Hi! I'm a new member of this fascinating board. A lot of knowledgeable people here, and this is apparent from just a short time on board, really a great resource.
Anyway, to cut to the chase: I live in Massachusetts. I learned last week when trying to place an order for powder at Midway USA that they will not ship "hazardous materials to Massachusetts". OK
Today I went online to Midaway and ordered a variety of cast bullets (rifle) of the type mentioned in the subject line and learned that they also will not ship ANY part of a cartridge that could be dangerous. Wow.
I recently got a beautiful OLD Alex Henry 450 BPE 3 1/4 hammer double rifle. The previous owner (Ken Owen) said the best regulating load he could come up with is a 300 gr soft point over 48 grs IMR 4198. And he sent a 50 yard target with a 3 inch group as an illustrated point.
Now, I plan on delving into more experimental (but SAFE) loads when the winter freeze is on. Then, come nice weather, I'll try them out to see ifI can do better and get a custom mould to match.
I should mention here that I have Graeme Wright's 2nd and excellent 3rd edition on shooting British Double Rifles, along with some Sherman Bell articles culled from Double Gun Journal, for a lot of information on good, safe load options for my rifle's calibre.
I should perhaps also mention here that I've been purchasing, bit by bit, casting equipment since last spring and plan to get into casting roundballs later this month for my various trad (replica) BP rifles and smoothbores. So I'll be a new caster shortly. Hopefully I'll have it down well enough for bullets.
I apologize; I'm trying to fit too much information here and I'm ending up rambling. The real single question now: Where, or from whom, could I purchase a variety of different 300 gr bullets (.458)?
I know from past experience that other vendors have no problem shipping components to Mass. In fact, within an hour of the turn-down from Midway on the powder I found someone and 4 lbs were shipped out that day.
Someone on another board awhile back suggested to someone else to check out a fellow by the name of Eddie Maysle(sp?). an independent caster who can usually make up a variety of bullets for you to try out, in sufficient quantity I'm sure, before you commit to one or the other as the custom mould prospect. He's not on the web, you need to contact him by phone. Sounds like a good, thoughtful guy.
So that's it for now, gentleman. I turn to you for suggestions. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.
Many Thanks - Marc