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Thread: Tony Bagdon's N-SSA bullet development info.

  1. #1
    Kevin Tinny is offline
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    Tony Bagdon's N-SSA bullet development info.

    Hello:

    I use Tony's design in both 54 and 58. I have spoken with John Dewald about his part in base plug tests and am interested in any other information that might be available about what Tony and "JB" Hodgdon went through regarding stability and accuracy.

    So, if anyone can please share details or point me to sources, it would be helpful. Thanks.

    Respectfully,
    Kevin Tinny

  2. #2
    Jim Brady Knap's Battery is offline
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    I always thought that Chris Johnson was the first one in the design of this mold. After Chris moved to Fla. and then died Tony picked it up ran with it. It was a long time ago, back in the 70's, but that has always stuck in my mind. But then I may be mistaken.
    Jim Brady
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    CUM CATAPULTAE PROSCRIBEANTUR TUM SOLI PROSCRIPTI CATAPULTAS HABEANT

  3. #3
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    I would like to know more about the history of the "hogdgon" bullet also!

    Steve

  4. #4
    Kevin Tinny is offline
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    Thanks, Jim:

    Helpful info. Am going to contact JB Hodgdon, who I have been told worked closely with Tony on at least the 58, first, and then the 54.

    A couple people that provided machining and and other support to Tony during his work indicate that they believe Tony kept notes on the "thousands of test shots", but their whereabouts are unknown.

    Others have shared bits & pieces, such as Tony going through at least 20 different base cavity versions to resolve frustrating stability issues, and that Lyman would not produce the mold with anything other than their usual 1/8" thick sprue plate, but RCBS would with 3/16" to hold more heat and eliminate nose voids.

    One obvious aspect that remains puzzling was why, after perfecting the 58 with a radius nose and .170" meplat, the 54 ended up with a flat taper nose to a .270" meplat.

    I have seen Tony's "tremendous trifles" essay on load development, but that does not shed light on what he went through during bullet development.

    I found that with good casting technique, the extreme weight range for the much flatter nosed 54 is significantly better than the smaller meplat'd 58, but again, don't know WHY Tony altered the nose for the 54.

    Both the 58 and 54 shoot very well in my 1841, Nixon, Hoyt rifle muskets, but the 54 seems more consistently accurate, off of a well arranged rest.

    All the best,

    Kevin Tinny

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