Review: Mastercast bullets

Sturmgewehre · October 4, 2008, 03:59 PM

I recently ordered 1,000 bullets from Mike at Mastercast ([email protected]) after chatting with him here on TFL.

I was on the fence about ordering more bullets as I had just placed a large order with another vendor that I've used for years. But Mike shot me an estimate on the cost of the bullets and said "I'll just send them out to you, pay me when you get a chance". I thought, "what?"... I agreed. So the next day I sent him payment on his word that he mailed the bullets, which he did. They arrived this morning.

I've been shooting and reloading for many years. I'm one of those types of guys that gets into a groove and I don't like changing things. I used to compete in Cowboy Action Shooting (William Six Gunn) and had settled on Laser Cast bullets way back in the 1990's. They served me well and I have always had good results with them.

Lately I've been on the prowl to find lower cost bullets that are of the same or higher quality than the Laser Cast. My reason is that I'm trying to reduce the cost of shooting given the skyrocketing cost of ammo. I mostly shoot 1911's in .45 ACP so cost is on the upper end of the spectrum.

I've tried local casters and haven't been too impressed with the consistency or quality of the bullets. Most use scrap lead with an unknown content so they vary in weight and hardness. With that inconsistency comes inconsistent performance with your "pet" loads.

So, back to Mastercast bullets and Mike. I received my shipment of .45 ACP 200gr SWC bullets early this morning via USPS. I feel sorry for my poor mail lady, it had "32lbs!!!" written on the box by another postal employee. I took the box back to my loading room and began my inspection.

First I weighed several bullets to find out how consistent they were in weight. They ranged from 200.7 to 201.3. That's pretty darn good.

Next up I measure the diameter of several bullets, and every one of them was spot on at the advertised diameter of .452".

As a nice touch, Mike included several samples of his other .45 ACP offerings. As you can see from the following picture, he has a nice selection of .45 bullets.

After checking them out I decided to load up 300 rounds of my favorite load on my Dillon 650. 300 rounds only takes a couple of minutes on a 650, so I cranked them out pretty quickly so I could get to the range.

I seat the bullets to an OAL of 1.250 and add a taper crimp of .470. Mike says to use a crimp of no more than .473-.474. I've always had good luck with the .470 setting, so I went with it. I seated the bullets on top of a 4.6gr charge of Bullseye powder. I use Winchester WLP pistol primers.

Off I went to my local indoor range to fire some ammo out of my Springfield TRP at 50ft (about 17 yards). Now, I'll admit I'm not the worlds best shooter. I can hold my own, but I'm more of a steel plate shooter than I am a bullseye shooter. Here's a sample of the targets I shot today.

All of my groups hovered around the 1"-1.3" range. I always fire 5 shot groups. I was shooting two handed slow fire at a standard 50ft NRA bullseye target. That's about the best I ever do, so the bullets certainly held their own. I would say they are capable of better accuracy than I am.

I didn't see any signs of severe leading in the 300 rounds I fired. Everything checked out perfectly.

At $80.52 shipped for 1,000 rounds of 200gr bullets I am impressed. I had my bullets in just 3 days after ordering them and they're every bit as good as the Laser Casts I've been shooting for over a decade.

I can say with confidence I can recommend Mastercast bullets to those looking for low cost and high performance bullets.

0-16 · October 4, 2008, 06:17 PM

Great review. I am also shooting some of Mike's bullets in my STI. The first time I talked to him about his bullets and the problems I was having shooting 200swc that I had bought from a local dealer. Mike was very helpful and answered alot of questions I had about reloading. He offered to send me some 200rnfp bullets at no cost. Called him back and told him how pleased I was with the bullet. Ordered a 1000 200 rnfp and he also sent some of his 200 swc to try at no extra charge. I had a chance to shoot the swc this week. They worked well in my STI. The OAL was 1.250 with 5.1gr. of solo 1000. Mike makes a great bullet.

WSM MAGNUM · October 4, 2008, 07:42 PM

There were discussions in the past about Mastercasts bullets, but someone has to bash him about his comments all the time.
I buy his .45 200 grain SWC`s, and .45 225 grain TCFP`s. Both shoot great and I can an average of 1" groups at 50 feet. I posted pics on another thread using my Kimber TLE II.
So far I found I get better groups using 5.0 grains of W231. I am going to try other loads to see if I find one more accurate.
I`ll keep buying Mastercast as long as he stays in business.

