Hi Cuvy,
I recently rang Hawksbury and got the same story, The dies are RS and they're not sure if they'll replace them. So probably have to cast and coat them myself. Oh well yet another adventure. Will definitely buy the swede, and with the 120gr Amax, it will shoot flat enough out to 200 - 250 yds and that is plenty for me. Did have a thought though, had a look at the Baikal break open single shot in 308. no too pricey I've seen second hand around, or maybe even a sporterised (chopped) Mauser. that way I avoid stuffing around with molten lead. Still head scratching!!
I found copper plated 308 150gr on Clever's website, quite cheap $219/1000, still heaps cheaper than jacketed. I have no idea if they're any good, but do look very uniform and smooth, almost a jacketed bullet and could be a higher speed option. The Berry site recommends less than 2000fps, which will be a tad less than 30 30 so out to 100 - 150 plenty good enough as long as they're accurate.
By the way what sort of accuracy do you get with the cast bullets? are they even worth considering even at low velocities for hunting, or ok for shooting paper.
Anyway, I'm still 3-4 weeks away from getting my bloody licence, then the purchase application. wow what a pain this is. and when I do, first thing will be to work up a nice accurate load for the Amax, that way I'll be ready if I get the chance to go hunting, and get in some practice as well, it's been a long time since I've shot a rifle. Got to learn all over again.
cheers mate and thanks for the info
Akis