Let’s Dive into Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 44 Hollow Point – #429640 2650640
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 44 Hollow Point – #429640 2650640 is a single-cavity mould designed for casting .44 caliber bullets, specifically a 250-grain hollow point. This mould promises to deliver consistent, high-quality projectiles ideal for both .44 Special and .44 Magnum cartridges. It’s a tool that speaks to the handloader seeking accuracy and the satisfaction of creating their own ammunition.
As a dedicated handloader for over a decade, I’ve always chased the perfect balance of accuracy and terminal performance, particularly in my .44 Magnum revolvers. Factory hollow points can be expensive and sometimes unreliable in expansion. This led me to explore casting my own, hoping to tailor the bullet performance to my specific needs for hunting and target shooting.
Upon unboxing the Lyman mould, the first thing that struck me was its solid construction. The steel felt robust, promising years of reliable service, and the mould halves aligned precisely. It’s a tool that feels good in the hand, suggesting a well-thought-out design and manufacturing process.
I considered several other .44 caliber hollow point moulds, including those from RCBS and Lee. I ultimately chose the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 44 Hollow Point – #429640 2650640 due to Lyman‘s reputation for quality and consistent bullet dimensions. The design of this particular hollow point also appealed to me, appearing to offer a good balance between penetration and expansion.
My initial reaction was excitement tempered with a healthy dose of skepticism. Could this relatively simple tool really deliver the consistent, accurate, and effective bullets I was hoping for? The potential was there, but only real-world testing would reveal its true capabilities.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 44 Hollow Point – #429640 2650640 to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 44 Hollow Point – #429640 2650640 at my home reloading bench. The process involved heating the mould, preheating the sprue plate, and pouring molten lead into the cavity. It was a crisp autumn day, and I cast approximately 50 bullets.
The mould performed admirably. The bullets dropped cleanly from the mould with minimal sticking, and the resulting projectiles looked uniform and consistent. There was a slight learning curve in getting the mould temperature and pour rate just right, but after a few attempts, I was producing good bullets consistently.
I did experience a little leading initially. This subsided after the mould seasoned with use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, casting several hundred bullets, the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 44 Hollow Point – #429640 2650640 has proven its worth. The mould continues to produce consistent bullets with excellent fill-out and minimal imperfections. It’s a testament to the quality of Lyman‘s manufacturing.
I haven’t noticed any significant wear or tear on the mould itself. The alignment remains tight and the sprue plate operates smoothly. Cleaning is straightforward; a quick scrub with a brass brush and solvent is usually sufficient to remove any lead residue.
Compared to other moulds I’ve used in the past, the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 44 Hollow Point – #429640 2650640 definitely outperforms the cheaper options. The consistency and quality of the bullets produced are noticeably superior, making it a worthwhile investment for the serious handloader.
Breaking Down the Features of Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 44 Hollow Point – #429640 2650640
Specifications
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 44 Hollow Point – #429640 2650640 is a single-cavity mould designed to cast a .44 caliber hollow point bullet weighing approximately 250 grains. The Lyman bullet number is 429640, and it requires a Lyman #649 top punch. Sizing dies of .429, .430, and .431 are recommended to achieve the desired bullet diameter.
These specifications are crucial for achieving optimal performance in .44 Special and .44 Magnum firearms. The 250-grain weight is a popular and effective choice for both target shooting and hunting. The hollow point design ensures expansion upon impact, maximizing stopping power.
Performance & Functionality
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 44 Hollow Point – #429640 2650640 excels at its primary function: producing consistent, accurate bullets. With careful casting technique and proper alloy selection, the resulting projectiles are remarkably uniform in weight and dimensions. This translates to improved accuracy and consistent ballistic performance downrange.
The mould’s design allows for easy bullet release and minimizes the occurrence of wrinkles or other imperfections. The resulting bullets require minimal cleanup and are ready for sizing and loading. A minor weakness might be the single-cavity design, which makes the process slower.
Overall, the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 44 Hollow Point – #429640 2650640 meets and even exceeds expectations. It is a well-designed tool that delivers consistent, high-quality bullets, which ultimately translates to improved shooting performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 44 Hollow Point – #429640 2650640 is made from high-quality steel, giving it a solid and durable feel. The weight is balanced and comfortable to hold. The mould halves align precisely, ensuring consistent bullet dimensions.
The design is relatively simple and straightforward, making it easy to use even for novice casters. There is a slight learning curve to master the technique. Once mastered, the mould is a joy to use.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its solid steel construction, the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 44 Hollow Point – #429640 2650640 is built to last. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide years of reliable service. Regular cleaning with a brass brush and solvent is essential to remove lead residue and prevent sticking.
The mould can be disassembled for more thorough cleaning and inspection if needed. The design is simple, so repairs, if ever necessary, should be relatively straightforward.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 44 Hollow Point – #429640 2650640 itself does not come with any accessories other than the sprue plate. However, Lyman offers a wide range of accessories for casting and reloading, including Lyman handles, sizing dies, top punches, and bullet lubes. These accessories can enhance the casting and reloading process and allow for customization of the resulting ammunition.
The mould is designed to cast bullets that can be used in any firearm chambered for .44 Special or .44 Magnum. Compatibility with various bullet sizing dies and bullet lubes allows for tailoring the bullet to specific firearm characteristics and shooting applications.
Pros and Cons of Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 44 Hollow Point – #429640 2650640
Pros
- Produces consistent, high-quality hollow point bullets.
- Solid steel construction for long-lasting durability.
- Relatively easy to use, even for novice casters.
- Hollow point design ensures expansion upon impact for superior stopping power.
- Improves accuracy and ballistic performance.
Cons
- Single-cavity design slows down the casting process.
- Requires separate purchase of mould handles and sizing dies.
Who Should Buy Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 44 Hollow Point – #429640 2650640?
This mould is perfect for experienced handloaders seeking to create accurate and effective .44 caliber hollow point ammunition. It’s an excellent choice for hunters looking for custom bullets with controlled expansion for ethical harvests. Target shooters seeking consistent performance and competitive edge also would benefit.
This product might not be ideal for beginners who are new to casting or those who need to produce large quantities of bullets quickly. Those individuals would benefit more from double or multi-cavity moulds.
Must-have accessories include mould handles, a lead pot, a thermometer, a sizing die, and bullet lube.
Conclusion on Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 44 Hollow Point – #429640 2650640
In summary, the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 44 Hollow Point – #429640 2650640 is a top-quality tool that delivers on its promise of producing consistent, accurate, and effective .44 caliber hollow point bullets. The price is justified by the quality of construction and the resulting ammunition.
I would absolutely recommend this mould to any serious handloader looking to enhance their .44 caliber shooting experience. It is a worthwhile investment that will provide years of reliable service and improved shooting performance. Take control of your ammunition. Order the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 44 Hollow Point – #429640 2650640 today and experience the satisfaction of casting your own high-performance bullets!