Sturmgewehre · October 4, 2008, 08:11 PM

I don't buy into a lot of the Internet drama stuff. I contacted Mike about his product and the man couldn't be more helpful and insightful about reloading and his products. He is passionate about his product, and I respect that. When you have something good, you want to tell people about it. He obviously puts his heart into making bullets.

He's earned my business.

ShootingNut · October 5, 2008, 05:52 AM

Another extremely satisfied customer. I have received very personalized service, including phone calls just to talk about a feeding problem in my 1911.
Yes, he does care about his customers. Am waiting for an order now, as some calibers were not available due to his recent health issues.
Best regards,
SN

under_dawg · October 5, 2008, 06:01 AM

I have been using 158 gr rnfp Lasercast bullets for a couple of years in my .357 GP-100 with Trail Boss. The price (like everything else) is going past my comfort zone. Are Mike's lubed and ready to go just like Lasercast's bullets?

ShootingNut · October 5, 2008, 07:15 AM

Yes, they sure are, and I think you will be as pleased as I am with his products! Nice hard lead, very little to no leading of the barrel, with consistent (as we are) accuracy.

Regards,
SN

Sturmgewehre · October 5, 2008, 10:02 AM

Yup, they're lubed and as ShootingNut mentioned, they are hard and don't lead your barrel.

In this pic you can see the lube on the bullet.

under_dawg · October 5, 2008, 03:22 PM

Looks like Mike's da man! I'm going to be giving him some business as soon as I run through the rest of my Lasercast. Everyone seems pleased with his product.

crazylegs · October 6, 2008, 11:00 AM

I've been buying his bullets for several years now. I've tried others in the past and there is absolutely no comparison. Mike's bullets are the best. I can tell the guy takes a lot of pride in his product. A+ bullets and proprietor. I do wish he'd refrain from comments about the competition or other posters. He's above that crap.
Crazylegs

ShootingNut · October 6, 2008, 05:55 PM

Why not tell it like you feel, Mike isn't some Yahoo talking out of his rear end, he does know what he is saying. Granted, it may sound a tad strong some times

But, I like that about a person. That's why I enjoyed John McCain's speach today, tell it like it is.

Regards,
SN

MASTERCAST.COM · October 6, 2008, 11:28 PM

Do you, are do you not, want someone to expose a substandard product?

I have the intestinal fortitude to do that......most do not.

floydster · October 7, 2008, 11:06 AM

Would someone define intestinal fortitude, I havn't heard that term in years.
Is it something like having BALLS?
Thanks,Floydster

By the way, Mike, do you have any 124 gr. 9mm TCN's on hand?

tomh1426 · October 7, 2008, 11:51 AM

That would be testicular fortitude.

I have a Ruger Blackhawk thats never seen anything but Mikes bullets.

noelf2 · October 7, 2008, 01:30 PM

Means he has the guts to tell it like he see's it, no matter who takes offense. Some people like straight talk, some don't. Also means he doesn't have a future in politics, but hey, he sells bullets (better to know him than a politician anyway).....

vytoland · October 7, 2008, 04:56 PM

Mastercast = Great Service, Great Products, Great Prices.

ShootingNut · October 8, 2008, 05:55 AM

Plus, the Diplomatic advice that you can take or leave, depending on Your intestinal fortitude!

SN

Yoosta B. Blue · October 8, 2008, 08:50 AM

Please put me in the WIN column when it comes to using Mike's bullets. I've ordered several times from him over the past year or so. He has been extremely helpful to me in lots of ways, which has included giving me tips and insights about reloading. You can be sure that I will continue to do business with him. In my humble (but accurate) opinion, Mike is ALREADY BACK from where lots of other vendors have not yet been.

Yoosta B. Blue

Sturmgewehre · October 15, 2008, 05:22 PM

UPDATE:

So, I've finished firing the first 500 rounds of my 200gr SWC bullets. I am happy to report I have very little leading.

The following picture was taken today after 500 rounds of not cleaning my Springfield TRP. I ran a bore snake through the bore once before taking this picture so I could get an idea of how much lead might be in there.

There's a little leading around the lands, but very-very little. I should be able to rub that right out of there.

The loads I'm shooting aren't weak sauce either, they are 4.6gr of Bullseye which is in the upper 800fps range. They are full power loads.

