The Accurate Reloading Forums
Woodleigh monolithics
17 September 2009, 16:22
ConWoodleigh monolithics
Well bugger me ... advertisment from Woodleigh in a local magazine has a new monolithic and is saying they are 'hydrostatically stabilised bullets'.
Available in 308 (180gr), 338 (225gr), 375 (300gr), 416 (400gr), 458 (480gr), 470 (500gr), 510 (570) and 505 (525). Plus two VLDs for 50BMG (700gr) and 55Boys (0.550" dia at 650gr).
Claims: Hold a truer course than RN solids, clean entry and ragged exit, copper alloy with driving bands, safe in older rifles, negative is may not feed as well from some bolt guns.
Bugger me, it looks like a 300Savage case was used in the design with a short neck that is heavily scalloped. Very odd looking.
Cheers...
Con
17 September 2009, 16:38
jro45Monolithics by A-square thats my solids for my 458 Lott.
Theses Woodleigh Monolithics are something new aren't they? What is the cost for a box of 50?
17 September 2009, 17:19
Conquote:
Originally posted by jro45:
Monolithics by A-square thats my solids for my 458 Lott.
Theses Woodleigh Monolithics are something new aren't they? What is the cost for a box of 50?
No idea on cost ... I'll ring next week and ask. Shape is very strange though ... like a beer bottle with only 1/4 of the neck.
Cheers...
Con
17 September 2009, 18:53
IanDDo they ship to Canada? lol
18 September 2009, 06:05
RIPCon,
Bullets shaped like stubbies instead of longnecks?
Scan the magazine ad and post it?
18 September 2009, 09:06
Blake 70Looked on their web site and there was nothing. Please show us all.
Blake
18 September 2009, 15:34
WillYeah, ya can't drop bombs and then not post a pic.
-------------------------------
Will / Once you've been amongst them, there is no such thing as too much gun.
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and, God Bless John Wayne. NRA Benefactor, GOA, NAGR
_________________________
"Elephant and Elephant Guns" $99 shipped.
“Hunting Africa's Dangerous Game" $20 shipped.
red.dirt.elephant@gmail.com
_________________________
If anything be of note, let it be he was once an elephant hunter, hoping to wind up where elephant hunters go.
20 September 2009, 03:34
ConThe advertisement:
Source: Guns & Game, Oct-Dec 2009 Number 64, page 36.
Cheers...
Con
20 September 2009, 05:20
RIPCon,
Thanks.
That helps a lot.
They are like a cross between an S&H Brass VeloHexploder and a North Fork Cup Point made of brass,
with the multi-cannelured (grooved) structure of a "Barnes Banded" solid.
Some recovered bullets (from animal flesh) would be interesting to see.
Does the cup on the "bottle-mouth" expand much?
Made of "soft" brass.
They could be called "hollowpoints" and used as "softs" where the law prohibits solid bullet use,
though would perform more like solids?
That 650-grain .550-caliber VLD for the .55 Boys will be an excellent target bullet for the Neal Shirley's .550 Magnum.

The 700-grain .510-caliber VLD is a perfect refinement of 50 BMG Blacktip AP milsurp bullets for target use.
570-grain .510 "Stubbie" will be a great game-getter.

