Let’s Dive into Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: 50 Caliber Maxi – #504617 2640617
The Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: 50 Caliber Maxi – #504617 2640617 offers black powder enthusiasts the ability to cast their own .50 caliber Maxi-Balls, a crucial component for accurate shooting with muzzleloading rifles. From Lyman, a trusted name in reloading equipment, this mould promises consistent bullet weights and dimensions, essential for achieving tight groupings downrange. It’s designed to cast a 370-grain Maxi-Ball, a popular choice for hunting and target shooting with .50 caliber black powder rifles.
I was looking for a mould that would allow me to cast accurate and consistent bullets for my Lyman Deerstalker rifle. Factory-made Maxi-Balls can be expensive, and I wanted more control over the bullet’s composition and weight. The Lyman mould seemed like the ideal solution.
Upon unboxing, the mould felt solid and well-made. The handles provided a comfortable grip, and the mould halves aligned perfectly. The overall build quality inspired confidence that this mould would last through many casting sessions.
I considered other brands of bullet moulds, but Lyman’s reputation for quality and the specific design for Maxi-Balls swayed my decision. Some cheaper moulds are available, but I prioritized accuracy and durability over saving a few dollars. My research suggested the Lyman mould produced more consistent bullets, a critical factor for black powder shooting.
My first impression was one of excitement and anticipation. I was eager to fire up my casting pot and see how this mould performed. The promise of crafting my own accurate projectiles was incredibly appealing.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: 50 Caliber Maxi – #504617 2640617 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould at my home casting setup and subsequently at my local shooting range. I was using a propane-fired casting pot and pure lead for my first casting session.
The mould performed beautifully under normal conditions. The lead filled the cavity completely, creating well-defined Maxi-Balls. I learned quickly that mould preparation is essential for successful casting.
The mould required a little breaking-in period, but after the first few casts, it began producing perfect bullets consistently. I applied a mould release agent to ensure easy bullet release, preventing any sticking or damage. There were no unexpected issues beyond the usual learning curve associated with bullet casting.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould has proven to be remarkably durable. The mould halves still align perfectly, and the handles remain securely attached.
There are no signs of significant wear and tear. Regular cleaning and lubrication have kept the mould in excellent working condition. The mould releases bullets cleanly and consistently after each cast.
Compared to some of the cheaper moulds I’ve used in the past, the Lyman mould performs exceptionally well. The bullets are more consistent in weight and diameter, translating to improved accuracy at the range. The mould’s robustness gives me confidence it will last for years.
Breaking Down the Features of Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: 50 Caliber Maxi – #504617 2640617
Specifications
The Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: 50 Caliber Maxi – #504617 2640617 is designed specifically for casting .50 caliber Maxi-Balls. It produces a 370-grain projectile, ideal for many .50 caliber muzzleloading rifles.
The mould is a single-cavity design, meaning it casts one bullet at a time, but this is acceptable given the increased quality. The product’s Bullet # is 504617, and the Single Cavity # is 2640617, aiding in quick identification and ordering of replacement parts if ever needed. It’s designed for rifles with a nominal .500″ bore and a 1/48″ twist rate, common in many popular muzzleloading rifles. The mould itself is made from high-quality iron, ensuring durability and consistent heat retention.
These specifications directly impact the performance of the bullets cast. The 370-grain weight provides a good balance of velocity and energy for hunting and target shooting. The 1/48″ twist rate compatibility ensures the bullet is properly stabilized in flight, maximizing accuracy.
Performance & Functionality
The Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould excels in producing consistent and accurate bullets. The resulting Maxi-Balls are uniform in weight and diameter, critical for achieving tight groupings.
The mould is straightforward to use, even for novice casters. The handles provide a comfortable and secure grip, making the casting process less fatiguing. The single-cavity design, while slower than multi-cavity moulds, allows for greater attention to detail and quality control. A potential weakness is the time it takes to cast a large number of bullets due to the single cavity.
The mould has exceeded my expectations in terms of accuracy and consistency. My groups have tightened noticeably since switching to bullets cast with this mould. The ease of use is a significant bonus, making bullet casting a more enjoyable process.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould features a simple but effective design. The mould is constructed from high-quality iron, ensuring durability and even heat distribution.
The handles are well-shaped and provide a comfortable grip. The mould halves align perfectly, minimizing the risk of fins or imperfections on the finished bullets. The mould is relatively lightweight, reducing fatigue during extended casting sessions. There’s a slight learning curve involved in mastering the proper casting technique, but it is minimal.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould is built to last. With proper care, this mould should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is simple: clean the mould thoroughly after each use and apply a light coat of oil to prevent rust. Occasional lubrication of the handles will keep them operating smoothly. The mould is relatively simple in design, making repairs straightforward if they are ever needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould does not come with any specific accessories. However, a mould release agent is highly recommended for easier bullet release.
The Lyman mould is compatible with universal mould handles. While the mould itself cannot be significantly customized, the composition of the lead alloy used for casting can be adjusted to fine-tune bullet hardness and performance. Some casters modify the mould cavity slightly to alter the bullet’s shape or add a gas check.
Pros and Cons of Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: 50 Caliber Maxi – #504617 2640617
Pros
- High-quality construction: The iron mould and sturdy handles ensure years of reliable use.
- Consistent bullet weight and dimensions: Produces accurate and uniform Maxi-Balls for improved shooting performance.
- Easy to use: Even novice casters can quickly master the casting process.
- Specifically designed for Maxi-Balls: Creates the correct bullet shape and size for optimal performance in muzzleloading rifles.
- Reputable brand: Lyman’s reputation for quality and reliability provides peace of mind.
Cons
- Single-cavity design: Casting large quantities of bullets can be time-consuming.
- Requires separate purchase of mould release agent: Adding to the initial cost and effort.
Who Should Buy Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: 50 Caliber Maxi – #504617 2640617?
This bullet mould is perfect for black powder enthusiasts who want to cast their own accurate and consistent Maxi-Balls. It’s ideal for hunters and target shooters who want to fine-tune their ammunition for optimal performance.
This mould is also beneficial for shooters looking to save money on ammunition costs. Casting your own bullets is more cost-effective in the long run than purchasing factory-made projectiles.
Those who prioritize speed and quantity over quality may want to consider a multi-cavity mould from another brand. Also, beginners who are intimidated by the bullet casting process might prefer to stick with commercially available ammunition.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality mould release agent. A lead thermometer is also very helpful for maintaining the correct casting temperature.
Conclusion on Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: 50 Caliber Maxi – #504617 2640617
The Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: 50 Caliber Maxi – #504617 2640617 is an excellent investment for black powder shooters seeking accuracy and consistency. The build quality is outstanding, and the mould produces uniform bullets that noticeably improve shooting performance.
The price of $109.99 is justified by the quality and performance of this mould. Casting your own bullets can save money in the long run.
I would personally recommend the Lyman mould to any serious black powder enthusiast. If you want to take your shooting to the next level and gain more control over your ammunition, this mould is a must-have. Start casting your own Maxi-Balls today and experience the satisfaction of crafting your own accurate projectiles!