MiHec 359640 first casting........

[HiVelocity]

MiHa! You are "The Man".

Every time I order one of these molds, I'm apprehensive (aren't we all?).

I started casting this morning and as usual, it took awhile to find that
"Sweet Spot" where the bullets just fall out almost perfect. This mold
likes to run on the hot side (800 degrees), for me at least. I weighed several bullets at random; average weight is 157.4 grains (regular hollow point config).

I plan on loading this bullet in both .38 Special and .357 Magnum cases.

[101VooDoo]

Very nice - what alloy you running Hi-V?

Jim

[Digger]

Okay ! ......just could not have the new toy sitting around any longer soooo ... got into it this morning while it's still cool .
Have to say ... THIS IS THE BEST ONE YET !! [smilie=w:
Miha ... you have it done again and even better this time , with the four molds I have now from MP , this one is tops.
Sprayed some brake cleaner on it and went to work , warmed it up on the hot plate .....dipped in the pot for a few seconds more and dropped about half dozen rejects and we were on our way.
Casted up about six pounds of boolits just to see how things worked and what a pleasure to use.
The only thing I used my soft mallet for was to pop the sprue open and even then after a while I just used my hand after it loosened up just a bit , oiled things up and it worked like a charm , dropped em every time !
Kept dropping all thru the session with out a hitch and the only thing I did use the mallet for was to push the pins out to drop , then to reset them .
It was definitely a pleasure to use.... Thank you Miha !! (would there be a chance I could get the older molds reprocessed ?) scuse me , just dribbling on here .......
digger

[HiVelocity]

101VooDoo-

I'm running plain air cooled wheel weights; nothing added (yet). I hear pro's and con's about adding tin for fill out, etc. I'm finding that fluxing more often solves what little problems I've been experiencing.

Depending on how well these shoot and, hopefully, expand, I may add some linotype to the mix. But for now, I'm hoping someone will do some testing (hint, hint) before I do and find a good 38 Special and 357 Magnum handload.

Still, I think this mold is a keeper. :bigsmyl2:

HV

[Vly]

Add me to the list of guys very happy with this new mould. My alloy is half and half, WW and lead - I am thinking I will get better expansion with a softer alloy.

I fired some last week with 12.0 grs of WC820 and a CCI-550 primer. Accuracy was very good at 25 yards with no leading in both a Ruger Security-Six and a S&W 586.

Here are some I cast this morning. The new mould is a joy to use.

http://www.fototime.com/321327BE88BC9B5/standard.jpg

[Groo]

Groo here
I just got mine tonight!!!!!!!!!! Too hot to start a pot but looks great!!!!!!!!!!!
One thing though, I got #3, 5 sided pins and one regular..

[mactool]

This is a bit out of contex, 359 is the diameter, but what does the 640 stands for ?

[Groo]

Groo here
Emailed "THE MAN"
New pins coming ,, What a pleasure to work with someone who caries about
his product and customers!!!!!!!!!
Won' be my last mold, they grow on you!!!!!!!!

[GLL]

mactool:

The 359640 is a 45 2.1 design from this Group Buy.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=58932

The "640 series" is a group of his bullets designs with a particular nose configuration.
Drop him a PM and I am sure he can give you details.

BRP makes most of the 45 2.1 "640" designs !
Take a look at the catalog !

http://www.brp.castpics.net/default.htm

Jerry

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

I got my mold up and running today!
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s220/ShawnTVT/3596408.jpg

I like the round hollow point:

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s220/ShawnTVT/3596403.jpg

I made some of each, but it is no fun switching the pins when they are hot! Loaded them all up with 5.5 gr Unique, loaded them long in 38 special cases, I only have 357 mag guns, so they can handle it . . . :mrgreen:
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s220/ShawnTVT/3596404.jpg

Measurements taken on each side of the seam, and then opposite of the seam:
(Bottom numbers - top is 434640)
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s220/ShawnTVT/Measurments.jpg

Weights with approximately 68% wheel weights, 29% recovered range lead, and 3% tin:
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s220/ShawnTVT/359640weights.jpg

Tomorrow I hope to go see how they fly! :Fire:


[smilie=s:

[GLL]

It took awhile to push this one through but it was worth the wait !

