Let’s Dive into Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457132 2640132
For over a century, Lyman has been a trusted name in reloading equipment, and their bullet molds are a cornerstone of the handloading community. The Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457132 2640132 is designed to cast a 535-grain .45 caliber bullet, specifically the #457132 Postell design. This bullet is known for its long-range accuracy, particularly in black powder cartridge shooting (B.P.C.S.).
As a seasoned handloader with a love for classic cartridges, I was drawn to this mold because of my passion for the .45-70 and a desire to improve my long-range accuracy with cast bullets. I was specifically looking for a mold that would allow me to replicate the performance of historic bullet designs, and the Postell seemed like the perfect candidate.
Upon unboxing, the mold felt solid and well-made. The handles were sturdy, and the mold halves aligned precisely. It was clear that Lyman had paid attention to detail in the construction.
Compared to some of my other bullet molds, this Lyman mold appeared more robust and purposefully built for a specific application: heavy, accurate bullets for long-range shooting. I chose this over a more generic round-nose mold because I wanted to delve into the world of specialized bullet designs for black powder cartridge rifles. My initial impression was one of excitement; I was eager to start casting and see if this mold could live up to its reputation for accuracy.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457132 2640132 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457132 2640132 in my reloading workshop, casting bullets for my Uberti 1885 High Wall chambered in .45-70. The casting process went smoothly, and the mold heated up evenly and released the bullets easily.
I was particularly impressed with how consistently the mold cast bullets. They came out with sharp details and minimal imperfections. The only initial issue I had was finding the right alloy that would both fill out the mold completely and minimize leading in my rifle barrel.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of casting and shooting with the Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457132 2640132, it has proven to be a reliable and consistent performer. The mold still closes tightly and casts bullets with the same precision as when it was new.
There are no signs of significant wear and tear despite my having cast hundreds of bullets. Regular cleaning with a mold cleaner and a light coat of Lyman mold lube after each casting session has kept it in excellent condition. This mold far outperforms some of my older, less precise molds, consistently producing high-quality bullets that have noticeably improved my long-range accuracy.
Breaking Down the Features of Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457132 2640132
Specifications
The Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457132 2640132 is a single-cavity mold designed to cast .45 caliber bullets. It produces bullets with a weight of approximately 535 grains, depending on the alloy used.
The mold is specifically designed for the Lyman #457132 bullet, also known as the Postell bullet. This design is a long, heavy bullet intended for long-range target shooting and is particularly popular in black powder cartridge silhouette (B.P.C.S.) competition. These specifications are crucial because they dictate the bullet’s ballistic performance, particularly its ability to resist wind drift and maintain velocity at extended distances.
Performance & Functionality
The Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457132 2640132 performs exceptionally well when properly used. Its single-cavity design ensures that each bullet is carefully and consistently formed, leading to greater accuracy.
The mold’s robust construction and precise alignment ensure consistent bullet weights and dimensions. The primary weakness, inherent to single-cavity molds, is the slower casting rate compared to multi-cavity molds. It meets and exceeds my expectations for a mold designed for precision and long-range accuracy.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457132 2640132 features a traditional clamshell design with sturdy handles. The mold itself is made of iron, giving it substantial weight and excellent heat retention.
The handles are comfortable to grip, even during extended casting sessions, and the mold halves align precisely. While there is a slight learning curve in mastering the proper casting technique, the mold itself is user-friendly and intuitive.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457132 2640132 is built to last. The iron construction can withstand repeated heating and cooling cycles without warping or cracking.
Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to prevent leading and ensure smooth operation. With proper care, this mold should last for decades, producing thousands of high-quality bullets.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457132 2640132 itself does not come with any accessories. However, a Lyman #132 top punch is required to properly seat gas checks and lubricate the cast bullets.
The mold is compatible with any standard mold handles and can be used with various bullet lubricants and sizing dies to customize the bullet’s final dimensions and ballistic performance.
Pros and Cons of Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457132 2640132
Pros
- Exceptional accuracy potential due to the Postell bullet design.
- Solid construction and durability ensure long-term reliability.
- Consistent bullet weight and dimensions for improved ballistic performance.
- Specifically designed for long-range shooting and black powder cartridge rifles.
- Easy to use and maintain with basic reloading knowledge.
Cons
- Single-cavity design limits casting speed.
- Requires a specific top punch (Lyman #132) for proper bullet finishing.
Who Should Buy Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457132 2640132?
This mold is perfect for black powder cartridge rifle shooters, long-range target enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to replicate the performance of classic bullet designs. It is especially well-suited for those who prioritize accuracy over casting speed and are willing to invest the time and effort to master the casting process.
Those who prefer multi-cavity molds for faster casting or who are new to reloading might find this mold less appealing. Must-have accessories include Lyman #132 top punch, bullet lubricant, a sizing die appropriate for your rifle, and a lead pot with temperature control.
Conclusion on Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457132 2640132
The Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457132 2640132 is a well-made and highly capable tool for serious reloaders seeking to achieve exceptional long-range accuracy with their .45 caliber rifles. The price of $109.99 is justified by the mold’s quality, durability, and potential for producing match-grade bullets.
I wholeheartedly recommend this mold to anyone passionate about black powder cartridge shooting or long-range accuracy. If you are looking to elevate your .45-70 handloading to the next level, invest in the Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457132 2640132 and experience the satisfaction of casting your own precision bullets.