Anyone remember a bullet called a French arcane bullet?

[AbitNutz]

Some years back, probably more than I care to remember. There was a 9mm coned, pointy bullet that was called the "French Arcane Bullet". I have no idea why it was called arcane or if it was from France but that was the name that stuck. I'm trying to find the actual design and dimensions of this bullet. I've seen all kinds that sorta look like it but none that can truly claim to be it.

Does anyone have information on the original French Arcane 9mm bullet?

[Winger Ed.]

That was in the early 80s. It was a bronze solid, and is illegal here because it's armor piercing.
A buddy had a couple of them in .357Mag as company samples
before the ATF said, "Oh no,, we ain't having those here".

It would trash a barrel in short order, but it'd blow right through armored up cars like diplomats use.

[longbow]

I read an article about them many years ago but am not finding it now.

Best I've come up with is:

https://forum.cartridgecollectors.org/t/argentine-arcane/11849

Then there are similar designs SIB:

https://forum.cartridgecollectors.org/t/9-mm-para-arcane/8503

and THV:

https://www.quarryhs.co.uk/THV.htm

Also a patent for Arcane bullets:

297402

Not sure if that's what you are looking for but interesting revisiting the topic for me anyway.

Longbow

[AbitNutz]

Thanks, I was relying on a failing memory trying to remember the details of this bullet. I did remember there was a big stink about it being able to cut through certain levels of body armor. I always wanted to play with it to see it was at all accurate in a revolver or automatic and if it was reliable in an automatic. I'd still like to see about that, even if it wasn't machined out of solid bronze or copper.

[Winger Ed.]

Do a search for 'arcane ammunition' then go to images.
You'll see a bunch of pictures of them in different calibers.
Once you see one, making them on a lathe shouldn't be a big deal.
Not sure about the powder charge, but I figure they're pretty hot.

[stubshaft]

I remember them. In fact, I had a conversation with Veral Smith of LBT Bullets regarding them. According to Veral, he knew the writer that was interested in experimenting with the "Arcane" design and built a number of molds in various calibers to test with. I managed to talk him out of one for one of my, .50 caliber handguns. IIRC - it weighs in at around 375 grains.

[FLINTNFIRE]

Do a search for 'arcane ammunition' then go to images.
You'll see a bunch of pictures of them in different calibers.
Once you see one, making them on a lathe shouldn't be a big deal.
Not sure about the powder charge, but I figure they're pretty hot.

Be better not to make those on a lathe and load them as then you are making cop killer bullets and that is not allowed .

[longbow]

Not sure if you have seen the Lyman 429303

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/102072573

or the NOE versions:

https://noebulletmolds.com/site/product-category/bullet-moulds/432/434-149-sp-z5/

The NOE is available in a variety of weights and calibers.

Cast from linotype or heat treated wheelweights (or maybe zinc?) they are probably as close as you can legally get to the arcane bullets. Very similar design so they should give similar results except for lack of hardness.

There are a few threads on the Lyman 429303 if you do a search.

Longbow

[AbitNutz]

Not sure if you have seen the Lyman 429303

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/102072573

or the NOE versions:

https://noebulletmolds.com/site/product-category/bullet-moulds/432/434-149-sp-z5/

The NOE is available in a variety of weights and calibers.

Cast from linotype or heat treated wheelweights (or maybe zinc?) they are probably as close as you can legally get to the arcane bullets. Very similar design so they should give similar results except for lack of hardness.

There are a few threads on the Lyman 429303 if you do a search.

Longbow

Hmm...Do you think that would run in a 9mm? Or would it become a jam-O-matic?

[Winger Ed.]

Hmm...Do you think that would run in a 9mm? Or would it become a jam-O-matic?

Being .44 cal--- you're going to have to do some major sizing first.:bigsmyl2:

If you can find a mold for them in 9mm,
they shouldn't be any more of an issue than those stumpy little SWCs for .45ACP.

[Bmi48219]

Arcane bullets might offer some Self defense benefits but nothing beats these for superior ballistic performance or expansion. If you don’t believe it read the text. :kidding:
297477

[15meter]

I've got a sort-of 429303 4 cavity mold. Started out as a 4 cavity, then someone turned one cavity into a hollow point.

Came with a whole batch of dead guy stuff.

I was going to sell it, decided to cast some up before I got rid of it, I don't have a 44, so I gave a buddy a batch to try. He loves it, says it shoots great out of his revolver. Guess I can't get rid of that mold, he's getting close to retirement, and I don't think it will take much of a nudge to push him over the edge into casting when he retires.

And it's a cool looking boolit.

[longbow]

Being .44 cal--- you're going to have to do some major sizing first.:bigsmyl2:

If you can find a mold for them in 9mm,
they shouldn't be any more of an issue than those stumpy little SWCs for .45ACP.

NOE makes .358 moulds in this style. Not much sizing required.