Heym factory regulation options

[Aussie Chris]

If you do end up deciding to get a Rigby, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need a referral for a nearby resource.

Thank you. There’s a Rigby gunroom / showroom in Brisbane Australia actually, I’m keen to pop by there some time when I’m up there next.

 

[rookhawk]

Can you imagine paying 40k to 50k on a 577NE double, given a proof target showing its regulation, and then being told that the load data is proprietary….thats what Heym is doing and frankly a joke. I agree that it was not hard to find a good load for it but frankly HEYM and Chris Sells should be ashamed of themselves.

HH

I would be beyond furious. I would expect them to regulate a rifle to MY load (provided my load isn't dangerous or odd).

Any double rifle regulated with excellent accuracy using IMR3031 and a dacron or foam filler can get a myriad of other loads to regulate well. It ensures that the starting point for pressure curve and muzzle velocity is in the neighborhood of loads that use RL15, 4350, VV130, VV133, etc. We cannot predict what powders will be available in the future, so we need to ensure our doubles have a known-good load that can be reverse engineered.

 

[rookhawk]

Well, I wanted to pick out the wood and get measurements for stock fitting but live in Australia so the options were; roll the dice, fly to Heym USA in Texas or fly to Heym in Germany and do a factory tour while I’m at it.
I have a few friends in Germany so I made my choice and flew to Germany.

I had a great trip and am so glad I went. Heym’s hospitality was unreal. I give them 11/10. I think because I flew so far they really looked after me.

Before my trip I thought that if I can afford an additional double later then I might really splurge and buy a Rigby or even a Westley Richards. However, I have to say that I was so impressed with Heym’s product, how they operate and their service that I now think I’ll at some point buy another Heym.

I shot a 500NE and a 470NE at their factory and was pleasantly surprised at how manageable the 500NE was to shoot. I’d did tempt me into considering changing my order from 450NE to 500NE but decided I don’t want my beautiful stock to split haha. That was the deciding factor for me.
I’m getting a 450NE now that I intended to use for most of my hunting, including pigs and feral goats here haha. (I currently use my 458Lott for that).
I’m thinking of getting maybe a relatively basic 500NE or even a 577NE down the track (another Heym).

But I feel the 450NE is a wonderful calibre. Adequate and I have no problem with its recoil. It’s also going to give me good practice. I’m going to pop into the Bertram factory tomorrow and get a few hundred brass 450NE 3 1/4” cases too.
Although factory ammo is extortionate for the 450NE ($405AUD for a box of 20 here), as a reloader it’s a no brainer to go with the .458 instead of the .474.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BaQvkkTmN/?mibextid=wwXIfr

@Aussie Chris keep your eyes opened for Woodleigh bullets in soft and solid built specifically for the 450NE. While they are the same .458" diameter as the WinMag and Lott, their cannaleure is located in a different spot for proper free bore in a double rifle.

They are scarce to find at present, but you're in Australia so you have the best chance of getting them from Woodleigh.

 

[Aussie Chris]

@Aussie Chris keep your eyes opened for Woodleigh bullets in soft and solid built specifically for the 450NE. While they are the same .458" diameter as the WinMag and Lott, their cannaleure is located in a different spot for proper free bore in a double rifle.

They are scarce to find at present, but you're in Australia so you have the best chance of getting them from Woodleigh.

Thanks!
I’ve got some 480gr Hydros that I’ve ordered that haven’t come in yet so there’s still some delays.

As we speak I’m literally an hour away from the Bertrem Bullets factory. I knew they made brass but wasn’t aware they also make projectiles too.

I just happened to be driving past them on my way to the job I’m doing tomorrow so I’m going to pop in there and get 400x brass 450NE 3 1/4” cases and 600 of their .458 480gr bullets.

I have no idea if they are any good but even if they are too soft or something then at least I have a good bullet for eh critters living near me

 

[Aussie Chris]

Can you imagine paying 40k to 50k on a 577NE double, given a proof target showing its regulation, and then being told that the load data is proprietary….thats what Heym is doing and frankly a joke. I agree that it was not hard to find a good load for it but frankly HEYM and Chris Sells should be ashamed of themselves.

HH

I don’t know anything about this, so I’m just guessing but I believe, as someone above stated, Heym use Hornady factory ammo until 500NE and then they use a German company that makes the 577NE and up. That German company uses Bertrem brass and I think some ones bullets and no doubt someone else’s powder. So I’m guessing it’s not the fault of Chris Sells but rather the German ammo manufacturer doesn’t want to say what powder they are using for obvious reasons.