I want to thank everyone who joined in with orders to make this a success. Thanks also to Miha for coming through with a GREAT mould of a 45 2.1 design !!

Jerry

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

Yeah I'm happy!

Gonna be my carry load with the round hollow points . . .

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

Went out this morning in the high 70's, sunshine and breezy 10-20 mph at about 1 O'clock from target . . .

I used aprox 68% WW, 29% Recovered Range, and 3% tin, and 5.5 gr Unique in 38 Spl cases.

First I had my wife shoot her Ruger Security Six 4" barrel into a 5 gal jug of water (old veg oil) 14" deep using the round hp it penetrated the first jug, but bounced off the second one . . .

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s220/ShawnTVT/Guns/359640RoundHPinwater1.jpg

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s220/ShawnTVT/Guns/359640RoundHPinwater2.jpg

In this one you can just barely see a trace of green loob! notice how the loob groove shrank!
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s220/ShawnTVT/Guns/359640RoundHPinWater3.jpg

Neither of use are good shots, but this is what we did in the wind . . .

Marlin 1894 w/ 18.5" barrel at 25 yards kneeling:
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s220/ShawnTVT/Guns/Marlin359640RoundHP.jpg

Ruger Blackhawk 6.5" barrel resting wrists on a bag:
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s220/ShawnTVT/Guns/Blackhawk359640Solid.jpg

Anybody else shoot any of these yet?

[Charlie Two Tracks]

I am getting ready to load some of these. I was thinking of using 6.4 gr. of Unique in a .357 case with an OAL of 1.59 using WW.

[Groo]

Groo here
I see a trend here.. Maybe we can get Miha and 45 2.1 to produce a series of these
style bullets.. flat or hollow ,hollow weight at standard flat heaver, Keith lube grove ,
2 crimp groves for short or long, an lever friendly ,,,,
.32, .357 [we got that] 41 [ I would sell my current mold for that] .44 [what I suggested]
.45 [ just don't forget the FA crowd] 475 [ in a lighter weight] AND in.510 [ to make the
GNR short and long loads ,, also linebaugh and a "SPECIAL" version..
At last I can make my own "silvertips "
One mold each, Do most anything, What could be better??????????????/
AND Miha To Boot!!!!!!!!

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

I loaded mine in Win 38 spl cases loaded them long (furthest from the nose crimp grove) COL = 1.505" with 5.5gr Unique, I guess it was around 1000 fps . . . in my handguns . . . add 200+ for the rifle.

I only have 357 mag firearms . . .

I just loaded some more for my wife with 4.4gr of Unique and 4.0gr of TrailBoss . . .

[Charlie Two Tracks]

Could someone recommend a load using this boolit with either air cooled or water dropped WW for my Ruger .357 SP-101 3" using H-110? I've loaded this boolit with 6.2 gr. of Unique and it works great. I am looking for a round that will make you wonder why on earth you pulled the trigger. I rarely shoot real stout rounds but it is fun to have when you want to show off and show someone (my brother) what a .357 can sound and look like. I shoot out at his farm. (no animals around) nearest neighbor a half mile away.

[Charlie Two Tracks]

just thought I'd ask.

[Doby45]

The Hodgdon Reloading Data Center lists for a 357MAG with a 158gr HornadyXTP, 16.7gr as MAX, loaded to 1.580 as OAL. That makes almost 1600fps and 40,700 CUP. That should pretty much rock your world. Even though I would NOT start at the max, but you knew that anyway. 15gr is the starting load, but I would personally prolly start at 16. ;)

Would it need a GC at that speed?

[Groo]

Groo here
I just put a few pounds through my mold yesterday..
I can say this is the best so far!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I wanted the 5 sided pin but by the way the round one works I have changed my mind.
Running about 900 on my Lyman master XX the bullets just drop off the pins with WW
I think we should work with 45 2.1 and Miha to make a series of molds. [ The 640 style]
32, 357 [got that ] 41, 44, and 45 maybe 475 and 510 with this nose and double
crimp grove....
In airplanes the saying goes " If it looks good it will fly good "
Well this bulled sure looks good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!11

[45 2.1]

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s220/ShawnTVT/Guns/359640RoundHPinwater2.jpg

In this one you can just barely see a trace of green loob! notice how the loob groove shrank!
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s220/ShawnTVT/Guns/359640RoundHPinWater3.jpg



That lube groove shrinking is a normal occurance when you get your alloy components correct and cast properly. Especially when used for hollow point boolits.