Here's some more 50ft targets fired with the TRP and Mike's 200gr SWC's.

floydster · October 15, 2008, 07:08 PM

Absolutely amazing, you should be shooting at Camp Perry.

Sturmgewehre · October 15, 2008, 07:13 PM

Ha, thanks... but I choke when in the face of true greatness (competitions). Put the targets out at 25 yards and there's some mental barrier I can't conquer. The groups open way up. So I shoot at 50 feet and pretend I'm a pro.

orionengnr · October 19, 2008, 09:23 AM

Just for clarity, aren't there two Master Cast bullet manufacturers in different states? And aren't they both run by guys named Mike?

Which one is it that we are talking about here?

ShootingNut · October 19, 2008, 09:36 AM

Yes there are, we have been referring to the Mike at
www.mastercastbullets.com
located in Carbondale, Ill.

orionengnr · October 19, 2008, 11:02 AM

Thank you!

45Marlin carbine · October 19, 2008, 01:08 PM

I ordered some .32acp slugs from Mike awhile back. they shoot as good as the Hi$$ Speer fmj's I was loading for my Beretta and very little clean-up. .32acp slugs are hard to find, lots of makers for .32 revolvers.
the .380acp slugs I bought also shoot great.
good slugs at a good price.

October 4, 2008, 03:59 PM	#1
Sturmgewehre Senior Member Join Date: December 12, 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 4,212	Review: Mastercast bullets I recently ordered 1,000 bullets from Mike at Mastercast ([email protected]) after chatting with him here on TFL. I was on the fence about ordering more bullets as I had just placed a large order with another vendor that I've used for years. But Mike shot me an estimate on the cost of the bullets and said "I'll just send them out to you, pay me when you get a chance". I thought, "what?"... I agreed. So the next day I sent him payment on his word that he mailed the bullets, which he did. They arrived this morning. I've been shooting and reloading for many years. I'm one of those types of guys that gets into a groove and I don't like changing things. I used to compete in Cowboy Action Shooting (William Six Gunn) and had settled on Laser Cast bullets way back in the 1990's. They served me well and I have always had good results with them. Lately I've been on the prowl to find lower cost bullets that are of the same or higher quality than the Laser Cast. My reason is that I'm trying to reduce the cost of shooting given the skyrocketing cost of ammo. I mostly shoot 1911's in .45 ACP so cost is on the upper end of the spectrum. I've tried local casters and haven't been too impressed with the consistency or quality of the bullets. Most use scrap lead with an unknown content so they vary in weight and hardness. With that inconsistency comes inconsistent performance with your "pet" loads. So, back to Mastercast bullets and Mike. I received my shipment of .45 ACP 200gr SWC bullets early this morning via USPS. I feel sorry for my poor mail lady, it had "32lbs!!!" written on the box by another postal employee. I took the box back to my loading room and began my inspection. First I weighed several bullets to find out how consistent they were in weight. They ranged from 200.7 to 201.3. That's pretty darn good. Next up I measure the diameter of several bullets, and every one of them was spot on at the advertised diameter of .452". As a nice touch, Mike included several samples of his other .45 ACP offerings. As you can see from the following picture, he has a nice selection of .45 bullets. After checking them out I decided to load up 300 rounds of my favorite load on my Dillon 650. 300 rounds only takes a couple of minutes on a 650, so I cranked them out pretty quickly so I could get to the range. I seat the bullets to an OAL of 1.250 and add a taper crimp of .470. Mike says to use a crimp of no more than .473-.474. I've always had good luck with the .470 setting, so I went with it. I seated the bullets on top of a 4.6gr charge of Bullseye powder. I use Winchester WLP pistol primers. Off I went to my local indoor range to fire some ammo out of my Springfield TRP at 50ft (about 17 yards). Now, I'll admit I'm not the worlds best shooter. I can hold my own, but I'm more of a steel plate shooter than I am a bullseye shooter. Here's a sample of the targets I shot today. All of my groups hovered around the 1"-1.3" range. I always fire 5 shot groups. I was shooting two handed slow fire at a standard 50ft NRA bullseye target. That's about the best I ever do, so the bullets certainly held their own. I would say they are capable of better accuracy than I am. I didn't see any signs of severe leading in the 300 rounds I fired. Everything checked out perfectly. At $80.52 shipped for 1,000 rounds of 200gr bullets I am impressed. I had my bullets in just 3 days after ordering them and they're every bit as good as the Laser Casts I've been shooting for over a decade. I can say with confidence I can recommend Mastercast bullets to those looking for low cost and high performance bullets. __________________ Visit my YouTube channel for reviews, tests and more. Ex Mea Sententia Last edited by Sturmgewehre; October 4, 2008 at 05:50 PM.