I’m sure you can just get Heym to use Buffalo Bore ammo and your problem will be solved, then you just need to ask Tim Sundles what powder he uses. Tell him you know where to find a dog man and I’m sure he will spill the beans

 

[JvW]

The quality of the current production Bertram brass in .450 NE is excellent. In fact, I would rate them as better as current Hornady .450 NE cases. The latest batch of Hornady cases I used were too thick towards the base of the case and tended to stick inside sizing dies.

The Bertram projectiles are OK for paper punching but they are not bonded. They also taper a bit, so they need to be crimped in place. I have never needed to crimp a Woodleigh of any sort in my rifle. Also, 400 cases is a couple of lifetimes worth of .450 NE cases! The straight-walled cases tend to last a long time.

 

[Aussie Chris]

The quality of the current production Bertram brass in .450 NE is excellent. In fact, I would rate them as better as current Hornady .450 NE cases. The latest batch of Hornady cases I used were too thick towards the base of the case and tended to stick inside sizing dies.

The Bertram projectiles are OK for paper punching but they are not bonded. They also taper a bit, so they need to be crimped in place. I have never needed to crimp a Woodleigh of any sort in my rifle. Also, 400 cases is a couple of lifetimes worth of .450 NE cases! The straight-walled cases tend to last a long time.

Nice. Yeah, I was never intending to take them to Africa for a once in a lifetime Cape buffalo hunt haha.

I just figured while I was there I’d grab them and help out an Aussie company. Should be good for pigs

 

[Wildwillalaska]

I don’t know anything about this, so I’m just guessing but I believe, as someone above stated, Heym use Hornady factory ammo until 500NE and then they use a German company that makes the 577NE and up. That German company uses Bertrem brass and I think some ones bullets and no doubt someone else’s powder. So I’m guessing it’s not the fault of Chris Sells but rather the German ammo manufacturer doesn’t want to say what powder they are using for obvious reasons.

I’m sure you can just get Heym to use Buffalo Bore ammo and your problem will be solved, then you just need to ask Tim Sundles what powder he uses. Tell him you know where to find a dog man and I’m sure he will spill the beans

Hitman's frustrations are legit. I think he had quite the ordeal on his new 577, which I have to say is gorgeous. I don't think he is unhappy with the rifle, it just ended up having some additional delays over what was last shared, then he couldn't get a response at all as to status, the delay stuck him with tarrifs and expenses where he got a not insignificant surprise bill above what he was quoted and paid.

Then when the rifle made it to his hands, he wasn't given any regulation information at all and again had struggles at best in getting any kind of answers.

I just imported two Heyms...first time I've imported anything...and it was because I couldn't even get a quote to order a new 500NE. I knew I wanted to order one and wanted to send him a 50% deposit, but I was trying to decide between sticking with a titanium nitride and higher engraving like my 450, or going with color cased and less engraving. Months I waited. I even got a couple calls responding to subsequent inquiry since 6 or 8 weeks had passed, saying he would get it to me Friday or Monday, still nothing. So when the dealer in Germany responded willing to help with export, and had a new 500NE essentially the exact gun I was leaning towards with the additional bonus of an extended top tang, and about $13-15k less, how could I say no. Now the pricing was because I bought the 470 they had as well. Both guns were special ordered a while back, finished in 2025, and in the interim the gent had issues or change of heart, so the dealer was looking to move them and were priced as such. BUT...I never would have even searched if I had received the two quotes to choose between.

I am still waiting for RMR mount he said were coming. Well, in September he said they were coming in November. Then December he said they were arriving in January, and in January he told me they arrived and he would have 2 set aside for me at SCI, but at SCI he said he was still waiting on them, that Henneberger was simply running behind...which makes sense if he hadn't just said he had them in hand a few weeks earlier. I've really enjoyed talking to Chris. He comes across as such a nice man and good salesman...he is not without his issues and something was going on second part of 2025 that rolled into this year that didn't help matters. He looked very tired at SCI, so not sure if he's had health issues or what. But if the case, enlist some help or something. Don't abandon the folks who have bought from you, and many several times. I keep hoping to hear things are getting better. That he has gotten help or something...but alas...I do not know the last time I heard a positive word about Heym USA.

