Gents,

Any knowledge of future plans by NorthFork to make flat solids/cup point solids for the .585/.620 crowd...? I know we have the CEB's, and I'm grateful for it...would be nice to have a NorthFork selection, however.

Michael458, what say you...?

Respects,

Phill

quote:

Michael458, what say you...?

Phill

Am I that Predictable? I mean, just post something about a bullet, and I magically show up without any prior knowledge? HEH HEH.........

Bullets! Yep, I have this thing about bullets I suppose! You know, the bullet does all the heavy lifting, all the work, and sometimes gets none of the credit! Shame!

Anyhow, your question!

North Fork and .585s and .620s. Well I have no knowledge of any future plans for these calibers. I would think it would not be an issue, but maybe it's supply and demand. I think there are a lot of folks walking around with 458s, and not so many walking around with 585s and 620s. I have not pushed North Fork for 585s or 620s, as I don't have one of either caliber.

I tell you this however, I bet if you really wanted some, and would also make a commitment for 5 boxes or so, you could get some! Ya see, ya gotta commit as well on something like that to make it happen. It's expensive for the boys to set up to run a box or two, and then have many of them set on the shelves for a long time as well. Make a commitment, and I bet you can lay hands on them. It's the reason we now have .500s and an entire new selection of .474s from North Fork, but I had to make a commitment to get them there, but of course I too had a personal interest in those two calibers!

Michael

Michael,

I thought that might be the answer, but it seemed prudent to ask your opinion first, as you are quite familiar with the company.

I will contact them and see what they say...thanks for the bubbling cauldron and the pointy hat...

Respects,

Phill

Might be able to put together a group order. I would bet most of the owners of rifles in these calibers are members of this site. (or they've already been institutionalized!!!!)

quote:

Originally posted by Biebs:
Might be able to put together a group order. I would bet most of the owners of rifles in these calibers are members of this site. (or they've already been institutionalized!!!!)

Excellent point Biebs, and it has been done many times before just that way.

Phill

Hey man, no thanks needed. But you are welcome anyway, wish I could have or would have had something better for you!

And one more point I wanted to add, the boys at North Fork are first class and good to work with. They will do you right and get good product to you!

M

Michael,

What you said makes sense, and is in line with your regular course of reason, which is what makes you so respected (sans your great ideas on bullets, ballistics, and, oh yeah, those rifle things...)

Respects,

Phill

Michael,

BTW, I am extremely impressed with the 500 MDM, and have to keep "Talking myself out of wanting/getting one built"...stupid, I know.

Can you sell me on one when compared to, say, a 500 MBOGO...? Also, I, like Rob, am a 26" barrel guy, though it is not an absolute...anyone have a 500 MDM built with a 26" barrel...?

Respects,

Phill

Phill

Thanks for the kind words--I will endeavor to live up to them!

500 MDM! Yes, it exceeded, far exceeded anything I thought it would be capable of. It's a fine deal if put on a Winchester M70. That was the goal I had with it, big 2.8 inch case, .500 caliber, true .500, .510 would not work proper or easy, on a M70. I have run that 500 BBW#13 out of it at 2600 fps in 21 inches of barrel, under max pressures, 450 North Forks at 2750 fps, and even the 375 North Forks at over 3000 fps, all under max pressures.

BUT--Big But--If you have to have Head Stamped brass, don't count on it. Neither Quality nor Horneber can get it right-so there is no head stamped brass for 500 MDM, not that will work proper anyway. I have resigned myself to marking the barrels 375RUM/500MDM. I think that will have to work. I don't see brass in the future for it.

It is also somewhat of a bitch to handload, must really be a spiffy loader and on top of it. I have really suffered some CRAP going from one keg of powder to the next, even in the same lot# with the 500MDM. All the load data I have done for the 500 MDM with RL 10X is now bad data, and would actually be WAY OVER PRESSURE. Every keg of RL10X from that load data has been more volatile, even though it is in the same lot#. So I have to drop RL10X from the data and start some new data with it soon.

With the BBW#13 550 gr bullets I did for the 500 MDM it runs them at 2250 fps under max pressure. So not bad, exceeds my goals there as well.

Honestly, today I would much rather see someone build a 50 B&M, it is just such an easy cartridge to work with, rifles are so easy to work with, never puts up a fuss about powders, nothing. Still plenty of punch with that same 500 BBW#13 at 2150 fps, it gets the job done, burns through elephants, hippo, and buffalo like butter. I never run the 500 MDM past 2400 fps anyway. Just no need for it.

