Ballard 45-500 vs RCBS 45-500BPS

[Sgt H]

Does anyone have a technical drawing of the Ballard 45-500? I recently acquired an RCBS 45-500BPS mold as it seems to be a close copy of the Ballard 45-500 from the pictures I have been able to find. Also looks very close to the Hoch 45-500 which I suppose could be a copy of the Ballard design also. The Ballard boolit seems to have good rep for long range accuracy. Boolits from the RCBS mold are dropping at .459" and 509 grains in 96/2/2 and .448" for .180" ahead of the front band. Initial results were less than stellar, about 4"@ 100 yards. I just loaded a few with the same load (smokeless) I found accurate with a Lyman 457125 and seated to the bottom of the front band. Obviously need more work but I would think this boolit should be more accurate than 4moa.

[longbow]

You mean like that:

http://www.tmtpages.com/LinkSkyImages/Sketches/ballard%20mold%2045-500%20496_gr_sketch.gif

[Sgt H]

Thanks for the link. Looks like the Ballard is similar to the RCBS. Ballard meplat is smaller and has wider grease grooves.