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

That lube groove shrinking is a normal occurance when you get your alloy components correct and cast properly. Especially when used for hollow point boolits.

That's good to know!

I guess I'm doing something right, not just gotta get the groups to group!

[ShootnCoastie]

I missed the sign up for this one somehow. So, I took a shot and emailed Miha yesterday. I just happened to be logged into my email this afternoon when his reply came in that he has one left.

I replied back "I'LL TAKE IT!!!" so fast, my keyboard is still smoking. Payment sent, and a sigh of relief that I got one. Thanks Miha! [smilie=w:

Now the wait begins...

[hicard]

You really lucked out ShootnCoastie. They are beautiful.

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

Well I opened up my mulch rubber boolit trap today . . .

Left to Right: Round Hp shot from Marlin 1894 18.5" barrel, Round Hp shot from Ruger Security Six 4" barrel, Solid shot from Marlin.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s220/ShawnTVT/Guns/Rubber1-1.jpg

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s220/ShawnTVT/Guns/Rubber4-1.jpg

What is interesting is this following picture is the same load shot from the same gun, at the same distance as the previous picture in post #13, but this is shot into rubber.
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s220/ShawnTVT/Guns/Rubber3-1.jpg

And from the Marlin which would be going faster because of the longer barrel:
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s220/ShawnTVT/Guns/Rubber2-1.jpg

[Bob.]

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b376/BobMKIII/100_3001.jpg



Bob

[MiHec]

[smilie=w:[smilie=w:[smilie=w:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b376/BobMKIII/100_3001.jpg



Bob

[hicard]

Bob, what load/gun/media got you those beautful hp's?

[Bob.]

[smilie=w:[smilie=w:[smilie=w:

Thank you Sir
And thanks for making those fine moulds!


Bob

[Bob.]

Bob, what load/gun/media got you those beautful hp's?


18-19 to 1 lead / tin mix
5.8 gn Unique from a 6 inch barrel.
Shot in to wet newspaper at about 7 yards



http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b376/BobMKIII/100_2999.jpg



Bob

[hicard]

Doesn't get any better than that Bob/Mihec !!!!!!!!!!!

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

Bob,

What are those pentagons? 45?

[Bob.]

Bob,

What are those pentagons? 45?

Yes 5 sided or pentagon with a few round HP 45's and the round HP .358's , also have the .401 HP
I really like these moulds !




Bob

[ShootnCoastie]

Here it is!!! [smilie=w:

Miha hooked me up with the last one. Story 11 posts up. As usual A+ service and craftsmanship.

Posting pictures of the mold, since everyone's posting pictures of the finished product.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b326/turbodyne/359640_1.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b326/turbodyne/359640_2.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b326/turbodyne/359640_3.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b326/turbodyne/359640_4.jpg

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

Acording to his website, he still has more available . . .

http://www.mp-molds.com/shopping/pgm-more_information.php?id=15&=SID

[MiHec]

Acording to his website, he still has more available . . .

http://www.mp-molds.com/shopping/pgm-more_information.php?id=15&=SID

Sorry, out of stock :-?

[hicard]

Miha, I just noticed, I never got my 2nd invoice. I am #2 and
#46 on the list and only got 1 call for funds. Any chance on paying for and getting the second mould?

[crawfobj]

Excellent results!!! What cartridge/velocity/load were you using in your marlin? I'm guessing .357 mag.

I'm intrigued by the thought of these in my 35 Rem, but not sure if the hollow point would cause feeding issues.

Anyone else tried this one in their 35 rem?



Well I opened up my mulch rubber boolit trap today . . .