26 inch barrel? Good Lord man--that's a club! HEH... No, never been one longer than 21 inches, all new ones now are 20 inches. Going the other direction!

Thanks Phill!

Michael

I seem to recollect a statement attributed to the late Fred Wells “that anything longer than a 19” barrel in the .505 Gibbs Magnum was wasted”…so if this statement is correct it is doubtful that anything longer is needed for similar cartridges…other than perhaps length as necessary for the visual balance of the rifle for a long LOP.

Capoward,

I would agree with the ballistics evidence for the .500's/.510's and would not argue with Fred Wells. That being said, I do know of at least one cartridge that requires those extra inches, out to 26, to reach its full potential...the 600 OK. I read enough about the ballistics to know that cartridge loves long barrels, and, even if I had not, I would also not argue with Rob on the point.

Respects,

Phill

Phill and Capo

While I think very well of, Fred, and my big 510 is a 510 Wells. I really don't quite buy into that completely!

WAIT WAIT--Yes, it really is me. But full potential, and what is enough, or practical are two totally different things. I think any and all cartridges will benefit with extra barrel, up to a point. I am sure the 500 MDM would jump with a 24 inch barrel, but I am not going to have such nor carry such, and that is way in the wrong direction for me. A few 100 fps as opposed to weight and overall length is not worth it to me. In fact, I don't care to loose some more velocity in it by dropping to 19 inches as well. It still has way more than enough to do anything I ever want to do. I'd loose the weight and the much hated length easy!

Practical length, maybe that's the term! Full potential--well yes, longer is more in every department, except for, portability!

Michael

Michael,

Yeah, I've been following your posts on terminal performance, your updates on your website, and your recent brass and primer problems...that all sucks, and I am sorry that you have to go back to the start with some of your excellent ballistics work on the 500 MDM.

I appreciate your honesty and forthright manner regarding our discussion, though it does not surprise me in the least that you would take such an approach with your AR brothers, even us newbies.

My respects,

Phill

Phill

I guess there are two (2) Phills now!

quote:

Originally posted by WHITE HUNTER BLACK HEART:
Michael,

Yeah, I've been following your posts on terminal performance, your updates on your website, and your recent brass and primer problems...that all sucks, and I am sorry that you have to go back to the start with some of your excellent ballistics work on the 500 MDM.

I appreciate your honesty and forthright manner regarding our discussion, though it does not surprise me in the least that you would take such an approach with your AR brothers, even us newbies.

My respects,

Phill

Phill

OK, not sure which Phill is Which, but at least both are spelled the same!


HEH.,...

A fellow leaves life with but just a few things, it would be nice to be remembered as one who always does ones best to tell things as they are, tell the truth, to be honest and forthright, to treat folks the way you would like to be treated, and to crush your enemies quickly, and to give no quarter in doing so, and to fight evil where you find it! LOL........ HEH....

Or something like that!

Thanks for the kind words! Will always try and live up to that!

Michael

Phil,

Michael is correct. We would to entertain the thought of those calibers, it is just that there is not many of them out there to make it worth our while on our own. As Michael said, an investment on your end, then the talks can begin. We just don't like to create bullets that take up space on the shelf and will never sell again.

Please let us know how we can help you in your efforts. We have the ability to design the bullet(s), send you 3D representations of them, and give a calculation of its performance. If a bonded soft point is wanted, then the cost is higher due to the need to create dies, tooling, etc. but it can be done and quite easily.

Just ask Michael, we don't come cheaply, but we stand behind any product we make. Just as the large manufacturers for a custom bullet and you will get no answer.

Regards,
North Fork
www.northforkbullets.com
(541) 929-4016

NorthFork,

My compliments...I appreciate your upfront explanation and commitment to your customers. If I can put together a small consortium of individuals who regularly hunt and or shoot with the big .585's and .600's, I will contact you with the proposal.

Again, my thanks for your assistance, and your professional attitude regarding my inquiry.

Respectfully Submitted,

Phill

i have shot enough north forks into game,partically the great cup points, that i am sure if they ever make 600 or whatever it would be excellent in evert respect.

i would be content to hunt any of the big 5 with a cuppoint in my 404, 416 or whatever, maybe not ideal for brain shots on elephant, but would work great on body shots.

butch searcy really likes the north fork flat nose solid on elephant, with brain shots..