VA Shooter
Single-Sixer
I'm going to start casting my own bullets and I'm going to start with a 255gr Keith style bullet could you give some of your recommendations on what brand of moulds that you have used ?
casting moulds
- Thread starter VA Shooter
- Start date
Tx gun runner
Single-Sixer
I like the steel moulds over the alum ones . RCBS or Lyman are worth the money .
DeletedMember275
Hunter
- Joined
- Apr 17, 2002
- Messages
- 2,759
Lyman can't seem to make a mold that casts **round** bullets at the specified diameter lately, so I would either look for an **older** Lyman or Ideal mold, or else an RCBS. Several custom mold makers also offer just about any design you might want at generally reasonable prices.
FWIW, aluminum molds can be quite durable; they won't stand mistreatment, but I certainly wouldn't rule them out entirely. With minimal care, they will provide years of casting service.
FWIW, aluminum molds can be quite durable; they won't stand mistreatment, but I certainly wouldn't rule them out entirely. With minimal care, they will provide years of casting service.
contender
Ruger Guru
If you are starting, you might look into Lee molds. They are aluminum, but a lot cheaper than others. After that, you can decide what you really like & may want to get some top quality molds.
bigboredad
Blackhawk
unless you are absolutely positive you will like casting and keep with I would suggest starting with the lee 255gr rnfp. For starters it is only 20 bucks give or take for a 2 cavity mold. It's a very good style it's accurate and easy to get casting good easily and quickly. At that point if you decide it's not for you your not out a bunch of money. If you like it it and what to stay with it I would strongly suggest www.accuratemolds.com. If you can't find what you want in his catalog just email Tom and he will make you what you want. His work is excellent and customer service is the best you'll find anywhere
OP
VA Shooter
Single-Sixer
Yea I was looking at the Lee molds and was wondering if they were a good choice to start now I have to gather some lead thanks
Mark in GA
Bearcat
If you get a Lee, do yourself a favor and get their 6-cavity mould. They are much better quality thatn the 2-cavity blocks and not much more money. The Lee 45-255-RF is a decent design and works well in most 45 Colts, including rifles.
Mark in GA
Mark in GA
OP
VA Shooter
Single-Sixer
Thanks Mark I just got off the phone with my reloader supply and he told me the same thing
M'BOGO
Buckeye
VA Shooter, the original question is pretty vague, and kinda Ford V Chevy. I do agree, the Lee 250 RNFP is a good slug, and with tumble lube over Unique, has grouped great for me personally.
Saying that, I've gotten in the habit of drilling and tapping Lee molds with set type screws, and using high temp anti seize on all threaded fasteners with my molds. Do not use bullet lube on your molds as lube between moving parts as the instructions say.
Please don't take this as I'm mistaking myself as an expert, still very much learning on this end.
Saying that, I've gotten in the habit of drilling and tapping Lee molds with set type screws, and using high temp anti seize on all threaded fasteners with my molds. Do not use bullet lube on your molds as lube between moving parts as the instructions say.
Please don't take this as I'm mistaking myself as an expert, still very much learning on this end.
OP
VA Shooter
Single-Sixer
Thanks M'BOGO I did not mean for the ? to be vague just needed some input from people that know better than me I just orderd the Lee 45-255-RF 6 cavity Thanks for all your advice
GP100man
Buckeye
Lee 6 cavitys & the 20# pot is hard to beat for the money !
Just take precautions to take care of the equipment & it`ll be there .
You`ll love it ,I promise !!
Just don`t use any aluminum pots to clean ya alloys in !!
Just take precautions to take care of the equipment & it`ll be there .
You`ll love it ,I promise !!
Just don`t use any aluminum pots to clean ya alloys in !!
M'BOGO
Buckeye
VA Shooter,
I can't say enough good things about Castboolits, for information, resources, and tips. I started acquiring casting equipment a couple of years ago, and the time spent over there has greatly improved my product, and output.
The $10-15 hotplate (I had an old nice electric stove given to me, along with all but a $10 plug given to me) to pre-heat the mold is invaluable to limit the amount of rejects
I can't say enough good things about Castboolits, for information, resources, and tips. I started acquiring casting equipment a couple of years ago, and the time spent over there has greatly improved my product, and output.
The $10-15 hotplate (I had an old nice electric stove given to me, along with all but a $10 plug given to me) to pre-heat the mold is invaluable to limit the amount of rejects
Every mold I have seems to have it's own "personality" Some prefer hot melt, some relatively cool. Some like a fast pour some like slower, etc. Having said all that Lee molds cast differently because they are aluminum, not better nor worse, just different. I have 10 molds and 6 are Lee. I get bullets from them just as good as I get from my Lyman or Ideal molds. I would suggest you start casting in a Lee 2 cavity mold with wheel weights (don't bother with alloying, water quenching or heat treating yet) and get casting. The only way to really learn to cast, is to cast...VA Shooter said:
Hang around this site for a while, read the stickies and you'll pick up a lot about casting; http://castboolits.gunloads.com/index.php
volshooter
Buckeye
I have tried amany mold and have figured for me that Lee is the best pistol mold. I do not cast rifle. I like the Lee molds and their lquid lube coating. I have sent several hundreds of pounds of lead through them.
I started casting with a bunch of Lee aluminum six cavity and smaller, RCBS, and Lyman castings (bought used). I casted with a bunch of older gentelmen who sold me the cow on how to cast for both pistol and rifle. I ended up buying what they wanted to sell. Since then I have been casting showing others interested.
Anyway, start small as suggested buy Lee stuff it will put out great quality at a small price for starters go from there!
I have my 75 yr old dad into it big time not to mention it is a huge added part to you're reloading experirnce.
Castbootlits.com is a great place for all involved information as is this site.
Anyway, start small as suggested buy Lee stuff it will put out great quality at a small price for starters go from there!
I have my 75 yr old dad into it big time not to mention it is a huge added part to you're reloading experirnce.
Castbootlits.com is a great place for all involved information as is this site.
Tx gun runner
Single-Sixer
I prefer the steel moulds , but there is nothing wrong with alums one if you can control temp and the bullet fill out good and they all cast the same sizes . If your not shooting over 50 yds anything you cast good or bad will work and tumble lube is OK too . When you shoot 100 , 200 or more yds that is a whole new ball game .
john guedry
Single-Sixer
I can only comment on the Lee 2 cavity molds 'cause thats all I have. They work fine for me.