October 4, 2008, 07:42 PM	#3
WSM MAGNUM Senior Member Join Date: September 30, 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 750	There were discussions in the past about Mastercasts bullets, but someone has to bash him about his comments all the time. I buy his .45 200 grain SWC`s, and .45 225 grain TCFP`s. Both shoot great and I can an average of 1" groups at 50 feet. I posted pics on another thread using my Kimber TLE II. So far I found I get better groups using 5.0 grains of W231. I am going to try other loads to see if I find one more accurate. I`ll keep buying Mastercast as long as he stays in business. __________________ Henry - Life NRA Member, USCCA Shield Member If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?

October 4, 2008, 08:11 PM	#4
Sturmgewehre Senior Member Join Date: December 12, 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 4,212	I don't buy into a lot of the Internet drama stuff. I contacted Mike about his product and the man couldn't be more helpful and insightful about reloading and his products. He is passionate about his product, and I respect that. When you have something good, you want to tell people about it. He obviously puts his heart into making bullets. He's earned my business. __________________ Visit my YouTube channel for reviews, tests and more. Ex Mea Sententia

October 5, 2008, 05:52 AM	#5
ShootingNut Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,475	+1 for Mike Another extremely satisfied customer. I have received very personalized service, including phone calls just to talk about a feeding problem in my 1911. Yes, he does care about his customers. Am waiting for an order now, as some calibers were not available due to his recent health issues. Best regards, SN

October 5, 2008, 06:01 AM	#6
under_dawg Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 2007 Location: Cayce, SC Posts: 222	I have been using 158 gr rnfp Lasercast bullets for a couple of years in my .357 GP-100 with Trail Boss. The price (like everything else) is going past my comfort zone. Are Mike's lubed and ready to go just like Lasercast's bullets? Last edited by under_dawg; October 5, 2008 at 06:02 AM. Reason: added type of gun and powder

October 4, 2008, 06:17 PM	#2
0-16 Junior Member Join Date: July 12, 2008 Posts: 4	Great review. I am also shooting some of Mike's bullets in my STI. The first time I talked to him about his bullets and the problems I was having shooting 200swc that I had bought from a local dealer. Mike was very helpful and answered alot of questions I had about reloading. He offered to send me some 200rnfp bullets at no cost. Called him back and told him how pleased I was with the bullet. Ordered a 1000 200 rnfp and he also sent some of his 200 swc to try at no extra charge. I had a chance to shoot the swc this week. They worked well in my STI. The OAL was 1.250 with 5.1gr. of solo 1000. Mike makes a great bullet.

October 5, 2008, 07:15 AM	#7
ShootingNut Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,475	dawg Yes, they sure are, and I think you will be as pleased as I am with his products! Nice hard lead, very little to no leading of the barrel, with consistent (as we are) accuracy. Regards, SN

October 5, 2008, 10:02 AM	#8
Sturmgewehre Senior Member Join Date: December 12, 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 4,212	Yup, they're lubed and as ShootingNut mentioned, they are hard and don't lead your barrel. In this pic you can see the lube on the bullet. __________________ Visit my YouTube channel for reviews, tests and more. Ex Mea Sententia

October 5, 2008, 03:22 PM	#9
under_dawg Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 2007 Location: Cayce, SC Posts: 222	Looks like Mike's da man! I'm going to be giving him some business as soon as I run through the rest of my Lasercast. Everyone seems pleased with his product.

October 6, 2008, 11:00 AM	#10
crazylegs Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2004 Posts: 145	I've been buying his bullets for several years now. I've tried others in the past and there is absolutely no comparison. Mike's bullets are the best. I can tell the guy takes a lot of pride in his product. A+ bullets and proprietor. I do wish he'd refrain from comments about the competition or other posters. He's above that crap. Crazylegs

October 6, 2008, 05:55 PM	#11
ShootingNut Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,475	Crazy Why not tell it like you feel, Mike isn't some Yahoo talking out of his rear end, he does know what he is saying. Granted, it may sound a tad strong some times But, I like that about a person. That's why I enjoyed John McCain's speach today, tell it like it is. Regards, SN

October 6, 2008, 11:28 PM	#12
MASTERCAST.COM Junior member Join Date: December 16, 2007 Posts: 63	crazylegs Do you, are do you not, want someone to expose a substandard product? I have the intestinal fortitude to do that......most do not.

