Let’s Dive into Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457658 2640658
For over a century, the name Lyman has been synonymous with quality reloading equipment. The Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457658 2640658 represents a continuation of this legacy, promising precision and consistency for the serious black powder cartridge shooter. This particular mould is designed to cast a 480-grain, .45 caliber bullet, a classic choice for large bore rifles, especially those chambered in .45-70 and similar cartridges.
I’ve been reloading for over a decade, and I was looking for a mould to create accurate, heavy bullets for my Sharps rifle. I wanted something capable of delivering consistent performance at long ranges, specifically for black powder cartridge silhouette shooting. I was particularly interested in trying a heavier bullet profile.
Upon unboxing, the Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457658 2640658 felt substantial and well-made. The mould halves aligned perfectly, suggesting tight tolerances and precise machining. Its weight instilled confidence, hinting at the durability I expect from Lyman products.
Compared to my Lee Precision and RCBS moulds, the Lyman mould felt more refined. While the others perform adequately, the Lyman mould gave me the impression of superior precision and longevity. I chose this Lyman mould because of Lyman’s reputation for quality and the specific bullet profile it casts.
My first impression was one of anticipation. I was eager to melt some lead and see if this mould could deliver the accuracy I was seeking. The promise of casting consistent, high-ballistic coefficient bullets for my .45 caliber rifle was exciting.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457658 2640658 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my home reloading bench, followed by range sessions at a local shooting range. I primarily used a lead alloy of 40:1 (lead to tin) to achieve optimal bullet hardness for black powder loads. The ambient temperature during my initial casting session was around 70°F.
The mould performed admirably under these conditions, releasing bullets cleanly and consistently with minimal effort. A slight learning curve was present, mostly related to temperature control of the mould itself. I quickly learned that maintaining a consistent mould temperature was crucial for consistent fill-out and eliminating wrinkles in the cast bullets.
The only initial issue I encountered was minor “frosting” on the bullet surfaces, indicating the mould was running a bit too hot. A quick adjustment to my casting pace and the addition of a small amount of mould release resolved this issue, resulting in perfectly filled bullets.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457658 2640658 continues to perform exceptionally well. The mould halves still align perfectly. There are no signs of significant wear and tear.
The mould body has developed a slight patina from heat exposure, which is normal and expected. Regular cleaning with a lead remover cloth keeps the mould faces free of lead buildup, ensuring consistent bullet release. This keeps the mould working flawlessly.
Compared to my previous experiences with less expensive moulds, the Lyman mould has proven to be far more durable and consistent. It has consistently produced higher-quality bullets with minimal rejects. The mould heats evenly and consistently, which yields uniform bullets.
Breaking Down the Features of Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457658 2640658
Specifications
The Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457658 2640658 is a single-cavity mould designed for casting .45 caliber bullets. The intended bullet weight is 480 grains. The specific bullet design is the #457658, an original Schmittzer design.
The recommended top punch is #658. This mould is specifically designed for rifles chambered in .45 caliber. The single cavity design allows for meticulous quality control over each bullet cast, although it reduces the rate of production.
The specified grain weight of 480 is crucial for achieving optimal ballistic performance in .45-70 rifles, especially at longer ranges. A heavier bullet offers improved resistance to wind drift and maintains energy downrange. The original Schmittzer design ensures a high ballistic coefficient.
Performance & Functionality
The Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457658 2640658 excels at producing consistent, high-quality bullets suitable for accurate shooting. The bullets cast from this mould have proven to be accurate in my Sharps rifle. The mould halves align precisely and clamp tightly, resulting in minimal flashing and consistent bullet dimensions.
The mould’s strengths lie in its precision and consistent performance. Its primary weakness is its single-cavity design. This limits production speed compared to multi-cavity moulds. The mould fully meets my expectations for quality and performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457658 2640658 is constructed from high-quality iron, providing excellent heat retention and durability. The mould’s weight feels substantial, providing a feeling of quality. The blocks lock up tight, for consistent bullet shape.
The mould is relatively user-friendly, although some experience with casting is recommended. A slight learning curve is present, primarily related to temperature control and consistent casting technique. I’d say anyone with basic reloading experience could pick this up easily.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its robust construction and high-quality materials, the Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457658 2640658 should last for many years with proper care. I expect to be using this mould for decades. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to prevent lead buildup and ensure smooth operation.
Cleaning involves removing lead residue with a dedicated lead remover cloth after each casting session. Occasional lubrication of the hinge pin is also recommended to maintain smooth operation. These are simple, easy to perform maintenance procedures.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457658 2640658 does not come with any accessories besides the mould itself. Necessary accessories include a mould handle (sold separately), a lead pot, a lead thermometer, and a top punch. The recommended top punch is #658, necessary for seating gas checks or lubricating bullets.
The mould is compatible with standard mould handles from Lyman and other manufacturers. There are no specific customization options for the mould itself, but the resulting bullets can be customized with different lubricants and gas checks. The ability to customize the final bullet with lube and gas checks is very valuable to fine-tune performance.
Pros and Cons of Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457658 2640658
Pros
- Exceptional accuracy potential due to consistent bullet dimensions and design. This enables precision shooting at longer ranges.
- High-quality construction ensures durability and longevity. This provides years of reliable use.
- The original Schmittzer design provides a high ballistic coefficient for improved downrange performance. This is invaluable for silhouette shooting.
- The .45 caliber, 480-grain bullet weight is ideal for .45-70 and similar black powder cartridges. This provides versatility in load development.
- Lyman’s reputation for quality and precision is well-deserved, making this a reliable investment. This instills confidence in the product.
Cons
- Single-cavity design limits production speed, making it less efficient for high-volume casting. This is a trade-off for precision.
- Mould handle and other essential accessories are sold separately, increasing the overall cost. This requires additional investment.
Who Should Buy Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457658 2640658?
The Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457658 2640658 is perfect for serious black powder cartridge shooters seeking maximum accuracy and consistency in their handloads. It’s also great for reloaders who value quality and durability in their equipment. It’s ideal for silhouette shooters and hunters using .45-70 and similar cartridges who prioritize downrange performance.
Those who need to cast large quantities of bullets quickly should probably skip this product. A multi-cavity mould will be more appropriate. Someone on a very tight budget might want to consider a less expensive alternative.
A must-have accessory is the Lyman mould handle, along with a good quality lead pot and thermometer. Experimentation with different bullet lubricants and gas checks is also highly recommended to fine-tune performance.
Conclusion on Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457658 2640658
The Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457658 2640658 is a top-quality tool that delivers exceptional accuracy and consistency. While the single-cavity design may not be ideal for high-volume casting, the precision and durability it offers make it a worthwhile investment for serious reloaders. The Lyman reputation speaks for itself and this mould lives up to the hype.
The price of $109.99 is justified by the quality of materials, precise machining, and the resulting accuracy potential. This mould offers a great value for anyone serious about reloading.
I would absolutely recommend the Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457658 2640658 to anyone looking to cast high-quality, accurate bullets for their .45 caliber rifles. If you’re chasing accuracy and consistency, look no further. Order yours today and experience the Lyman difference!