Let’s Dive into Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358665
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358665 is a casting tool designed for reloaders who want to create their own .38 Special and .357 Magnum bullets. This mould, manufactured by Lyman, allows users to cast a classic 158-grain bullet, suitable for both pistols and rifles, particularly for Cowboy Action shooting. Its popularity stems from its bore-riding nose design, which promotes accurate alignment in the firearm.
For years, I’ve been tweaking my .38 Special loads for a vintage Smith & Wesson revolver, always chasing that perfect blend of accuracy and consistent performance. Factory ammo prices were climbing, and I wanted more control over the bullet’s composition and design. This led me to explore bullet casting and ultimately select the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358665 as my first mould.
Upon unboxing, the Lyman mould felt solid and well-constructed. The blocks aligned precisely, and the sprue plate moved smoothly, suggesting a quality build. Compared to cheaper, off-brand moulds I’d seen, the Lyman exuded a sense of reliability and precision engineering, although the handles were conspicuously absent and had to be ordered separately.
I considered other moulds, like those from Lee Precision, which are more budget-friendly, and RCBS, known for their premium quality. I chose the Lyman #358665 because its 158-grain bullet design is a classic for .38/.357, and Lyman’s reputation for quality seemed a good balance of price and performance. My initial excitement was tempered by the realization that handles weren’t included, but overall, I was eager to get started casting.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358665 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first casting session with the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358665 took place in my garage, a well-ventilated space ideal for lead melting. I used a lead pot and followed safe casting practices, melting down some wheel weights I’d collected. The mould heated up quickly, and after a few initial “learning curve” casts, I started producing usable bullets.
The mould performed well even in the fluctuating temperatures of my garage. A light breeze didn’t seem to significantly impact the fill-out of the bullets. The mould was surprisingly easy to use, even for a beginner.
The only initial issue was getting the mould temperature just right; too cold, and the bullets didn’t fill completely, too hot, and they were difficult to release. However, after a short period, I learned the rhythm and was able to produce consistent, well-formed bullets.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358665 has proven to be a reliable tool. It consistently produces bullets within a narrow weight range, crucial for accurate reloading.
The mould shows minimal signs of wear and tear. The blocks still align perfectly, and the sprue plate remains smooth and easy to operate. Cleaning is simple; a quick scrub with a brass brush removes any lead residue.
Compared to my previous reliance on commercially cast bullets, the Lyman mould has given me much better control over bullet quality and consistency. It allows me to tailor my loads precisely to my revolvers. The Lyman mould outperforms commercially available bullets in terms of providing consistent performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358665
Specifications
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358665 is designed to cast a 158-grain, .38/.357 caliber bullet. The bullet is a round nose flat point (RNFP) design, ideal for Cowboy Action Shooting and general-purpose reloading. The mould is available in both double-cavity (#2660665) and four-cavity (#2670665) configurations.
The mould requires specific Lyman mould handles (sold separately). It also requires a .495 top punch for seating gas checks (if used) or lubricating the bullets. Sizing dies are recommended in .357, .358, .359, and .360 diameters to achieve the correct bullet diameter for your firearm.
The 158-grain weight is a classic choice for .38 Special and .357 Magnum, offering a good balance of recoil and stopping power. The RNFP design feeds reliably in most firearms and is accurate at typical handgun ranges. The bore-riding nose ensures good alignment as the bullet enters the rifling.
Performance & Functionality
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358665 performs exceptionally well, consistently producing bullets that are uniform in size and weight. This consistency translates directly into improved accuracy on the range.
The mould’s design ensures easy bullet release, preventing frustrating sticking issues. The only slight weakness is that the mould can get quite hot during extended casting sessions, requiring the use of thick gloves. Overall, it exceeds expectations for a mould in this price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lyman mould is constructed from high-quality iron blocks, providing excellent heat retention and durability. The weight feels substantial, contributing to a sense of quality.
The mould is designed to be user-friendly, with straightforward operation and easy bullet release. There’s a slight learning curve to find the optimal casting temperature, but once mastered, the process becomes smooth and efficient.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358665 is built to last, crafted from durable materials that can withstand the heat and repetitive use of casting. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is simple, primarily involving cleaning lead residue with a brass brush and applying a light coat of mould release compound. The mould is relatively easy to disassemble for thorough cleaning if necessary.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358665 itself does not come with any accessories. However, it requires Lyman mould handles, which are sold separately.
Other recommended accessories include a lead melting pot, a thermometer to monitor lead temperature, a sprue plate cutter, a bullet sizing die, and a bullet lubricant. While the mould itself isn’t customizable, the bullets it produces can be modified with gas checks or different lubricants to tailor performance. The mould is compatible with standard bullet sizing dies from various brands.
Pros and Cons of Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358665
Pros
- Produces consistent, high-quality 158-grain .38/.357 bullets.
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Easy to use, even for beginner bullet casters.
- Classic RNFP design suitable for Cowboy Action and general-purpose reloading.
- Bore-riding nose promotes excellent accuracy.
Cons
- Mould handles are not included and must be purchased separately.
- Mould can get hot during extended casting sessions, requiring thick gloves.
Who Should Buy Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358665?
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358665 is perfect for reloaders who enjoy shooting .38 Special or .357 Magnum cartridges and want to save money by casting their own bullets. It’s also ideal for Cowboy Action shooters who need a reliable and accurate bullet design.
Those who should skip this product are individuals who are not interested in reloading or bullet casting. If you prefer to purchase commercially manufactured ammunition, this mould is not for you.
Must-have accessories include Lyman mould handles, a lead melting pot, a thermometer, bullet sizing dies, and bullet lubricant. A lead hardness tester can also be useful for ensuring consistent bullet alloy.
Conclusion on Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358665
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358665 is an excellent investment for reloaders seeking to create their own high-quality .38 Special and .357 Magnum bullets. Its durable construction, ease of use, and consistent performance make it a standout product.
At a price of $108.99, the Lyman mould is a worthwhile investment for serious reloaders who plan to cast a significant number of bullets. The cost savings compared to purchasing commercially cast bullets will quickly offset the initial investment.
I would highly recommend the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 38/357 Caliber – #358665 to anyone looking to get into bullet casting or to upgrade their existing equipment. Take control of your ammunition and experience the satisfaction of shooting your own hand-cast bullets. Give it a try and elevate your shooting experience!