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Cast bullets, which mould to buy?

robsgunsrobsguns Member Posts: 4,581 ✭✭
edited February 2002 in Ask the Experts
I've decided through price comparison, and reading comments on wait time, and customer service, to go with NEI for my bullet mould, in a .454 diameter bullet, which is what my cylinders slug at. I am going with 325 gr. PB mould design, I THINK. I cant find another company that I am happy with to make the mould, but I wanted a Gas Checked base, which NEI doesn't offer, as far as I can tell from their catalog. Do I go with the PB and will I be alright with it, or should I hunt harder for a GC base, although I already know I cant find someone to make it in the diameter I need, in a timely manner, and with reputable customer service? Let me hear from the cast bullet gurus on this one, please. Allen, where you at?
SSgt Ryan E. Roberts, USMC
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Comments

  • Tailgunner1954Tailgunner1954 Member Posts: 7,734 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    ryanassuming it's for a pistol go with a flat base design, lube groove as close to the rear as possable, and a soft (alox & beeswax) lube.That basic design has served me well, with minimum leading.Bob
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  • robsgunsrobsguns Member Posts: 4,581 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Tailgunner, Yes its for a Ruger Super Redhawk, .454 Casull. Thank you for the input. The base I have doesnt have a lube groove all that far back, but I think the basic concept behind this bullet is that the base seals the barrel up with a larger than usual base. I need to get some more input from people familiar with the topic, more heads are always better than one, especially mine .
    SSgt Ryan E. Roberts, USMC
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  • talontalon Member Posts: 150 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    You don't need a gas check if you keep the velocity below 1600fps, and cast in #2 alloy (or equiv). The bullet deforms to exactly fit the barrel once the cap is snapped and it enters the first 1" of the barrel.
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  • steve45steve45 Member Posts: 2,940 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Can any of you guys tell me why Lyman moulds are so expensive and popular, and Lee moulds are so cheap? Are Lee molds any good?
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  • IconoclastIconoclast Member Posts: 10,515 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Steve, Lyman moulds are high quality iron. Treated well, they will last decades. I've had ones I purchased used which were literally as good as new after thousands of casts. Lee are aluminum, so much faster to machine. They work, but I've never been impressed w/ aluminum blocks. It's not unlike their entry-level reloading tools w/ the powder dippers, a good value for infrequent use. If you expect to cast a lot of bullets, Lyman are the best available in today's market.
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  • XracerXracer Member Posts: 1,990 ✭
    edited November -1
    ...in addition, steel molds hold their heat much better than aluminum and therefore give more consistant results.
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  • robsgunsrobsguns Member Posts: 4,581 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I ordered the NEI mold last night, $102.00, it better be worth it, and the wait, although I dont know how long that will be, I'm still waiting for a confirmation from NEI that they have received the order, and how long the wait will be. I got a single cavity Meehanite mold in .454 diameter. I decided against the aluminum mold they have, had a bad experience with Lee's aluminum mold, and didnt want to take the chance again. I'll let you know more on my experience with NEI as the transaction progresses.
    SSgt Ryan E. Roberts, USMC
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  • robsgunsrobsguns Member Posts: 4,581 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Just got a reply to my request for NEI to email me when they received my order, and it is from Walt, who I believe is the owner, here is his no nonsense reply, which is what I appreciate about people.Hi - Order received. will be about 9 weeks. Thanks WaltHes got better things to do than sit on the computer answering email all day, and thats a good thing!
    SSgt Ryan E. Roberts, USMC
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  • sjc1sjc1 Member Posts: 130 ✭
    edited November -1
    Hi: I use some of the NEI molds and they areexcellent. The wait of nine weeks is worth it.
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  • Ace D'silkAce D'silk Member Posts: 1 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    NEI great molds I have about 30 of them not a bad one in the lot .
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