LBT molds wanted

Northerngos · Apr 24, 2023

Hi all,
I am new to casting, I have had all of the equipment but had put off ordering molds because I was focusing on other things. Looking for molds for hunting, heavy for caliber weights in any of; LBT LFN, WFN, WLN for 357, 44, 45, 475, 500 linebaugh.
sure appreciate a line if anybody happens to have a spare!

contender · Apr 25, 2023

LBT molds are very good ones. But if new to casting,, do not overlook the TOP quality MP Molds in your search for good ones. While they aren't American made,, they are excellent.

dannyd · Apr 25, 2023

LBT is out of business now, so MP, NOE or Arsenal maybe better choices for moulds.

Veral's shop burned down at Christmas he makes the LBT moulds, so now there a collectors item.

kooz · Apr 25, 2023

Yup, stocking up on LBT molds will be pricey for sure . Plenty of others making molds though, MP, Arsenal etc. Seaco makes a great mold . Actually LEE molds are pretty good and very affordable, I have had great luck with them .

Northerngos · Apr 25, 2023

Thanks for the recommendations guys! I had heard about the fire, it's a tragic thing and sucks to lose another industry great, just glad nobody was hurt. I assumed I'd be paying a premium. I am open to all recommendations, my main thing is I'd like to stay with proven profiles for now, though I'm open to true clones of lbt's wfn, lfn, wln etc. I do have a couple of molds from mp, their 388gr 475 and their Ruger only. I'll pick up something in 357 and 44 too. My issue with them is just that they are hit and miss on availability.
I'll check out the recommended companies, and would love to know of any faithful lbt clones. I'd love to know if anybody has truly cloned Garrett hammerhead molds as well.

dannyd · Apr 25, 2023

If you want to try before you buy, Missouri Bullets has a 357 magnum 180 WFN that is very accurate.

So if you like the 357 magnum 180 WFN; NOE, Accurate and Arsenal all make that mould. I use the 180 in my Encore rifle and lever guns works good on paper, but I don't hunt, so I have no idea how it would work on an animal.

Paul B · Apr 25, 2023

I'm surprised no one seems to like Lyman or RCBS molds. I've been using them for more years than I care to count and with a very few rare exceptions they've always cast excellent bullets. I also have a few SAECO molds and they're damn good. I only have one LBT mold, a .44 caliber 200 gr. (I think, don't remember as I haven't run a batch in a long time) round nose flat point and it casts a decent bullet. I even have a few Hoch nose pour molds. Guess I have about 90 molds right now. Been picking up different ones for over 60 years. Most have been easy to work with and some that at times I want to throw it as far away as I can after introducing it to a sledge hammer. FWIW, I've been doing cast bullets since 1954.
Paul B.

kooz · Apr 25, 2023

Agreed, I have Lyman and RCBS molds that I use quite a bit , both very good .

dannyd · Apr 25, 2023

I have RCBS and Lyman too, but for casting 12,000 bullets a year the 8 cavity MP moulds are great. I did have some of the RCBS moulds make by Arsenal and NOE in 4 and 5 cavity.

It's also more expensive to use RCBS and Lyman moulds they cost about a Third more than ones from other manufacturers.

Only been casting about 34 years, but I have managed to collect 55 moulds so far.

bisleyfan41 · Apr 25, 2023

Paul B said:
I'm surprised no one seems to like Lyman or RCBS molds. I've been using them for more years than I care to count and with a very few rare exceptions they've always cast excellent bullets. I also have a few SAECO molds and they're damn good. I only have one LBT mold, a .44 caliber 200 gr. (I think, don't remember as I haven't run a batch in a long time) round nose flat point and it casts a decent bullet. I even have a few Hoch nose pour molds. Guess I have about 90 molds right now. Been picking up different ones for over 60 years. Most have been easy to work with and some that at times I want to throw it as far away as I can after introducing it to a sledge hammer. FWIW, I've been doing cast bullets since 1954.
Paul B.

They do make great molds. However, the OP was looking for LBT-style profile bullets,, WFN and LFN. Neither Lyman nor RCBS catalog those.

kooz · Apr 25, 2023

Lyman 452664 is similar in design to the LBT and the 4-cavity is on sale right now at Midway with free shipping $125 , good deal, I picked one up myself .

contender · Apr 25, 2023

One of the things that MP, LBT, Arsenal, & a few others have over TCBS 7 Lyman is the mold material. Brass & Aluminum. Neither one rust. Many a good RCBS or Lyman mold has been ruined by neglect, and rusted beyond repair.

Yes,, LBT is no more. Veral said he was too old to start over building a shop.

He made some excellent molds,, and his knowledge is vast. I treasure my LBT's too.

hittman · Apr 25, 2023

Maybe the conversation part of this WTB ad can be started in The Lounge?
Somebody want to start a thread there on molds?

LBT molds wanted

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