp groove distances but all the dimensions wouldnt hurt.

Is this bullet going to stabilise in a 1 in 38" twist out of a levergun ? I'm guessing probably not ???

Appreciate feedback.

Joe

+1 on the final please

[6pt-sika]

I meant to say out of a 44 mag levergun with a 1 in 38" twist.

I once tried 340 gr SWC's out a 44 mag rifle and they were keyholing at 25 mtrs.

Joe

I "had" until recently a nice old Marlin 336-44 that was of the slow Micro variety and in 44 MAG . That one liked the Ranch Dog 432-300GC loaded with 21 grains of H110 !

The bullets for this rifle were also aircooled I might add and they did very very well :drinks:

[405 WCF]

How much will the mold cost?
I guess, that if my wallet can take the cost, I'll have to sign in.

I think that there is no problem to get this bullet stabile in older 1/38 barrel's.
My old 1/38 is a great shooter with heavy bullets.
I have a 350 gr mold from MM, and my 1/38 group very nice with both air-cooled and waterquenched bullets.

I really like the design...

[Heavy lead]

I'm thinking we better get a final and get this on Mihec's list, there are others that will get ahead of us and before we know it, we'll be looking at 6 months.

Is this a go, or not?

[hunter64]

Holy **** people. Of course this is a go, who do you think is running the final product to figure out the price structure, the materials needed and ultimately the finishing touches on the design. It has been two weeks from the first time I proposed a GB to .44 fans from today and people are jumping all over me and by association Mihec. Dammit people, look back on any GB on the forum, doesn't matter which one other than a re-run. Someone gets an idea on April 1st lets say, has feedback from the members and on May 15th posts another GB thread with the final drawings and prices and where to send the money. The GB is open for another 4 weeks to get all the check in, and then the Honcho has pitty on a few stragglers and pronounces last call for July 1st. 3 Months "3 months" from the time of first idea to sending in the check to Lee and then another 10 months to hopefully get a good product back. Average time from first conception of the idea to mold in your hands is 15 months at the very earliest. Mihec controls the final design, the pricing and the manufacture of his excellent molds. Have a little patients and gratitude for the man who is willing to give us an excellent product for a good price (great price) that we can't get anywhere else in under 2 months. This is a side job that he is willing to do for us and we are jumping on him to try and push his schedule to meet ours? :holysheep

[Heavy lead]

Delete

[MiHec]

This is a go now

Continues here (link below)

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?p=550151#post550151

Miha

[Wayne Smith]

I'm in, e-mail sent. I've wanted to try a heavy in my SBH.