20 September 2009, 06:00
ConRIP,
I'll be calling tomorrow to enquire about price and availability.
I just need to lock the VISA card away first and forget where I put it as I'm tempted to grab some 0.458" and see how they fit/feed/shoot through the 458AccRel.
Cheers...
Con
21 September 2009, 05:36
ConOkay, just got off the phone ... here's what they haven't said.
These are hot off the press and they're still gearing up. Limited availability at the moment and price is just being finalised. Will be sold per 10 or per 20 as they're very aware of feeding issues particularly in tapered cases. They don't want you to buy x100 and find they don't feed! They are longer than standard ... and being aware of issues with 458WMs ... there's a 450gr also available that hasn't been listed.
They are not designed to expand in any way shape or form, but bone may show some damage to them.
I'm awaiting a price to grab some 450gr for the 458AccRel.
Cheers...
Con
21 September 2009, 17:57
jro45They sure aren't shaped like a solid. Most solids I've seen Are RN for max. penatration.
21 September 2009, 18:01
jro45[QUOTE]Originally posted by jro45:
They sure aren't shaped like a solid. Most solids I've seen Are RN for max. penatration.
I would guess that they would penatrat ok tho.
21 September 2009, 18:03
jro45[QUOTE]Originally posted by jro45:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by jro45:
They sure aren't shaped like a solid. Most solids I've seen Are RN for max. penatration.
I would guess that they would penatrat ok tho.
seeings how they would be tested at the factury.
21 September 2009, 21:44
Express_Riflesquote:
They sure aren't shaped like a solid. Most solids I've seen Are RN for max. penatration.
Do you even know what your talking about???
21 September 2009, 22:13
boom stickIiiiiiiiiiiiinteresting...
21 September 2009, 22:15
boom stickSeems like a good thread to talk about the twist rates for these bullets

21 September 2009, 22:24
Express_RiflesJro must be related to shootaway has to be with the post he makes
22 September 2009, 01:24
ConThe 450gr 45cal pills will be ready to ship in about 2 weeks ... I've advance ordered 30 at about AUD$2.80 each. Regarding twist ... I never asked ... but I'd be super surprised if they didn't take 'traditional' twist rates into account especially with the doubles. But they are accutely aware about length and powder space issues, likewise feeding issues particularly with tapered cases (30/06 was mentioned).
Give me 3 weeks and I'll have some loaded and put through some phone-books and water jugs.

Cheers...
Con
22 September 2009, 16:43
jro45I know what I'm talking about. I've been to Africa, N Carolina 3 times, Canada 3 times, and alabama 2 times. I know what a solid looks like.
Those Woodleigh Monolithics do not look like a solid. I never said they wouldn't peform like a solid, thats to be seen.
22 September 2009, 20:53
Express_Riflesquote:
know what I'm talking about. I've been to Africa, N Carolina 3 times, Canada 3 times, and alabama 2 times. I know what a solid looks like.
Those Woodleigh Monolithics do not look like a solid. I never said they wouldn't peform like a solid, thats to be seen.
You sadly do not know what your talking about you said in another thread that the 458 winchester would not penetrate the skull of an elephant
23 September 2009, 03:25
Macifejquote:
N Carolina 3 times, Canada 3 times, and alabama 2 times
That's some exotic travel - no joke!!

23 September 2009, 03:32
Express_Rifles
23 September 2009, 03:37
500Nquote:
Originally posted by Con:
The 450gr 45cal pills will be ready to ship in about 2 weeks ... I've advance ordered 30 at about AUD$2.80 each. Regarding twist ... I never asked ... but I'd be super surprised if they didn't take 'traditional' twist rates into account especially with the doubles. But they are accutely aware about length and powder space issues, likewise feeding issues particularly with tapered cases (30/06 was mentioned).
Give me 3 weeks and I'll have some loaded and put through some phone-books and water jugs.

