I have some BELL .404 Jeffery formed cases that I purchased for my 450 Ultra Magnum. These cases feel a bit heavier/stouter than my necked up .375 Ultra Mag cases. The Bell .404 cases have no head stamp. I was wondering what story was behind the BELL .404 formed cases. Maybe a bit of history? Any experience as to quality compared to my necked up Remington .375 Ultra brass.

Thank you,

BELL cases are generally very good quality and
often has thick brass, webbing and walls.

BELL was Jim Bells company that started making Brass for old English calibres when no one else was. Based in Boulder, Nevada I think. Jim Bell was one of the 3 people who came up with the 700 Nitro - he made the Brass, Geoff McDonald from Woodleigh made the bullets and H&H made the gun).

BELL was sold to another company, not sure who and they moved to the East coast to make Gov't contract ammo incl 40mm Grenades.

However some new brass was made under the BeLL name (not he difference in the name, small "e").

I wouldn't know how it compares to Rem Ultra Brass but someone on here will probably know.

Hope that helps.

.

Sold to Marc Jamison, in sd. Not east coast

Perhaps I read this wrong. Bell left civilian brass to make govnmert brass. Mast is the name brand

The last 416Rigby brass I have is headstamped BeLL 416 Rigby and the boxes are marked Mast Technology ,Inc.- 4350 S. Arville, #3 Las Vegas,Nv 89103 - (702)362-5043 Purchased quite a few years ago. Have never had any problems with any of it. Most has been loaded several times.

quote:

Originally posted by jeffeosso:
Sold to Marc Jamison, in sd. Not east coast

Perhaps I read this wrong. Bell left civilian brass to make govnmert brass. Mast is the name brand

Jeff,

Thanks for that, didn't know who he sold it to.

Yes, left to make Gov't Brass / Ammo - far more profitable !!!

Mast Technology was the company as has been said. Bell was the brand.

.

Jim Bell original brass was marked B.E.L.L. Brass.
When Mast bought his machinery he licensed Mast to make B.e.L.L. with small "e" head stamp.

Before the Jamison purchase the last runs were apparently for Pasa Robles Rigby. The name "Rigby" is on the head stamp in addition to the caliber stamp.

It is all very good brass. I can not speak to the quality of Jamison's versions.

I have one box of Bell 404 cases. They are a tiny bit thicker than the Norma but my loads don;t seem to be changed much. I don't load to max though & using IMR4831.