Cast HP bullet source information request

[lrrifleman]

Greetings!

After viewing a comparison review on YouTube of Buffalo Bore 38 Special and 44 Special ammo, I have a hankering to try a cast hollow point in a 44 Special for my 629 3".

Normally, I like to cast my own lead bullets, but I don't currently own a mold for a 44 cal hollow point. In looking at the auction and "Buy It Now" prices on FleaBay, I refuse to pay the prices that they seem to be commanding. While used Lyman HP molds look to be selling at the new prices, Lee used HP molds look to be selling at between 100-200% of MSRP for new molds.

Can anyone recommend a reputable caster that makes a quality, consistent 44 cal HP? Not looking for something plated or coated, just sized and lubricated lead. I would be loading 44 Special Skeeter Loads.

As always, thanks in advance for your help!

 

[irish132]

Rim Rock has some 185gr SWC HP. Recently ordered from them and it took about 4-5 weeks but they are great bullets.
.44 185 gr. SWC-HP FB per 300

 

[boatbum101]

44 cal try Matt's Bullets he has a 250gr HP cast soft just for 44 special . For 38 special Rimrock 158 GCHP same bullet Buffalo Bore uses for their 38 +P load & std press lead HP loads .
Cast HP's are dependent on matching bullet alloy to impact velocity . Softer binary lead / tin alloys without antimony are ductile , expand without coming apart & don't shatter on bone . I usually start with good old 20 to 1 . More expansion less tin , more penetration less lead . Gaschecks while not mandatory do make life simpler & like all cast fit & quality lube are king .

 

[moosedog]

GT Bullets makes some of the best bullets and has 44 calibers in numerous Thompson design HPs. I cast my own but when cramped for time, these are what I use.

44 Caliber : GT Bullets!, Fine Hand Cast Lead Bullets

 

[LoboGunLeather]

GT Bullets offers a number of cast HP bullets in the popular calibers. One thing I noted in their advertising is that the alloys selected for each offering are those considered best suited to specific uses (velocity, pressure, etc), which is a good approach IMO. Those products I have seen and used show a high level of quality.

Several years ago while I was too busy running the business to take the time needed for bullet casting I ordered a thousand each of GT's .45ACP 200 RN-HP and .38-.357 145 RN-HP. Both have proven to be accurate and consistent in several handguns.

Now retired with plenty of time I am back to casting my own, and I continue with my usual practice of using SWC in revolvers (.38, .357, .44 Special) and TC-flat point in semi-autos (.45ACP, 9X19, .40S&W). All of my loads are relatively moderate and I maintain an alloy hardness of 12-14BHN for all handgun needs. Sized and lubed properly these all work perfectly with no problems. I have stopped concerning myself with hollow points and rely on broad flat-nosed bullets made of lead alloys suitable for the calibers and velocities.

I still have close to 300 lbs. of old wheel weights from 30-plus years ago and enough linotype metal to beef up my alloys as needed for the higher performance applications. My oldest mold is now 48 years old and my newest mold is about 17 years old. I think I am pretty well set for the next few years.

 

[Redford]

The best hollow point molds! ~ MP-molds ~ Bullet molds
They tack some practice to use but they are good molds

Sent from my SM-T830 using Tapatalk

 

[AlHunt]

The best hollow point molds! ~ MP-molds ~ Bullet molds
They tack some practice to use but they are good molds

Sent from my SM-T830 using Tapatalk

He's even got stock:
https://www.mp-molds.com/product/432-640-hollow-point-4-cavity-gas-check-mold/

Yep, $130 bucks and worth every penny. I've got a 38 cal HP brass mold from him. Heavy, takes a little learning curve but HP bullets drop out of it like buttered biscuits. Forget the design with the separate pin in the bottom.

 

[Forrest r]

a forester case trimmer is another way to turn any cast or lead nosed bullet into a hp bullet.

 

[Nevada Ed]

Has anyone tested the lead HP bullets in water jugs or seen what they do
in a real SD shooting?

I would think that with enough speed, they would work as well as a JHP?