Mesa Winds Cartridge Formers

[Tim Shaner]

This is Tim @ Mesa Winds. I thought I'd take a moment to share.

I was looking for a way to make period correct cartridges and found the Manley former. Cliff had passed by then and no one was making a former. I decided to make my own and using his basic idea, designed my line of formers. This was about 3 years ago or so.

My first ones were simple 3D printed affairs, but I didn't like the weight or quality. Same with my wood prototypes. I decided on machined aluminum for the weight and precision I could achieve. My formers are made in Kansas, USA.

There have been several revisions to the initial design, and I make specific formers for every caliber - 44, 36, 31 and the 44 Walker. I was the first to make one for the Walker.

My formers are made to order, although I'm really trying to stock the common calibers as I get time.

My first versions were sold with the machine finish. My current line is available in an anodized finish and laser engraved with the caliber, type and even a client's personal message if desired.

The formers are made to maximize powder charge and each has been custom designed for a particular gun / projectile combination. I spend a lot of time developing and testing. Still do actually..

Since my first formers, I've started making templates to allow you to cut the paper and now include a cut guide on the former itself as well.

You can learn more about me and my formers on my Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/mesawindsbpa or my website at http://www,mesawinds.net

Thanks for everyone's support and PLEASE reach out to me with ideas, feedback, etc. I'm in this thing because I'm passionate about the sport and want to provide the best I can for you all.
View attachment 1000574 View attachment 1000574

 

[hrt4me]

hi Tim, I would like to order some

 

[44 Dave]

Tim,
Am using Manly formers with curling papers. I find that when I get a good tight wrap sometimes the bottom wants to suck in. I drilled a small vent hole through the mandrel to brake the vacuum.

 

[DocRock]

Always nice to see a vendor engage with the buying public on their products. Welcome to THR.

 

[windini]

http://www,mesawinds.net

Hey Tim,

Thanks for the post & your formers look great!

I don't do facebeak, so I tried your website - Heads up! your link has a comma instead of a period at the end of the www. So the link didn't work, but I got to your site easily when I changed it in my search bar.

 

[Bibbyman]

Try making the mandrel into a funnel.

I've made a few hundred with just a plastic funnel from Harbor Freight. As I formed the cartridge, I would brake it lose from the funnel and set the funnel/former in a cartridge box and dump in the powder. Then pull the funnel/former out leaving the cartridge charged.

 

[woodnbow]

HTTPS://www.mesawinds.net

 

[Malachi Leviticus Blue]

HTTPS://www.mesawinds.net
Gets me the following error
"The owner of www.mesawinds.net has configured their website improperly. To protect your information from being stolen, Firefox has not connected to this website."

www.mesawinds.net
Did work though

 

[whughett]

Question? I’ve purchased the one for the ROA. Is it intended for the .457 Round Ball.

 

[44 Dave]

Is it intended for the .457 Round Ball.

I am using an older former, but these are tapered so the higher up the larger they get. Eras Gone J&D is about .459 at the driving band. I very the paper length for different powder and bullet combinations.

 

[whughett]

I am using an older former, but these are tapered so the higher up the larger they get. Eras Gone J&D is about .459 at the driving band. I very the paper length for different powder and bullet combinations.

Thanks 44Dave, The question pertains to the inside diameter of the former at the mouth. It occurs to me just to go out in the garage get the former and use the dial calipers to measure the mouth.
My ongoing problem with both the Mesa and others is that with a round ball I don’t get as firm a finished cartridge as I’d like. They load and shoot well it’s just looks.
I do have both the Eras Gone J&D molds but haven’t tried them yet. I just prefer round-balls for accuracy and simplicity in loading.

 

[44 Dave]

For some I add card stock shims (card stock punch outs) to the bottom with tape over the bottom to keep them in. This will let you press the ball tighter on the powder, but give only a slighter larger bottom diameter.