My own paper cartridge formers. Now with video!

[ShotgunDave]

I'm sure a couple of you have seen how I make my paper carts. Pretty much the same way most fellas do. I have been wanting to try one of the various cartridge formers floating around, but didn't want to spend money on one. I was never a fan of Cliff Manley (RIP), so I wasn't about to get one of his. There's a couple other guys making them now, but I knew I could make my own.

So today I set out to do just that. Since I have a supply of resin now, I decided to make a couple. Here's how they turned out.





I think they'll work fine. I made one for round ball and the other for Johnston & Dow conicals. I'll make a few cartridges later, and report back here.

[Hawg]

I didn't know Cliff had died. I was in a Face Book group with him for awhile.

[ShotgunDave]

I didn't know Cliff had died. I was in a Face Book group with him for awhile.

Yes Sir. Just a few months ago.

[ShotgunDave]

Here's a few pictures of it in use. Iff'n yer interested.




















It makes a nice tight little cartridge.

Tomorrow I'm going to make a silicone mold of the wooden mandrel. Then I'll have everything in resin. It should be very durable.

[AntiqueSledMan]

Hello Dave,

How much for a set?

AntiqueSledMan.

[ShotgunDave]

Hello Dave,

How much for a set?

AntiqueSledMan.

Hey AntiqueSledMan, I'm going to make the mold for the mandrel today. I'll have a few made up in a day or so. If you'd like one, I think $20 would cover it. I'll post here when they're ready to go. Thanks for the interest.

[Desperate Lee]

I would be interested also in a set for 44 ball. Got a couple of mandrels from Omnivore but i kinda like the forming part of it.
Desperate Lee

[AntiqueSledMan]

Hey Dave,

Put me down for a set.

AntiqueSledMan.

[ShotgunDave]

Wow fellas, didn't expect to get orders! Thanks!

I'll have the sets ready by the end of the week. I'll post pictures of them here. I have a parent/teacher conference to attend today, so I won't get the mold made. I'll get it done tomorrow for sure, and we'll have formers and mandrels by the end of the week.

Thanks again for your interest!

[Captainkirk]

I would be interested as well.

[ShotgunDave]

Thanks Capt. I'll let everyone know when I have them in hand.

[ShotgunDave]

I got the molds finished up late last night. This is the first one out of the mold this morning. They look really good.

I modified the mandrel by putting a handle on it. It's easier to use, and you can stand it up so it doesn't roll off your bench.

Now I have to run to the hobby store and get more resin. I ran out after the second casting. I'll be in full production later this afternoon.

[Captainkirk]

I would be interested in the RB version to start, Dave. Can .454 and .457 use the same casting ? Also, while I don't have a Johnston and Dow mould, I do have a Lee 200gr conical mould which I cast and shoot a fair number of. Will the J&D casting work, or should I send you a couple Lee conicals to use as a template?

[ShotgunDave]

No worries Capt. I'll have one earmarked just for you.

Either size round ball will work on this former. Because the ball actually sits up above the former, instead if down inside of it. It will work fine.

As for the conicals, just measure the heel portion of the Lee 200gr for me. That will tell me if it will work with the former I have planned just for the conical bullets. I have the prototype made, just haven't made the molds yet.

[Captainkirk]

As for the conicals, just measure the heel portion of the Lee 200gr for me. That will tell me if it will work with the former I have planned just for the conical bullets. I have the prototype made, just haven't made the molds yet.

It *should* be .450, but I'll double check with the calipers tonight.