October 7, 2008, 11:06 AM	#13
floydster Senior Member Join Date: May 26, 2008 Posts: 472	Would someone define intestinal fortitude, I havn't heard that term in years. Is it something like having BALLS? Thanks,Floydster By the way, Mike, do you have any 124 gr. 9mm TCN's on hand?

October 7, 2008, 11:51 AM	#14
tomh1426 Senior Member Join Date: September 17, 2005 Location: Youngtown Arizona Posts: 1,135	That would be testicular fortitude. I have a Ruger Blackhawk thats never seen anything but Mikes bullets.

October 7, 2008, 01:30 PM	#15
noelf2 Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2008 Location: Stuart, VA Posts: 2,473	Means he has the guts to tell it like he see's it, no matter who takes offense. Some people like straight talk, some don't. Also means he doesn't have a future in politics, but hey, he sells bullets (better to know him than a politician anyway).....

October 7, 2008, 04:56 PM	#16
vytoland Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2008 Location: Illinois Posts: 614	Mastercast = Great Service, Great Products, Great Prices.

October 8, 2008, 05:55 AM	#17
ShootingNut Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,475	Vyto Plus, the Diplomatic advice that you can take or leave, depending on Your intestinal fortitude! SN

October 8, 2008, 08:50 AM	#18
Yoosta B. Blue Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2008 Location: Just a tad NE of the Alamo... Posts: 252	For those of you who are keeping score... Please put me in the WIN column when it comes to using Mike's bullets. I've ordered several times from him over the past year or so. He has been extremely helpful to me in lots of ways, which has included giving me tips and insights about reloading. You can be sure that I will continue to do business with him. In my humble (but accurate) opinion, Mike is ALREADY BACK from where lots of other vendors have not yet been. Yoosta B. Blue

October 15, 2008, 05:22 PM	#19
Sturmgewehre Senior Member Join Date: December 12, 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 4,212	UPDATE: So, I've finished firing the first 500 rounds of my 200gr SWC bullets. I am happy to report I have very little leading. The following picture was taken today after 500 rounds of not cleaning my Springfield TRP. I ran a bore snake through the bore once before taking this picture so I could get an idea of how much lead might be in there. There's a little leading around the lands, but very-very little. I should be able to rub that right out of there. The loads I'm shooting aren't weak sauce either, they are 4.6gr of Bullseye which is in the upper 800fps range. They are full power loads. Here's some more 50ft targets fired with the TRP and Mike's 200gr SWC's. __________________ Visit my YouTube channel for reviews, tests and more. Ex Mea Sententia

October 15, 2008, 07:08 PM	#20
floydster Senior Member Join Date: May 26, 2008 Posts: 472	Absolutely amazing, you should be shooting at Camp Perry.

October 15, 2008, 07:13 PM	#21
Sturmgewehre Senior Member Join Date: December 12, 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 4,212	Ha, thanks... but I choke when in the face of true greatness (competitions). Put the targets out at 25 yards and there's some mental barrier I can't conquer. The groups open way up. So I shoot at 50 feet and pretend I'm a pro. __________________ Visit my YouTube channel for reviews, tests and more. Ex Mea Sententia

October 19, 2008, 09:23 AM	#22
orionengnr Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2004 Posts: 5,173	Just for clarity, aren't there two Master Cast bullet manufacturers in different states? And aren't they both run by guys named Mike? Which one is it that we are talking about here?

October 19, 2008, 09:36 AM	#23
ShootingNut Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,475	Orion Yes there are, we have been referring to the Mike at www.mastercastbullets.com located in Carbondale, Ill.

October 19, 2008, 11:02 AM	#24
orionengnr Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2004 Posts: 5,173	Thank you!

October 19, 2008, 01:08 PM	#25
45Marlin carbine Junior member Join Date: January 26, 2007 Location: South-Western North Carolina Posts: 1,124	I ordered some .32acp slugs from Mike awhile back. they shoot as good as the Hi$$ Speer fmj's I was loading for my Beretta and very little clean-up. .32acp slugs are hard to find, lots of makers for .32 revolvers. the .380acp slugs I bought also shoot great. good slugs at a good price.