Let’s Dive into Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 30 Caliber – #311284 2660284
The Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 30 Caliber – #311284 2660284 represents a long-standing tradition of quality and precision in bullet casting. This particular mould, designed for .30 caliber rifles, offers a 210-grain gas check bullet, the #311284, a design historically linked to the .30-40 Krag but widely used in the .30-06 Springfield and other .30 caliber cartridges. The Lyman name is synonymous with reliability for reloaders, and this mould promises to deliver consistent and accurate bullets for those who enjoy casting their own projectiles.
I’ve been reloading for over a decade, primarily to achieve optimal accuracy and tailor ammunition to specific rifles. Factory ammunition is great for general use, but handloading allows fine-tuning that simply isn’t possible off the shelf. I was specifically looking for a mould to cast heavier bullets for my .30-06, aiming for enhanced ballistic coefficient and improved downrange performance for long-range target shooting and potentially hunting larger game.
Upon receiving the Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould, I was immediately struck by its solid construction. The mould halves aligned perfectly, and the handles felt robust and well-attached. The weight felt substantial, suggesting a durable tool built to last.
I considered moulds from RCBS and Lee, but ultimately chose the Lyman due to its reputation for producing bullets that closely match the advertised weight and dimensions. I’ve had mixed results with other brands in the past. The RCBS moulds are also excellent, but often command a higher price.
My first impression was excitement tempered with a bit of anticipation. Casting bullets is a rewarding process, but it demands patience and attention to detail. I was eager to see how this mould would perform, and whether it would live up to the Lyman name’s reputation.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 30 Caliber – #311284 2660284 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould took place at my home reloading bench. I used a lead alloy consisting of approximately 95% lead, 2.5% tin, and 2.5% antimony, melted in a bottom-pour electric lead pot. Temperature control is crucial for consistent casting.
The mould performed exceptionally well from the start, producing clean, well-formed bullets with minimal imperfections. A slight learning curve existed in mastering the proper cadence of pouring and opening the mould. However, after only a few casts, I found a rhythm that yielded consistent results.
After the initial casting session, I noticed that the mould halves would benefit from a light coating of mould release compound for even smoother operation. No other issues arose during this first use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of casting sessions, using the Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould has become a routine part of my reloading process. The mould continues to perform consistently, producing high-quality bullets with each session. Minimal maintenance is required.
The mould shows no signs of significant wear, despite having cast several hundred bullets. The handles remain tight, and the mould halves still align perfectly. Proper storage and cleaning are crucial to longevity.
Cleaning involves disassembling the mould and scrubbing it with a brass brush and solvent to remove lead residue. Compared to some other moulds I’ve used, the Lyman design is relatively easy to disassemble and clean. The Lyman mould definitely outperforms cheaper aluminum moulds in terms of consistent bullet weight and overall durability.
Breaking Down the Features of Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 30 Caliber – #311284 2660284
Specifications
The Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 30 Caliber – #311284 2660284 is a double-cavity mould designed for casting .30 caliber bullets. It casts a bullet of approximately 210 grains in weight, featuring a gas check shank for attaching gas checks. The recommended top punch for this bullet design is #284.
The 210-grain weight is significant because it provides a high ballistic coefficient, leading to better downrange energy retention and reduced wind drift. The gas check is essential for preventing gas blow-by when shooting cast bullets at higher velocities. Without a gas check, leading in the barrel can become a serious problem.
Performance & Functionality
The Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould performs its primary function of casting bullets exceptionally well. The bullets produced are consistent in weight and dimensions, leading to improved accuracy when loaded into cartridges. The double-cavity design increases casting speed.
The mould’s only weakness is that it requires a bit of technique to master the filling process to avoid imperfections. However, with practice, this becomes second nature. The mould meets my expectations for producing high-quality cast bullets for my .30-06 rifle.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lyman mould features a traditional iron block design with steel handles. The weight provides thermal mass that helps maintain consistent temperatures during casting. The handles are comfortable to grip, even during extended casting sessions.
The design is user-friendly, although some experience with bullet casting is recommended for optimal results. There is a slight learning curve associated with any new mould, but the Lyman’s straightforward design makes it relatively easy to master.
Durability & Maintenance
The iron construction of the Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould suggests excellent durability. With proper care and maintenance, this mould should last for many years, potentially decades. A well-maintained mould is a lifetime investment.
Maintenance involves cleaning the mould after each use and storing it in a dry place to prevent rust. A light coating of mould release compound before each casting session is also recommended.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould does not come with any accessories beyond the mould itself. However, several essential accessories are required for bullet casting, including a lead pot, lead alloy, gas checks, and a top punch. Lyman offers a wide range of accessories for bullet casting, including lead pots, sizing dies, and lubricating compounds.
The mould is compatible with standard gas checks and top punches designed for .30 caliber bullets. There are no other customization options for the mould itself, as its design is fixed. However, the bullets it produces can be customized through different alloy compositions and lubrication techniques.
Pros and Cons of Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 30 Caliber – #311284 2660284
Pros
- Produces consistent and accurate bullets, leading to improved accuracy in handloaded ammunition.
- Durable iron construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Double-cavity design speeds up the bullet casting process.
- Compatible with readily available gas checks and top punches.
- Lyman’s reputation for quality provides peace of mind.
Cons
- Requires a slight learning curve to master the casting process and avoid imperfections.
- Does not include any accessories beyond the mould itself (lead pot, gas checks, etc. must be purchased separately).
Who Should Buy Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 30 Caliber – #311284 2660284?
This mould is perfect for experienced reloaders who want to cast their own .30 caliber bullets for improved accuracy and tailored performance. It’s also well-suited for those who enjoy the process of handloading and appreciate the control it offers over ammunition components. Long-range target shooters and hunters seeking heavier bullets for their .30-06 or similar rifles will also benefit greatly.
Beginners with no prior experience in bullet casting may find the learning curve challenging and should consider starting with a simpler, single-cavity mould. Those who are only interested in shooting factory ammunition and have no desire to handload should skip this product.
Must-have accessories include a bottom-pour lead pot, a thermometer to monitor lead temperature, gas checks, a top punch, bullet lubricant, and a sizing die.
Conclusion on Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 30 Caliber – #311284 2660284
The Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 30 Caliber – #311284 2660284 is a high-quality tool that delivers consistent and accurate cast bullets for .30 caliber rifles. The price is justified by the mould’s durability, performance, and the long-term cost savings associated with casting your own bullets. The Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould offers excellent value for money for serious reloaders.
I would personally recommend this mould to anyone looking to cast their own .30 caliber bullets. It’s a worthwhile investment that will pay for itself over time. Start casting, improve your accuracy, and experience the satisfaction of shooting ammunition you crafted yourself!