Let’s Dive into Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358311
Reloading ammunition has been a long-standing passion of mine. It’s a craft, a science, and an art all rolled into one. The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358311 caught my eye because of its reputation for quality and the specific bullet design it produces, a 160-grain round nose flat point ideal for target shooting and plinking with my .38 Special and .357 Magnum revolvers. I’ve always respected Lyman as a manufacturer.
I was seeking a mould that would cast consistent, accurate bullets without breaking the bank. I had been using a Lee mould previously, which served me well enough, but I wanted something more substantial and potentially capable of higher production rates. The appeal of a Lyman mould, with its cast iron construction and promise of precision, was strong.
Upon unboxing the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358311, I immediately noticed the heft and solid feel of the mould. It exuded quality, a stark contrast to some of the lighter, more economical moulds I’ve used in the past. The mould halves aligned perfectly, and the sprue plate moved smoothly, indicating good machining.
I considered the RCBS 38-150-SWC and the Accurate Molds 35-158R, but ultimately chose the Lyman for its classic design and readily available sizing die options. The RCBS was a strong contender, but the Lyman‘s profile seemed better suited to my particular revolvers.
My first impression was one of excitement. This wasn’t just another piece of reloading equipment; it felt like an investment in the quality of my handloads. I couldn’t wait to get it seasoned and start casting.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358311 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358311 at my home reloading bench, which is set up in a detached garage. I cast bullets over a propane burner, meticulously controlling the lead alloy temperature. The first few casts were a bit rough, as expected, but once the mould reached its optimal temperature, it started dropping beautiful, consistent bullets.
The mould performed well, even in the relatively cool ambient temperature of my garage. Consistent pouring technique is critical. I experienced no sticking or excessive finning.
The Lyman mould was a little heavier than my previous Lee mould, which took some getting used to. After a few hours, the increased weight became a minor inconvenience compared to the improved bullet quality and casting speed.
One minor issue I encountered was the mould handles becoming hot after prolonged use. I quickly remedied this by wearing gloves, a standard practice for any experienced caster.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358311 continues to perform admirably. The mould halves still align perfectly. The sprue plate operates smoothly.
There are no signs of significant wear and tear, despite having cast thousands of bullets. The cast iron construction appears to be holding up exceptionally well.
Maintenance is straightforward. After each casting session, I clean the mould with a brass brush and apply a light coat of Lyman Mould Lube to prevent rust.
Compared to my previous Lee mould, the Lyman offers superior bullet consistency and a faster casting rate, especially when using the four-cavity version. The weight and initial cost are higher, but the increased production rate and bullet quality justify the investment for serious reloaders.
Breaking Down the Features of Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358311
Specifications
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358311 is designed to cast a 160-grain round nose flat point bullet specifically for .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges. The bullet profile is designated as #358311.
- Grain Weight: 160 grains. This is an ideal weight for target shooting and general-purpose .38 Special and .357 Magnum loads.
- Top Punch: .311. This refers to the required size of the top punch used for lubricating and sizing the cast bullets.
- Available Cavity Options: Double Cavity (#2660311) and Four Cavity (#2670311). This allows for increased production speed depending on your needs.
- Handle Requirement: Requires dedicated double or four cavity handles, sold separately. This is a standard setup for Lyman moulds.
- Sizing Die Compatibility: .357, .358, .359, and .360. This provides flexibility to size the bullets to match your specific firearm’s bore diameter.
These specifications are important because they dictate the type of bullet you can cast and how it will perform in your firearm. The 160-grain weight is a sweet spot for both .38 Special and .357 Magnum. The availability of different sizing die options ensures compatibility with a wide range of firearms.
Performance & Functionality
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358311 performs exceptionally well, consistently dropping accurate and uniform bullets. When properly sized and loaded, these bullets exhibit excellent accuracy in both my .38 Special and .357 Magnum revolvers.
The mould’s strengths lie in its consistent bullet weight, uniform dimensions, and ease of use once properly seasoned. A minor weakness is the initial learning curve required to master consistent pouring and temperature control.
The mould meets and even exceeds expectations. I sought a mould that could reliably produce high-quality bullets, and the Lyman delivers.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358311 features a classic cast iron design that feels solid and durable. The mould is heavier than aluminum moulds. However, this weight contributes to its excellent heat retention and consistent bullet casting.
The design is user-friendly. But it does require some experience with casting.
Durability & Maintenance
The cast iron construction of the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358311 suggests that it will last for many years with proper care. I expect it to outlast many of the lighter aluminum moulds on the market.
Maintenance is simple. Regular cleaning and lubrication are all that’s needed to keep it in top condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358311 itself doesn’t come with any accessories beyond the mould blocks and sprue plate. Dedicated mould handles are required and sold separately.
Lyman offers a wide range of accessories specifically designed for use with their moulds, including top punches, sizing dies, and mould lubricants. The mould is compatible with Lyman‘s extensive line of reloading equipment.
Pros and Cons of Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358311
Pros
- High-quality cast iron construction ensures durability and consistent bullet casting.
- Produces accurate and uniform 160-grain round nose flat point bullets, ideal for .38 Special and .357 Magnum.
- Available in both double and four-cavity versions for increased production speed.
- Compatible with a wide range of Lyman accessories, including top punches and sizing dies.
- Classic design and proven performance make it a reliable choice for serious reloaders.
Cons
- Mould handles are required but sold separately, adding to the overall cost.
- Cast iron construction is heavier than aluminum moulds, which can be fatiguing during extended casting sessions.
Who Should Buy Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358311?
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358311 is perfect for reloaders who are serious about producing high-quality, accurate bullets for their .38 Special and .357 Magnum revolvers. It’s an excellent choice for target shooters, plinkers, and anyone who enjoys the craft of reloading.
This mould might not be the best choice for beginners or those who only reload occasionally. The initial cost and the need for additional accessories can be a barrier to entry.
Must-have accessories include Lyman mould handles, a Lyman top punch, and a Lyman sizing die in the appropriate diameter for your firearm.
Conclusion on Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358311
Overall, the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358311 is an excellent investment for serious reloaders seeking to produce high-quality, accurate bullets for their .38 Special and .357 Magnum revolvers. The cast iron construction ensures durability and consistent performance. The 160-grain round nose flat point bullet design is ideal for target shooting and general-purpose loads.
The price is justified by the quality of the mould and the consistently excellent bullets it produces. It’s a worthwhile investment for anyone who values accuracy and consistency in their handloads.
I would highly recommend the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358311 to any experienced reloader looking to upgrade their equipment or expand their bullet casting capabilities. Invest in quality, invest in Lyman, and start casting your own accurate and reliable ammunition today!