Buzz Charlton who always seems to see the positive in things, or at least verbalize the positive in almost any situation, I was corresponding with him about his beloved Heym and the Rigby he would soon take delivery, having handled both what aspects/differences he liked of each. I was giving serious consideration to ordering a Shikari, and at that time hadn't seen much for photos as deliveries were still impending to the early ordering customers. Buzz spoke so highly of his Heym...loved it so much...but had some very surprising and choice words about Chris Sells. I was a little shocked how clear he was about his feelings...I did not ask a thing more about that aspect and instead redirected back to the rifles, and we wrote a bit more about both the Heym and Rigby. Seemed clear why he was leaning away from Heym on his new rifle, and it wasn't the rifle itself.

End of the day....I think you were super smart to choose to go to Germany and order direct from the Factory. Hell, I'd do the same if allowed. When the misses and I were looking at possibly going to the UK and Germany this spring, I reached out about a short factory tour. They said of course, but I would need to arrange it through Chris Sells at Heym USA. Most inquiries we make to the factory are circled back to Chris. Which only adds to HH's frustrations on the regulation issue.

 

[Wildwillalaska]

Well, I wanted to pick out the wood and get measurements for stock fitting but live in Australia so the options were; roll the dice, fly to Heym USA in Texas or fly to Heym in Germany and do a factory tour while I’m at it.
I have a few friends in Germany so I made my choice and flew to Germany.

I had a great trip and am so glad I went. Heym’s hospitality was unreal. I give them 11/10. I think because I flew so far they really looked after me.

Before my trip I thought that if I can afford an additional double later then I might really splurge and buy a Rigby or even a Westley Richards. However, I have to say that I was so impressed with Heym’s product, how they operate and their service that I now think I’ll at some point buy another Heym.

I shot a 500NE and a 470NE at their factory and was pleasantly surprised at how manageable the 500NE was to shoot. I’d did tempt me into considering changing my order from 450NE to 500NE but decided I don’t want my beautiful stock to split haha. That was the deciding factor for me.
I’m getting a 450NE now that I intended to use for most of my hunting, including pigs and feral goats here haha. (I currently use my 458Lott for that).
I’m thinking of getting maybe a relatively basic 500NE or even a 577NE down the track (another Heym).

But I feel the 450NE is a wonderful calibre. Adequate and I have no problem with its recoil. It’s also going to give me good practice. I’m going to pop into the Bertram factory tomorrow and get a few hundred brass 450NE 3 1/4” cases too.
Although factory ammo is extortionate for the 450NE ($405AUD for a box of 20 here), as a reloader it’s a no brainer to go with the .458 instead of the .474.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BaQvkkTmN/?mibextid=wwXIfr

That sir is a damn nice piece of wood. Is the sticker with 10 on it the blank number or grade/class or? Really curious about the grade or as Heym refers class. I normally prefer flowing mineral lines over burl/root wood...not so much when it comes to that blank. Its stunning.

I am likely ordering a new rifle here in the next 4-6 months, just trying to decide which caliber and options. Some days I lean towards a .577 since I don't have one, then others I realize I do not need a 577 and think ordering a 450/400 with the options I personally want is the best choice. I have an 89b in 450/400 but it is a pretty standard build with nice but not gorgeous wood, Level 1 engraving, and blued furniture. Then other days I think I should order a case colored standard frame 450NE, with a 2nd set of 450/400 barrels made with mounts for a scope....this is likely the build.

Since I normally love those flowing mineral lines of class 5 or maybe 6 wood, I would do that, but seeing that blank in your hands, well, that has me rethinking things a bit. Cant wait to see how it turns out...should be stunning.

 

[Aussie Chris]

Hitman's frustrations are legit. I think he had quite the ordeal on his new 577, which I have to say is gorgeous. I don't think he is unhappy with the rifle, it just ended up having some additional delays over what was last shared, then he couldn't get a response at all as to status, the delay stuck him with tarrifs and expenses where he got a not insignificant surprise bill above what he was quoted and paid.

Then when the rifle made it to his hands, he wasn't given any regulation information at all and again had struggles at best in getting any kind of answers.

I just imported two Heyms...first time I've imported anything...and it was because I couldn't even get a quote to order a new 500NE. I knew I wanted to order one and wanted to send him a 50% deposit, but I was trying to decide between sticking with a titanium nitride and higher engraving like my 450, or going with color cased and less engraving. Months I waited. I even got a couple calls responding to subsequent inquiry since 6 or 8 weeks had passed, saying he would get it to me Friday or Monday, still nothing. So when the dealer in Germany responded willing to help with export, and had a new 500NE essentially the exact gun I was leaning towards with the additional bonus of an extended top tang, and about $13-15k less, how could I say no. Now the pricing was because I bought the 470 they had as well. Both guns were special ordered a while back, finished in 2025, and in the interim the gent had issues or change of heart, so the dealer was looking to move them and were priced as such. BUT...I never would have even searched if I had received the two quotes to choose between.