Left to Right: Round Hp shot from Marlin 1894 18.5" barrel, Round Hp shot from Ruger Security Six 4" barrel, Solid shot from Marlin.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s220/ShawnTVT/Guns/Rubber1-1.jpg

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s220/ShawnTVT/Guns/Rubber4-1.jpg

What is interesting is this following picture is the same load shot from the same gun, at the same distance as the previous picture in post #13, but this is shot into rubber.
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s220/ShawnTVT/Guns/Rubber3-1.jpg

And from the Marlin which would be going faster because of the longer barrel:
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s220/ShawnTVT/Guns/Rubber2-1.jpg

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

I used some Win 38 spl cases, win sp prmers, 5.5gr Unique, crimped in the crimp groove closest to the base, shot through a Marlin 1894C 357 mag.

[Fugowii]

I have a set of Dillon New Style dies and cannot get a .38 spl to crimp in the band closest to the
base of the bullet. The crimping die seemingly is having difficulty with the taper of the boolit and
is pushing the boolit further into the case prior to crimping. Anyone else experiencing this problem?
With my luck I'm probably the only one using Dillon dies.

[crawfobj]

I'm having the same problem. My issue seems to be that the Dillon crimp die puts on a step style crimp rather than a true roll crimp that forces the end of the case into the boolit. That style of crimp covers most of the both of the crimp grooves before you get a solid crimp. I'm going to try my RCBS die set, which does have a true roll crimp.

The case tension on the boolit is also not particularly impressive with the Dillon die set. Boolits sized .359 kept slipping into the case before the crimp was applied. I guess I need to check the diameter of the expander.

[Fugowii]

I'm having the same problem. My issue seems to be that the Dillon crimp die puts on a step style crimp rather than a true roll crimp that forces the end of the case into the boolit. That style of crimp covers most of the both of the crimp grooves before you get a solid crimp. I'm going to try my RCBS die set, which does have a true roll crimp.

The case tension on the boolit is also not particularly impressive with the Dillon die set. Boolits sized .359 kept slipping into the case before the crimp was applied. I guess I need to check the diameter of the expander.

I'm not experiencing the problem with the case tension. Let me know how you make out
with the RCBS die set. Are you just going to use the crimping die or substitute the entire
set?

[crawfobj]

I'm just going to swap out the crimp die first and see how it goes. Next step would be to swap both the sizing and crimp dies. Will keep you posted.

[MiHec]

Molds available in my web shop

Link! (http://mp-molds.com/shopping/pgm-more_information.php?id=15)

[btroj]

I just got the one I bought from Mihecs e-shop. Holy cow, this thing is awesome.
Once I got it hot and the last residual oil burned off it casts some darn pretty hollow points. The bullets fall right off the pins.
I am sold on Mihec moulds and the Cramer style is even better.

[Dale53]

Well, I cast my first full pot full (21# of finished bullets) with Mihec's 359640 mould. It took less than two hours from the time I started casting until the pot was empty. Here is about half of them:

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj80/Dale53/untitled-0672_1600x1200.jpg

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj80/Dale53/untitled-0673_1600x1200.jpg

These sure look good. I think me and this bullet will have a long and fruitful relationship:mrgreen:

Mihec has DONE IT AGAIN!

Dale53

[white eagle]

all
rite
now
you
fellers
went
and
did
it
I just ordered one
the kids 357 mag and I am going to experiment with the
358 win as well
happy,happy,happy

[white eagle]

curious whats the o/a of the boolit

[Groo]

Groo here
Mine is .710 long , About .360cal [ water dropped W-W]
The short crimp groove is set to about 357mag factory length [ lever action and short cylinder friendly] and the long crimp groove is for 38spec [ if you look the bullets in a 38 stick out of the case farther than they do in a 357] also the long groove can be used in a long cylinder 357
for more powder room in the case...

[btroj]

Man does my Marlin like this bullet. Seems that the harder I pushed it the better it shot. Got the hollow points over 1700 pretty easy. With irons off the bench I got a group around 3.5 inches at 100 yards. For my eyes it is pretty darn good.

