Let’s Dive into Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358156
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358156 is a reloading tool designed for casting your own lead bullets for .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges. Manufactured by Lyman, a well-known name in reloading equipment, this mould allows handloaders to create custom bullets tailored to their specific needs.
For years, I’ve relied on commercially cast bullets, but rising costs and a desire for greater control over bullet hardness and design pushed me to explore casting my own. I needed a mould that was versatile, reliable, and capable of producing consistent bullets for both target shooting and personal defense loads.
My initial experience with the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358156 was positive. The mould felt solid and well-made, with a good weight to it.
I considered moulds from Lee Precision and RCBS, but the Lyman mould’s reputation for quality and the specific Ray Thompson design appealed to me more. The Lyman seemed like the better built, longer lasting tool.
I was excited to finally have the ability to produce bullets tailored to my specific needs. The prospect of creating consistent and accurate .38/.357 bullets at a fraction of the cost of commercially cast options was extremely appealing.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358156 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test was conducted in my garage reloading workshop. I set up my casting pot, preheated the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358156, and began the casting process.
The mould performed well, producing bullets with minimal wrinkles and good fill-out, even after only a few casting cycles. I found that using a mould release agent helped significantly with bullet release, especially in the beginning.
The initial casts were a bit rough around the edges, but after getting the mould temperature dialed in, the bullets came out clean and consistent. There were no major issues, and I quickly got into a rhythm.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358156 has proven to be a reliable and durable tool. The mould shows no signs of wear and tear, despite regular use.
I maintain the mould by cleaning it after each casting session and applying a light coat of mould release agent before storing it. This process helps prevent lead buildup and ensures smooth operation.
Compared to my previous reliance on commercial bullets, the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358156 allows me to tailor my bullets to specific loads. It has greatly outperformed my expectations in terms of consistency and cost savings.
Breaking Down the Features of Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358156
Specifications
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358156 casts a 155-grain bullet designed by Ray Thompson. It is designed to be used with .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges.
- Bullet #: 358156
- Grain: 155gr
- Top Punch: 429
- Double Cavity #: 2660156
- Four Cavity #: 2670156
- Sizing Die: .357, .358, .359, .360
These specifications are essential for creating consistent and accurate ammunition. The 155-grain weight is versatile for both target shooting and self-defense, while the dual crimp grooves allow for loading in both .38 Special and .357 Magnum cases.
Performance & Functionality
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358156 performs exceptionally well in producing consistent and accurate bullets. The bullet’s design ensures reliable feeding and good accuracy in a variety of firearms.
The mould’s strengths lie in its consistent casting and ease of use. The only potential improvement would be to offer a mould with a slightly heavier bullet weight for those who prefer heavier projectiles.
It exceeds my expectations by allowing me to create custom loads tailored to my specific firearms. I am now getting better accuracy and performance than I ever achieved with commercially available bullets.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358156 features a solid iron construction with a comfortable weight that facilitates efficient casting. The mould requires separate handles, which are easy to attach and provide a secure grip.
The mould is user-friendly, although there is a slight learning curve in mastering the casting process. Once you get the hang of it, the mould is easy to operate and produces high-quality bullets consistently.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358156 is built to last. With proper care, this mould should provide years of reliable service.
Maintaining the mould is simple: clean it after each use and store it in a dry place. This minimal maintenance ensures that the mould remains in good working condition and continues to produce high-quality bullets.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358156 does not include any accessories other than what’s needed to cast bullets. It requires separate mould handles for operation.
The bullet’s diameter can be adjusted by using different sizing dies. Lyman offers sizing dies in various diameters, allowing handloaders to tailor the bullet’s fit to their specific firearm.
Pros and Cons of Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358156
Pros
- Consistent bullet casting for accurate loads.
- Durable iron construction for long-lasting performance.
- Versatile design suitable for both .38 Special and .357 Magnum.
- Cost-effective way to produce custom bullets.
- Ray Thompson bullet design known for excellent performance.
Cons
- Requires separate mould handles, increasing initial cost.
- Can be a learning curve for novice bullet casters.
Who Should Buy Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358156?
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358156 is perfect for experienced handloaders looking to create custom .38 Special and .357 Magnum ammunition. It’s also ideal for competitive shooters who need consistent and accurate loads.
This product may not be suitable for beginners who are new to reloading. They may want to start with pre-cast bullets.
Must-have accessories include mould handles, a lead casting pot, a lead thermometer, and a sizing die.
Conclusion on Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358156
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358156 is a high-quality tool that allows handloaders to create consistent and accurate bullets for .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges. Its durable construction, versatile design, and excellent performance make it a worthwhile investment for serious reloaders.
At $109.99, the price is justified given the mould’s quality and the long-term cost savings it provides. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to take their reloading to the next level.
If you’re ready to start casting your own custom bullets and improve your shooting accuracy, then grab the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358156 and start reloading!