I am still waiting for RMR mount he said were coming. Well, in September he said they were coming in November. Then December he said they were arriving in January, and in January he told me they arrived and he would have 2 set aside for me at SCI, but at SCI he said he was still waiting on them, that Henneberger was simply running behind...which makes sense if he hadn't just said he had them in hand a few weeks earlier. I've really enjoyed talking to Chris. He comes across as such a nice man and good salesman...he is not without his issues and something was going on second part of 2025 that rolled into this year that didn't help matters. He looked very tired at SCI, so not sure if he's had health issues or what. But if the case, enlist some help or something. Don't abandon the folks who have bought from you, and many several times. I keep hoping to hear things are getting better. That he has gotten help or something...but alas...I do not know the last time I heard a positive word about Heym USA.

Buzz Charlton who always seems to see the positive in things, or at least verbalize the positive in almost any situation, I was corresponding with him about his beloved Heym and the Rigby he would soon take delivery, having handled both what aspects/differences he liked of each. I was giving serious consideration to ordering a Shikari, and at that time hadn't seen much for photos as deliveries were still impending to the early ordering customers. Buzz spoke so highly of his Heym...loved it so much...but had some very surprising and choice words about Chris Sells. I was a little shocked how clear he was about his feelings...I did not ask a thing more about that aspect and instead redirected back to the rifles, and we wrote a bit more about both the Heym and Rigby. Seemed clear why he was leaning away from Heym on his new rifle, and it wasn't the rifle itself.

End of the day....I think you were super smart to choose to go to Germany and order direct from the Factory. Hell, I'd do the same if allowed. When the misses and I were looking at possibly going to the UK and Germany this spring, I reached out about a short factory tour. They said of course, but I would need to arrange it through Chris Sells at Heym USA. Most inquiries we make to the factory are circled back to Chris. Which only adds to HH's frustrations on the regulation issue.

A lot of interesting stuff in there.

I’ve never met Chris Sells since he’s the importer into the US. Just from YouTube videos though he seems to have gotten quite thin recently so maybe he has a health issue and that could explain some of the issues. Hope he’s ok obviously.

I did reach out to Heym in Germany directly originally but they were very keen to have me do everything via the Australian importer (Herman’s sporting guns) so that’s what I did. Everything was organised through Herman’s sporting guns.

Heym in Germany seemed to really like our importer and thought they were good. I think for instance Heym in Germany upgraded my wood for a very minimal increase in price over my original purchase and then our importer didn’t add any markup at all so the small German increase is all I paid.

So I have no complaints about Heym in Germany or our importer so far

 

[Aussie Chris]

That sir is a damn nice piece of wood. Is the sticker with 10 on it the blank number or grade/class or?

Ok, so basically I didn’t want to spend all this money on a double rifle and then have the stock look like a fence post or chair leg. Nothing wrong with a plain piece of wood on a WW1 303 but not on a double rifle
With that in mind I looked at other stocks around like YouTube videos of Merkel K5’s that looked nice and Mauser 98 Diplomat’s etc. Everyone uses different criteria so it’s not a an exact match but I got a general feel that 6 or 7 would look nice. I also figured at least one grade above standard must be better than standard and should weed out horrible stocks if there was any reason to have them graded above the standard.

I then looked at the prices and found that grade 7 was an increase in price that I was willing to pay. So that was all the science behind my decision. Not very scientific haha.

I then mentioned before I went over that I might upgrade some stuff, including the stock.

The Heym factory has some stocks but there is even more at their supplier just down the road. If I didn’t see something I liked in their factory then I’d go with them to their supplier.

I liked that one that is marked “10” the guy I was with at the factory said that since I already ordered a grade 7 then it’s not such a big deal to do me a favour and bump it up a bit for a small increase. He didn’t want to give me a price because he didn’t know what our importer would put on top of it but he was like “look, we won’t charge much extra, it won’t be too bad and I think Hermann’s is pretty good. Plus you’ll have at least 2 years to save more money” haha
So without knowing what it will cost extra I committed to that wood.
I believe it is “grade 10” or “class 10”.
It’s all quite subjective though as you would know.

