NEI Handtools

[schmidty]

I'm looking for some moulds and NEI Handtools appears to have the style of bullet I want. I was just curious if anyone has ever used their products? Until recently, I'd never heard of them...so before I ordered, I wanted to hear the scoop on them. THanks!

[boatswainsmate]

You might have better luck here. I don't own one of their moulds. But I'm sure someone on this sight has. castboolits.gunloads.com/forum.php

[shorty500]

have several NEI molds. well pleased, nuf said

[Deleted]

The old ones were the best ones. Walt made some of the best molds ever, but lately I've heard enough complaints about them to give them a wide berth. All the NEI molds I ever had were made before Walt died.

[brushpopper]

NEI (North East Industrial) has been around for a long time. It was in El Paso Texas for many years until the owner (Walt Melander) got into a tussle with the state comptroller over some tax issues. He pulled up stakes and moved to Oregon. He ran it for a time, sold it, took it back and ran it again. He then up and died and his daughter got the business. She tried to sell it, but no takers (price to high), so she moved it back to El Paso and is now running it. The molds made by the original owner was excellent and I have a couple of dozen. The molds made by the daughter have a spotty reputation. They may have the kinks worked out by now. They still have a large collection of mold cherries and some very good designs.

If I wanted one of their designs, I would go for it, but now you know the history.

[schmidty]

Very good information everyone. Though it's distressing to hear about the more recent quality control issues. Sounds like a gamble, but if the price isn't too exorbitant, I may take a chance and see what turns up. Thanks.

[mark]

I am sorry that I am late to this discussion. All of my NEI moulds are from the Walt era as well and they are great. I have not tried recent production moulds so I can't comment on those. I have tried Accurate Molds ( www.accuratemolds.com/index.php ) and I am VERY pleased.
Mark

[jgt]

He lived at a little fishing village called Scappoose, Or. On the Columbia River about as far north in the state as he could be and be on land. Walt was a super nice guy and an excellent machinist. Most likely the daughter had trouble finding a machinist who understood guns and bullet molds. My NEI molds are some of my most prized.

[bud]

My Walt made NEI molds are my favorite molds...right up there with the H&G 4 cavity molds. I'm very careful with these molds as they are not replaceable ever.