[MajorDude]

Today I sent a .357 round loaded with a MiHec 359640 with a penta HP to work with my wife to show one of her coworkers who thinks he might want to get into casting. He asked her how much time I had to spend filing and polishing to get the boolits to look that good! She said "none, but he does import his molds from Slovenia!"

Thanks again Miha!

[ChuckJaxFL]

Excellent results!!! What cartridge/velocity/load were you using in your marlin? I'm guessing .357 mag.

I'm intrigued by the thought of these in my 35 Rem, but not sure if the hollow point would cause feeding issues.

Anyone else tried this one in their 35 rem?

Did you every get an answer to this? Here, in another thread, or by trying it yourself?

[Cowboy T]

Dang it...he's out of stock again. Those went fast!

[ChuckJaxFL]

Dang it...he's out of stock again. Those went fast!

That's partly my fault. Here's some first attempts with 2400

http://tapatalk.com/mu/4c12c3dd-c6db-f65c.jpg

And with Unique

http://tapatalk.com/mu/4c12c3dd-c74c-5de2.jpg

Shot from a 4" 686, rested, from 50', indoor range. These are initial efforts, I'm excited to see what tweaking can do.
I'm probably going to have to have someone that can see, hold, and shoot better than I to find out, though.

Sadly, I think I'm at my own potential here!

[Gelandangan]

First time casting with my only Mihec's mold, the 359-640
WOW!!
Never have I cast with such a well behaved mold.
It is a real pleasure to use.

Too bad Miha do not have any .308 or .458 HP in stock otherwise I would have already buy some..

[gundownunder]

OK, don't know if I'm allowed to do this. I guess I'll find out soon enough.

If you missed out on this one, or just want the non - HP one, we are trying to get a buy going for the MIHEC 359640 in a 4 cavity, solid, mold.

http://www.castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=100773

[crawfobj]

Did you every get an answer to this? Here, in another thread, or by trying it yourself?

Unfortunately, life and job, and wife and kids have kept me away from the loading bench lately. Doesn't help that it's as hot as the surface of the sun here in TX.

From what I've read, I think this will boolit would work great in the 35 Rem. I'm going to try my new NOE RCBS 35-200 clone first though.

I'm hoping to load up a bunch of these for my 1894c though.

I'll post results as soon as I can make time to play...

Crawdaddy

[buyobuyo]

I just loaded up my first test loads with this boolit and Unique in .38 Special cases at the lower crimp groove. I was wondering are you guys stating that you are loading these with 5.5gr Unique using +P cases?

According to the Lyman manuals, with a 160gr cast boolit, max for .38 Special is 4.7gr and max for +P is 5.3gr. Given their pressure numbers, I could see stretching Special out to around 5.0gr and +P to 5.5-6.0gr.

If you're using regular .38 Special cases are they holding up to 5.5gr okay or is their usable life drastically shortened? Are any of using QuickLoad to come up with your numbers? I toy with the idea of buying a copy every few months.

[MajorDude]

Buyobuyo,

Guess nobody answered your question so I'll give it a shot. I've always heard that the only difference between +P and regular cases is the stamping on the bottom. It's really just an indicator of what's inside rather than a material spec, so there should be no difference in case life.

Haven't used Quickload, but I'm a firm believer in checking multiple sources and working up carefully whenever I'm trying something new. If you look long enough on the internet you will find some crazy numbers, even on this site, so I always double check 'em.

Hope that helps!

[askimball]

WHEN AVAILABLE...! ADD ME FOR A 359640 HP 2-Cavity w/extra Pins......

askimball at comcast dot net

[thebigmac]

Good morning; IF IT'S NOT TOO LATE; I'd like one, (1) two cavity 359640...round HP PINS; Thanks thebigmac
thebigmacm71@yaoo.com

[Bardo]

Go back to post #44 and send a PM to Mihec I bet he still has some, thats how I just got mine.

Bardo

[thebigmac]

Thanks Bardo, but I found out that this boolit is too light for my .35 Rem.
bigmac

[ShootNSteel]

This mold is beautiful I must say. SUPERB craftsmanship.
I'm a noob at casting though and am having issues with base and crimp groove fillout.
Normally it's just the far cavity where the base has rounded edges.
My alloy is straight WW with 1% tin added casting at 720 degrees, and I'm casting fast enough that the sprue takes a few seconds to harden, any faster and I'd get very frosty bullets, so the mold is hot.
I guess I will try going hotter with the pot for starters. I'd like to get the shiney boolits with complete fillout, but just don't get how they do it.

