.177 Bob's boat tail slug - also .20 cal

[The_Hare]

How much interest would there be in a Bob's boat tail slug in .177? From tracking Bob's projects across the web, this caliber is the one with the greatest resistance from a production standpoint.  If Al at Noe molds could be convicted to attempt this mold and possible unforeseen problems with the end-user results, How many would be interested in playing on this gamble for possibly another caliber and mold option?

[Mr.P]

I’d be interested for sure.

[EdinGa]

I would, but only if it was a hollow point. I'd want it as light as possible.

[Wayne52]

I would

[Lion]

I’d be interested.

[Wayne52]

If NOE does build one it will probably have a very small sprue plate hole.

[Back_Roads]

Not sure a HP would be easy to cast. I have converted a NOE .172 - 26 gr. slug mold to a .177 18.5 gr. and it works great FIY

[rsterne]

There are a couple of options for making the new BBT's in .177 cal.... The shorter one would be 15-16 gr. and best in a 15-16" twist....



The longer one would be 20-21 gr. but would need about a 12" twist....



Since most would be unlikely to want to have to get a faster twist barrel, I would think the shorter one would have the bigger market.... If there is enough interest, I can send Al a dimensioned drawing and see what he says.... I would not foresee a problem with the form tool, as both the base and meplat are larger in diameter than the current .172 slugs.... Of course having somebody front the money for the tooling may speed things along, too.... Currently they only have sizing bushings from 0.170"-0.173", but extending the range up to 0.178" is relatively easy....

Bob

[Nvreloader]

Count me in also...........
I would like one mold in each weight.   
Don

[Spacebus]

How are the BBT's in choked barrels? It would give me a reason to hang onto my .177 PCP stuff.

[EdinGa]

The .217 30 gr shoots great in my Gamo Urban. It only pushes them around 630 fps but they don't seem to care. I shoot them as cast too. No sizing at all.

[Spacebus]

The .217 30 gr shoots great in my Gamo Urban. It only pushes them around 630 fps but they don't seem to care. I shoot them as cast too. No sizing at all.

What kind of groups at 25-50 yards? I'll have to keep an eye out for that mold in the future.

I could tune my Bandit back up to 15+ FPE with a long barrel, which should put one of those theoretical .177 BBTs at 700+ FPS. It would be nice to have a .177 gun that can handle wind better.

[EdinGa]

The .217 30 gr shoots great in my Gamo Urban. It only pushes them around 630 fps but they don't seem to care. I shoot them as cast too. No sizing at all.

What kind of groups at 25-50 yards? I'll have to keep an eye out for that mold in the future.

I could tune my Bandit back up to 15+ FPE with a long barrel, which should put one of those theoretical .177 BBTs at 700+ FPS. It would be nice to have a .177 gun that can handle wind better.

It's been awhile since I've shot them. My Urban had a leak and other guns have had my attention. Here's a video at 60 yards.

[brewbear]

I'd be interested too! And one in .20 would be great also!

[Wayne52]

I cast up a bunch of BBT's earlier today for my .45 cal AEA, they're monsters.

Now I just need to mount a scope on the gun and try them out.

[Greg_E]

No powder coat on those 457?

[Nvreloader]

+10 on the 20 cal, a sorely neglected caliber....
Don

[rsterne]

It may be neglected, but if we can't generate enough interest in .177 cal, I can't imagine Al being interested in making .20's.... LW barrels are 0.197" land and 0.203" groove with a 17.7" twist.... I would guess that other barrels are a bit smaller, LW are typically on the large size.... I could draw up a mold at 0.200" head and 0.202" rear band, does that sound about right?.... At that size the shorter slug would be 22-24 gr. and the LW twist rate should be perfect.... I would assume virtually nobody has a .20 with enough power for the longer slug?.... It would be 31-33 gr. and would need a 13-14" twist, and about 50-70 FPE....

Bob

[The_Hare]

Bob, I will front the money for tooling for the shorter slug (1.5) if interest in this project reaches the numbers that you feel justifies asking Al for yet another mold.
So, that would be $300 for tooling (correct me if I'm wrong) plus regular price for molds for me in this project.
I'm not sure if I have anything with the right twist, but I would like to see what could be done with this little slug.
 

[The_Hare]

Wayne52, those would make a satisfying thump!  😆