Problems With Mastercast in Illinois??

[john16443]

I spoke to Mike of Mastercast bullets in Carbondale, IL on May 31st to place a bullet order. Provided all the information, verified he had items in stock, then nothing. No responses to emails or phone calls over the past week +. Anybody else order around this time frame and having similar problems? This was my first order with him, would like it to be successful.

 

[capreppy]

I know that Mike's business has been hit hard because of the flooding and rain in the area. His internet has gone out on a couple of occassions. He has returned phone calls, but in the early evening. He has been in the shop trying to catch up due to the down time.

I've ordered with him a few times, but these last 2 months have been a challenge for him (as it would be for just about anyone that lives in that area). Give him time and he'll get back to you. I normally try to give him a call around 6pm and if he is done for the day in the shop, he'll pickup. He had a 100k bullet order a couple weeks back and I'm sure that did not help his backlog.

He has also been pretty busy getting his additional casting machine up and running. Not sure where he is on that, but obviously that will help significantly with any backlog and hopefully allow him some breathing room of which right now, I suspect he doesn't have much of.

 

[john16443]

Mike called me this morning and told me my order will go out today. He's been tied up in an old matter from many years ago that took him out of town for over a week. Was VERY apologetic. I appreciated his calling me back and let him know it's OK. He also indicated that the weather wasn't helping things either. Looking forward to receipt of my first 1000 of his 14BHN 200 SWC's.

 

[capreppy]

I think you'll be pretty impressed with his 14BHN 200 SWC's. That is ALL I shoot now out of my SA XDm 45 ACP. I have zero leading and it is damn accurate. It being cheap as all get out is just icing on the cake.

 

[GilaMonster]

I have had good luck and good service from Mike over the past 3 years...ordering loaded ammo from my supplied brass.

I am now about to send an order for cast bullets, as I have begun reloading my own.

my only complaint: I sent almost 1,000 rounds of brass separated by .38 special and .38 +P headstamps, with an order for an equivalent number of regular .38s, and some +P.

I got back ammo with mixed headstamps! In the past, regular .38s have been in +P cases, which I did not mind so much.

But this time I got, in the +P boxes, loaded ammo with regular .38 headstamps. I have to be very careful storing and handling that ammo, as I have an old S&W Model 36 in which I would be fearful of shooting +P ammo.

In considered calling to complain about the mixed headstamps, but figured I probably would get the woman on the phone, and she can be downright unpleasant to talk to. So I just let it go...

Other than that, I have been very happy with their service and products.

 

[john16443]

I think you'll be pretty impressed with his 14BHN 200 SWC's. That is ALL I shoot now out of my SA XDm 45 ACP. I have zero leading and it is damn accurate. It being cheap as all get out is just icing on the cake.

Glad to hear of your success with this bullet. As this will be one of my first forays into lead, do you have a pet load with this bullet? I'm thinking of starting with 5.0 grains of W231, but would be interested in other good loads for Bullseye, Titegroup, and WST as well if you're using one of these powders.

Thanks;
John

 

[capreppy]

5.0gr of HP-38/W231 @ 1.25 OAL is my pet load. I don't use any other powder so can't provide you any additional data points. However, if you search for 200 LSWC, you'll find a few other recommendations.

 

[mbopp]

I got 500 45 230gr bullets to try from Mike, it took just a week for them to be delivered.
Yes, 5.0gr of 231 & 200 SWC is a sweet load. I can run 3.8gr of Bullseye behind a cast 200 SWC for an accurate, mild load that still cycles my Springfield. 4.5gr of Bullseye works well also but 231 gives me slightly better groups at 25 yards.
After I use up my Bullseye, 231 will be my go to powder for 45 and mild 357 loads.

 

[Super.45]

Mike makes good bullets. I use several of his .38s, 9mms and .45s
He always comes thru.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I have shot a lot of Mike's bullets and I like them A LOT. Everything I've bought from him is very accurate. It's well worth the occasional wait IMO. It's been a while since I ordered from him because I try different casters. (like Tennessee Valley Bullets and Missouri Bullets)

 

[GrayDog]

I ordered some bullets from Mike on the 9th and they were here on the 18th. For some reason the delivery confirmation hasn't shown up on his computer yet, so he called me this morning to be sure they were delivered and not damaged. I've never had anyone do that before, ever. Made a loyal customer out of me. Good products, great service.

 

[0to60]

I've emailed this guy and called and left messages, but he won't respond. I wanted to throw some business his way, but I'm not gonna chase after him. MBC it is...

 

[sig2009]

I emailed Mike this afternoon and got a response a couple hours later!

 

[sig2009]

5.5gn 231 with 200gn lswc does it for me!