[MajorDude]

Make sure you mold is hot. I use a hot plate set at about medium to preheat.

[lead_her_fly]

I just got one from Miha, 2 days ago. As usual, this is a pure work of art!
First casting went as expected. About 1/3 of the 20# pot was used to get it hot and "cooked in".

My first treatment of his moulds is as follows:
Hottest water you can stand barehanded with Dawn Concentrated dish soap. Disassemble mould. Put individual parts in the hot soapy solution. Using a nylon brush, scrub each mould half vigorously on the inside. Turn on hot water in other side of sink, rinse profusely as you do the other half. When done with other half, rinse it well too.
Next, I treat the pins the same way. Scrub the "fire" out of them little boogers rinse, and set aside to dry.

After everything is dry, and, I have used an airhose from the compressor to aid in this, or even a hair dryer will work, I coat the HP portion of the pins as well as their shafts with a bit of industrial spray on graphite. I don't spray it on though, I spray it in a lid and then use a Q-tip to apply. Alignment pins, bottom of sprue plate and pin/bushing too.

After it is good and dry, I begin to cast. I use almost straight wheel weights and have had problems with sharp cornered moulds with that alloy before. It has to be hot to work. Upwards of 750*F. Then, I cast as fast as I can. When bullets start to drop frosty and full, I back off a bit for speed.

To start with, with the 4 cavity moulds, I have to use a mallet to break the sprue. Once it is hot though, it is easy to break it with just your hands.

At any rate, first rate! You did it again Miha! THANKS!

[lead_her_fly]

A little frosty but......nicely filled out.

Lube and size now.........
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r115/Sackettwannabe/Boolits/357%20Caliber/359640firstcasting.jpg

[lead_her_fly]

Info on target.

Didn't chronograph but they were stout. 15gr 2400 in 357Mag cases with Wolf Small Rifle Primers....

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r115/Sackettwannabe/Snapbucket/C39321C3.jpg

[Griz44mag]

I just finished casting my second batch with this superb mold. Casting session 1 was first attempted with the penta pins. It was a total disaster. The penta pins were so rough that I had to use a pair of pliers to get the bullets off of them. I tried painting them with lube as dirrected, I cooled them down and coated them with dropout spray, finally cooled everything down and gave up on them. I was ready to throw the whole thing in the recycle bin. Session 2 the penta pins were replaced with the round ones. The whole process was started again. I don't really understand why the round pins have such a great smooth finish on them and the pentas look like they came off of a course bench grinder wheel. The round pins were superb. The mold ran like a Corvette on the Autobahn. Perfect hollow points were pouring out of the mold like water down the Mississippi. I ran a little over 10 pounds before finally calling it a day. Three days later I lubed them up and loaded a progressive workup with 38 special cases. HP-38 powder from powderpuff to full power. This weekend they went to the range and were consumed by a Ruger Security-Six 6" and a Ruger SP-101. At 20 yards the Security Six patterned 2" and smaller groups (from a rest) tightening up to 1-1/4" at heavier loads (3.5gr of HP-38). The 2" SP-101 produced groups of about 4" with everything regardless of powder levels. It is my belief that the 2" barrel would not stabilize them very well.
Over all, this is an excellent mold with superb craftsmanship. I would buy another of this design in a 44 and never hesitate. I am going to fine dress these awful penta pins to make them smooth and try again. I will also try a batch with the plug to make some flatnose and see how they shoot.

Added: I was just looking back over the super pictures everyone here takes and looking down into the boolits cast by others with this mold and the penta pins, I do not see the awful striations inside the pentas that I got from mine. The inside of the pentas I managed to pry off the pins looked like they had been cut there with a 24 tooth sawblade. Anyone else have penta pins this rough? I'll try and get my camera working and take some decent up close pics.