Cheers...
Con
All the testing was done out of standard rifles.
I carried one in 375H&H last year for 2 weeks waiting for a shot to materialise but no Buffalo would stand facing me or end on so I didn't get to shoot it.
Reason I was told for wanting an end to end shot
was penetration was excellent and to get 100% chance of a recovery it needed to be end to end.
23 September 2009, 15:59
Conquote:
Originally posted by 500N:
I carried one in 375H&H last year for 2 weeks waiting for a shot to materialise but no Buffalo would stand facing me or end on so I didn't get to shoot it.
500N,
Smart buff!
Do you know who has developed them? Seems that Woodleigh isn't the creator. I'll talk with Geoff in a few weeks, but interested in whether Woodleigh is making or just on-selling.
Cheers...
Con
23 September 2009, 16:27
JohnDLThey look like a cross between Norbert's superpenetrator and North Fork's cupped solid.
I bet they work well.
23 September 2009, 17:27
500Nquote:
Originally posted by Con:
quote:
Originally posted by 500N:
I carried one in 375H&H last year for 2 weeks waiting for a shot to materialise but no Buffalo would stand facing me or end on so I didn't get to shoot it.
500N,
Smart buff!
Do you know who has developed them? Seems that Woodleigh isn't the creator. I'll talk with Geoff in a few weeks, but interested in whether Woodleigh is making or just on-selling.
Cheers...
Con
Con
The buff still died - just with another type of bullet !!!
No, don't know who designed them, I have met him. I think Woodleigh are making them
but don't hold me to that as I am not 100% certain on this one.
22 October 2009, 02:46
ConPictures of the Woodleigh monolithics:
Just adding ... what is pictured above is a 45/70 case, 450gr mono, 400gr mono, 500gr WoodleighRN, 405gr Bulletfactory (a locally produced budget projectile), 400gr Woodleigh PP and a 308Win case.
Cheers...
Con
22 October 2009, 03:05
AndyLooks like Geoff may have been lurking in the background on some of our discussions about penetration of FMJ's and TCFN solids?
Andy
22 October 2009, 04:02
ConAndy,
Actually ... no. Woodleigh is marketing only, they've been developed by others with a history in metallurgy. Specifically coring holes through metal ... hence the shape of the nose which is used I believe in boring solid metal with mandrels under high pressure. From an Australian forum, it seems there's about 10 years worth of experimenting behind these, plus another experimental with steel nose piece. They've been tested on Asiatic buffalo from 375Win to 378Weatherby, 30/06 etc and are reportedly penetrating extremely well and in straight lines. Speed seems to add to their effect. The maker is working on more including some 35cal pills, and their range is more extensive than what Woodleigh had advertised ... in 45cal only 500gr is advertised where the picture shows a 450gr and 400gr which are available on request. maker tells me that he's used a 338Winmag with 225gr on large soft skinned game and they kill much better than a traditional FMJ in that there is more 'on game effect'. I notice on the advertising literature sent that Trademark and patents are pending.
Cheers...
Con
22 October 2009, 04:57
Norbertquote:
Originally posted by JohnDL:
They look like a cross between Norbert's superpenetrator and North Fork's cupped solid.
I bet they work well.
de facto it is the straight line penetration mechanism described by Norbert. The little cup is not essential, but the sharp ring at the front with a reduced diameter. The cavitation bubble idea is introduced in 1999. I doubt the "hydrostatic" stabilisation, these bullets will not stabilized fired from a smooth bore.
24 October 2009, 22:02
Bill CInteresting design, I guess time will tell if they work or not, and in what circumstances.
But for certain the look on the PH's face when you show up for your Duggerboy Caped Baffaloo hunt with these handloaded babies would be priceless!

