Let’s Dive into Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 9mm – #356242 2661242
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 9mm – #356242 2661242 is a double-cavity mould designed for casting 90-grain round nose bullets, ideal for 9mm Luger and .380 Auto cartridges. Manufactured by Lyman, a respected name in reloading equipment, this mould promises consistent bullet dimensions and easy operation for reloaders seeking to create their own ammunition. I was eager to test this mould and see if it lived up to Lyman’s reputation for quality and precision.
My journey to this Lyman mould began with a desire for greater control over my 9mm ammunition. Factory loads, while convenient, can be expensive and sometimes lack the specific characteristics I want for various shooting applications, from target practice to plinking with my .380. I needed a reliable, affordable way to produce accurate, consistent bullets at home.
Unboxing the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 9mm – #356242 2661242 revealed a solid piece of equipment. The mould halves were well-machined, and the sprue plate moved smoothly. The weight felt substantial, suggesting a durable construction capable of withstanding repeated use.
I considered moulds from Lee Precision and RCBS before settling on this Lyman model. While Lee offers very affordable options, I was willing to pay a bit more for Lyman’s reputation for precision and longevity. The RCBS moulds were also excellent but slightly more expensive for a similar design.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The mould looked well-made, but the proof would be in the casting. I was excited to finally take control of my 9mm bullet production, but also aware that casting consistent bullets requires a certain amount of technique and patience.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 9mm – #356242 2661242 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 9mm – #356242 2661242 at my home reloading bench. My setup includes a dedicated casting furnace, a sturdy table, and all the necessary safety equipment (gloves, eye protection, etc.). I used a lead alloy consisting of mostly reclaimed range lead mixed with tin and antimony to achieve the desired hardness.
The mould performed well, even with the initial heat-up. I maintained a consistent alloy temperature and followed Lyman’s recommended casting procedures. The first few casts were imperfect, with some wrinkles and incomplete fill-out, which is normal for any new mould.
After a few adjustments to my technique and the mould temperature, I started producing consistent, well-formed bullets. The mould released the bullets cleanly with a sharp rap on the hinge. There were no significant issues with sticking or excessive flashing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use and hundreds of cast bullets, the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 9mm – #356242 2661242 has proven to be a reliable tool. The mould continues to produce consistent bullets with minimal effort. There has been no degradation in the mould’s performance or any signs of wear and tear beyond some minor discoloration from the heat.
The mould requires minimal maintenance. A quick cleaning with a brass brush and a wipe down with a lightly oiled cloth after each casting session is sufficient to keep it in good working order. The Lyman mould is certainly outperforming the cheaper single cavity mould I started with. The double cavity significantly increases production speed without sacrificing quality.
Breaking Down the Features of Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 9mm – #356242 2661242
Specifications
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 9mm – #356242 2661242 is designed to cast a 90-grain round nose (RN) bullet. It is specifically intended for use in 9mm Luger and .380 Auto cartridges. The mould is a double-cavity design. It casts two bullets simultaneously. The required top punch is #311. Sizing dies for this bullet should be .354, .355, or .356 inches.
These specifications are crucial for several reasons. The 90-grain weight is ideal for achieving higher velocities in 9mm loads, which can be desirable for certain target shooting or competition applications. The round nose profile ensures smooth feeding in most semi-automatic pistols.
Performance & Functionality
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 9mm – #356242 2661242 performs its job admirably. It consistently produces bullets that are very close to the specified weight and dimensions. This consistency translates to more accurate and predictable handloads.
The mould’s strengths lie in its simple, robust design and ease of use. The smooth sprue plate operation and clean bullet release make casting a relatively painless process. The only real weakness is that it requires separate handles, which are sold separately, potentially adding to the overall cost. The Lyman mould definitely exceeded my expectations, and the bullets it produces rival those of commercial cast bullet manufacturers in terms of consistency and quality.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 9mm – #356242 2661242 is a classic clamshell design made from iron. The mould halves are precisely machined. It feels solid and well-balanced in the hand when used with appropriate handles.
The mould is very user-friendly, even for novice casters. The design is simple, and the operation is intuitive. There is virtually no learning curve beyond understanding basic casting principles.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 9mm – #356242 2661242 is built to last. The iron construction and simple design ensure that it can withstand thousands of casting cycles with proper care.
Maintenance is straightforward. A quick cleaning after each use and occasional lubrication of the sprue plate are all that is required to keep the mould in top condition. I expect this mould to last for many years of regular use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 9mm – #356242 2661242 does not come with any accessories beyond the mould itself. You’ll need to purchase mould handles separately. Lyman makes excellent handles specifically for their moulds, but other brands might be compatible as well.
There aren’t many customization options available for the mould itself, but you can customize the bullets you cast. Experimenting with different lead alloys and sizing diameters to achieve the desired accuracy and performance in your particular firearm is a key customization aspect. Different bullet lubes can also be used to tailor the bullet to different shooting conditions.
Pros and Cons of Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 9mm – #356242 2661242
Pros
- Produces consistent, accurate 9mm bullets.
- Durable construction ensures long-term reliability.
- Easy to use, even for novice casters.
- Double-cavity design increases production speed.
- Provides greater control over ammunition costs and performance.
Cons
- Mould handles are sold separately.
- Requires some initial break-in and technique refinement.
Who Should Buy Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 9mm – #356242 2661242?
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 9mm – #356242 2661242 is perfect for reloaders who want to produce their own consistent, accurate 9mm bullets at home. It’s ideal for target shooters, plinkers, and anyone who shoots a high volume of 9mm ammunition. Also .380 Auto shooters will enjoy the flexibility this mould offers.
This product might not be suitable for individuals who only shoot occasionally and prefer the convenience of factory ammunition. Also, those who are unwilling to invest the time and effort required to learn the art of casting should skip this product. A good casting furnace, lead alloy, mould handles, and bullet lube are must-have accessories for using this mould effectively.
Conclusion on Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 9mm – #356242 2661242
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 9mm – #356242 2661242 is an excellent investment for any serious 9mm reloader. It is built to last and consistently produces accurate bullets.
The price is justified given the mould’s quality, durability, and the long-term cost savings it provides by enabling you to cast your own bullets. I would definitely recommend this mould to anyone looking to take control of their 9mm ammunition production and improve their shooting accuracy. Start casting your own bullets today and experience the satisfaction of creating your own high-quality ammunition!