One thing I’d say to keep in mind is that they seem to think my stock would be fine to use on a 500NE, but they don’t like putting nice wood in 577NE guns. I’ll show you an example below. There was a stock blank there that was specifically set aside for use in 577NE as it was above all strong.
So I’d suggest not pairing up a nice stock with a 577NE.

 

[rookhawk]

Ok, so basically I didn’t want to spend all this money on a double rifle and then have the stock look like a fence post or chair leg. Nothing wrong with a plain piece of wood on a WW1 303 but not on a double rifle
With that in mind I looked at other stocks around like YouTube videos of Merkel K5’s that looked nice and Mauser 98 Diplomat’s etc. Everyone uses different criteria so it’s not a an exact match but I got a general feel that 6 or 7 would look nice. I also figured at least one grade above standard must be better than standard and should weed out horrible stocks if there was any reason to have them graded above the standard.

I then looked at the prices and found that grade 7 was an increase in price that I was willing to pay. So that was all the science behind my decision. Not very scientific haha.

I then mentioned before I went over that I might upgrade some stuff, including the stock.

The Heym factory has some stocks but there is even more at their supplier just down the road. If I didn’t see something I liked in their factory then I’d go with them to their supplier.

I liked that one that is marked “10” the guy I was with at the factory said that since I already ordered a grade 7 then it’s not such a big deal to do me a favour and bump it up a bit for a small increase. He didn’t want to give me a price because he didn’t know what our importer would put on top of it but he was like “look, we won’t charge much extra, it won’t be too bad and I think Hermann’s is pretty good. Plus you’ll have at least 2 years to save more money” haha
So without knowing what it will cost extra I committed to that wood.
I believe it is “grade 10” or “class 10”.
It’s all quite subjective though as you would know.

One thing I’d say to keep in mind is that they seem to think my stock would be fine to use on a 500NE, but they don’t like putting nice wood in 577NE guns. I’ll show you an example below. There was a stock blank there that was specifically set aside for use in 577NE as it was above all strong.
So I’d suggest not pairing up a nice stock with a 577NE.

You can have exhibition wood on a 577NE, but that piece of wood is going to be 3x the price of an exhibition piece of wood on a 500NE. Let me explain: You need straight, or even better slightly curved grain that runs from the head through the wrist of the stock on a large bore. To find a piece of wood of that description that in turn gets wacky, over the top burl and figure in the paddle of the stock is quite rare. There is zero tolerance for heavy figure in the wrist of a mega-magnum rifle stock.

If you're going to pick your own stock, I recommend you spend some time learning how to judge wood. Most people cannot determine which stock is the best or most valuable amongst a stack of 5-6 stocks. On this forum I have seen people reviewing stocks previously and they haven't always picked the strongest option, just the most dazzling.

 

[Surgeon1]

I own several Double rifles (including three Heym's) and 5 years ago I approached Chris about ordering a 450NE Heym. He told me they would not build a 450NE and never had! It was a very abrupt answer, which contradicted what George Caswell had told me, who I've always trusted. Additional research revealed that several had been built. I reached out to Chris again at DSC and even though he was standing there like he wanted someone to talk to, he didn't much more than give me the time of day.
Maybe it was my Wrangler Jeans and custom Lucchese Ostrich boots that he thought I couldn't afford one of "his" Doubles. Maybe he just thought I was from Texas or some asshole from Kansas (born there)
instead of Wyoming. But as a result I had given up on the idea of a Heym 450 , then my friend Will reached out to me and had located one in 450. Long story short Will has that gun and a second new Heym 450NE will be delivered to me in 48hrs from Europe.
When I approached Heym 3 yr ago, about coming to Germany to tour the factory and order direct they stated that would have to be arranged thru Heym USA! But good news came from two different European dealers who were more than happy to arrange a tour if I was visiting Germany.
Heym would be better served to have a US dealer like Griffin & Howe, Champlin, JJ, Lane Firearms, Gulf Breeze or any of a number of other dealers and importers, many who I have delt with be their dealer/importer!
I'm very excited to have a Heym 450NE in my hands in 48hrs and off to Africa with it and my 450-400 Heym in Sept for a month!

 

[RIGBY]

Thank you. There’s a Rigby gunroom / showroom in Brisbane Australia actually, I’m keen to pop by there some time when I’m up there next.

The Aussies are great supporters and we appreciate it very much! Let me know if you end up getting one - I would be keen to do a story on your thoughts after your first hunt with it.

 

[Aussie Chris]

Nice. Thanks for that. I’ll let you know for sure. Sounds like fun.