25 October 2009, 02:13
500Nquote:
Originally posted by Bill C:
Interesting design, I guess time will tell if they work or not, and in what circumstances.
But for certain the look on the PH's face when you show up for your Duggerboy Caped Baffaloo hunt with these handloaded babies would be priceless!
That's a pessimistic view. Some people in this world do actually test things
before putting them on the market to make sure they work.
25 October 2009, 03:38
Bill Cquote:
That's a pessimistic view. Some people in this world do actually test things
before putting them on the market to make sure they work.
Sorry, you missed the humor. I like Woodleigh's and use them. However, it will be some time before the pro's in Africa get experience with these, and in my experience are skeptical of anything new. And these are far from conventional, noting I am referring to the larger calibers and dangerous game like elephant and buffalo, and on bone. Hey, I am optimistic, and look fwd to loading some up.
25 October 2009, 14:42
ConThey've already been to Africa and tested there as well as in Oz.
Cheers...
Con
27 October 2009, 18:05
jro45If they have been checked out and proven then they will sell but I don't want any. I rather shoot the RN solid And as far as the 458 Win It can kill an Elphant it just takes a couple shots.
28 October 2009, 15:36
fox hatI will start this post by saying that I am involved in the design and manufacture of these projectiles. They are being sold and distributed by Woodleigh and Geoff has spent a great deal of time in trialling and testing to get these to market.
We now have international design registrations and patents pending and also have a few prominent authors testing them.
The following is pretty much as posted on an Aussie forum.
A mate and I started using these hydrostatics at the start of this year to try on Sambar. They are claimed to kill as quickly as soft nose bullets but bust through brush far better and kept their line when hitting them on the run through thick cover.
So far this year we have nailed three sambar with them and have been surprised at how well they knock the deer right off their feet when hit with a .338. The other surprise was the extent of tissue damage they created.
IN Late September some mates and I had the opportunity to go to the Territory to shoot buffalo. The guy we were meeting in the Territory had already used them with good results and suggested we get hold of some and try them out. In all we shot 8 buffs including 3 good sized bulls. We where using a 30/06,375 Win Big Bore,378 Wheatherby and a 500 Jeffery.
All calibres performed extremely well and gave full penetration with a large amount of internal damage.
A large bull was was hit through the boss of the horn with the 375 and the bullet exited the back of the skull, re entered through the neck, clipped and damaged the spine, then went on to be recovered in the rear hip. After all this the bullet travelled in a straight line and the buff went down. The load was a 235gn hydrostatic at 1800fps.
http://i275.photobucket.com/al...fox-hat/IMG_3230.jpgAnother large cow was hit quartering on in the ball of the shoulder with the 500. The shoulder was literally pulverized. Again the bullet went on to penetrate the pouch full of grass, break the rear hip and we recovered it 6" in dirt behind the animal. This load was a 570gn hydrostatic at 2300fps
Shoulder
http://i275.photobucket.com/al...fox-hat/IMG_3214.jpgHip
http://i275.photobucket.com/al...fox-hat/IMG_3222.jpgWe had the 378 loaded with 300gn hydrostatics at 2930fps to really give the bullets a work out. When the buffs were hit they did not move too far. Unfortunately we could not get any recoveries inside an animal but we did get one from a finishing shot that we retrieved from the ground using a metal detector. The bullet was in good condition.
Recovered 378 with heart
http://i275.photobucket.com/al...fox-hat/IMG_3264.jpgThree animals were downed using the 30/06 with a 180gn hydro at 2640fps. Again all bullets travelled in straight line and caused a lot of damage along the way. The bullets really made the 06 a serious buffalo gun.
http://i275.photobucket.com/al...fox-hat/IMG_3251.jpgFeel free to ask qusetions about these.
We went to fair bit of trouble with recoveries and photos as this info will be passed onto Woodleigh for advertising.
Cheers, Frank.
28 October 2009, 16:17
ConWelcome aboard Frank!

On another forum you mentioned that they seem to cut a path as wide as a regular soft ... care to elaborate? It's this quality that particularly interests me! If they'll do as much damage as say a Barnes X on soft skinned game ... and penetrate from any angle, then I can make use of them on Sambar ... particularly in the bushfire regrowth where trees jump into my bullets path.

Cheers...
Con
28 October 2009, 16:38
Whitworthquote:
Originally posted by jro45:
They sure aren't shaped like a solid. Most solids I've seen Are RN for max. penatration.
Surely you meant flat-nosed for maximimum penetration........
"Ignorance you can correct, you can't fix stupid." JWP
If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming.
Semper Fidelis
"Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time"
28 October 2009, 17:06
jro45I'm not against a flat nose bullet or round nose
bullet. Those pointed bullets is what I would
not use For big. And thats what I thoght you
were talking about.