[StratsMan]

My pentas with this mold were pretty rough, too... I took a fine file to them, but haven't tried to cast with them yet... I even used some fine (400 grit) paper on the round pins.... when it comes to getting boolits to drop, "smooth is good"...

Ran into a similar problem with pentas on my MP 452 200... hard to get them to release, no matter what I put on the pins for release... haven't doctored them yet, just went to round pins. I should smooth both pentas and rounds for that mold...

[wlc]

I just finished casting my second batch with this superb mold. Casting session 1 was first attempted with the penta pins. It was a total disaster. The penta pins were so rough that I had to use a pair of pliers to get the bullets off of them. I tried painting them with lube as dirrected, I cooled them down and coated them with dropout spray, finally cooled everything down and gave up on them. I was ready to throw the whole thing in the recycle bin. Session 2 the penta pins were replaced with the round ones. The whole process was started again. I don't really understand why the round pins have such a great smooth finish on them and the pentas look like they came off of a course bench grinder wheel. The round pins were superb. The mold ran like a Corvette on the Autobahn. Perfect hollow points were pouring out of the mold like water down the Mississippi. I ran a little over 10 pounds before finally calling it a day. Three days later I lubed them up and loaded a progressive workup with 38 special cases. HP-38 powder from powderpuff to full power. This weekend they went to the range and were consumed by a Ruger Security-Six 6" and a Ruger SP-101. At 20 yards the Security Six patterned 2" and smaller groups (from a rest) tightening up to 1-1/4" at heavier loads (3.5gr of HP-38). The 2" SP-101 produced groups of about 4" with everything regardless of powder levels. It is my belief that the 2" barrel would not stabilize them very well.
Over all, this is an excellent mold with superb craftsmanship. I would buy another of this design in a 44 and never hesitate. I am going to fine dress these awful penta pins to make them smooth and try again. I will also try a batch with the plug to make some flatnose and see how they shoot.

Added: I was just looking back over the super pictures everyone here takes and looking down into the boolits cast by others with this mold and the penta pins, I do not see the awful striations inside the pentas that I got from mine. The inside of the pentas I managed to pry off the pins looked like they had been cut there with a 24 tooth sawblade. Anyone else have penta pins this rough? I'll try and get my camera working and take some decent up close pics.


My pentas with this mold were pretty rough, too... I took a fine file to them, but haven't tried to cast with them yet... I even used some fine (400 grit) paper on the round pins.... when it comes to getting boolits to drop, "smooth is good"...

Ran into a similar problem with pentas on my MP 452 200... hard to get them to release, no matter what I put on the pins for release... haven't doctored them yet, just went to round pins. I should smooth both pentas and rounds for that mold...

Might want to shoot Miha an email or PM. I bet he would take care of the problem.

[AlabamaEd]

I have pretty good success with getting boolits to drop by coating the pins and points with graphite from a pencil. Need do it only a time or two, till the mold gets broken in.

[lead_her_fly]

I have pretty good success with getting boolits to drop by coating the pins and points with graphite from a pencil. Need do it only a time or two, till the mold gets broken in.

Dale53 turned me on to using graphite with these moulds. What he does is uses the "lock lube" graphite with alcohol. I am a bit different and use the industrial spray as it has alcohol in it already. I do NOT SPRAY the pins. I spray some into the cap and use a Q-Tip for applying. I also coat the pin shafts, the pin shaft holes, the alignment pins and bushings as well as the sprue plate bushing.

I do not have to tap the mould at all to get boolits to drop at all and I have done nothing else to the pins. No emery paper, no stones, nothing, just the graphite.

It works great.....Just a suggestion.

[HDS]

I have a question about this bullet design. It looks to have a large lube groove, would this be a good black powder bullet? And with the two crimp grooves, can you get a .357 OAL out of this with .38spl cases, for better feeding in .357 guns using .38spl cases?

[45 2.1]

I have a question about this bullet design. It looks to have a large lube groove, would this be a good black powder bullet? Properly done.... Yes.

And with the two crimp grooves, can you get a .357 OAL out of this with .38spl cases, for better feeding in .357 guns using .38spl cases? Close to it depending on what you do.

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

life.