The 252-435's measure .238" directly in front of the front driving band and are very round (measured on 3 different axes). They are sized to .251" and appear to be pretty hard (I did not cast them) as I can't put much of a mark with my thumbnail.

Let me know if that's of any use to you--I'd gladly let you experiment.

Cheers!

It all depends on what happens over the next few weeks. If I can move a couple of non-essential items in order to raise the $$$ necessary then I'll put in an order for a Sumatra 2500 500cc rifle and start experimenting when I hit the U.S.. That'd give me a few months to work out details before heading south again. I'll keep your offer in mind. They sound a little small, if I'm not mistaken the bore is .250 or so and the groove can be up to .257. Of course, with out one in hand to slug then it's all hearsay at this stage. The reports of folks using Veral Smith's molds are pretty good. I BELIEVE they have a .251 "bore riding" nose with a slightly larger narrow skirt, but the pics I've seen so far are not very clear and I'm not sure of the details. Anyway, I'll keep your offer in mind if things come together.