Let’s Dive into Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 22 Caliber – #225415 2660415
The Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 22 Caliber – #225415 2660415 is a double-cavity mould designed for casting 55-grain .22 caliber bullets, specifically the #225415 (Gas Check) bullet, ideal for cartridges like the .22 Hornet. Manufactured by Lyman, a trusted name in reloading equipment, this mould offers reloaders the opportunity to create their own custom bullets with consistent weight and dimensions. It’s a cost-effective solution for high-volume shooters and those seeking maximum control over their ammunition.
My journey to this mould began with a quest for greater accuracy in my .22 Hornet rifle, coupled with the rising cost of factory ammunition. I was looking for a way to fine-tune bullet weight and hardness for optimal performance in my specific firearm. I also wanted the flexibility to experiment with different powders and load combinations.
Upon unboxing the Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 22 Caliber – #225415 2660415, I was immediately impressed by its solid construction. The mould felt substantial in my hands, indicating quality materials and precise machining. The blocks aligned perfectly, and the sprue plate moved smoothly, suggesting a well-engineered tool.
I considered the Lee Precision 2-Cavity Bullet Mold and the RCBS 22 Cal Mould but opted for the Lyman due to its reputation for consistent bullet dimensions and the positive user feedback I found online. Also, I have owned Lyman moulds for 30 years and find them easy to maintain. I was excited to finally be able to cast my own bullets and achieve the perfect load for my .22 Hornet.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 22 Caliber – #225415 2660415 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my home reloading bench. I used a dedicated melting pot and followed Lyman’s recommended pre-heating procedure. The first few casts were imperfect, but after adjusting the mould temperature and pouring technique, I quickly achieved consistent, clean bullet castings.
The mould performed exceptionally well, even in the ambient temperature of my unheated garage. The bullets dropped easily from the cavities with minimal effort. The bullets cast with this mould, in the right powder and primer combination, are very accurate.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 22 Caliber – #225415 2660415 has proven to be remarkably durable. There are no signs of wear and tear on the mould blocks or sprue plate. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe-down with a lead-removing cloth after each casting session keeps it in top condition.
Compared to my previous experience with a cheaper, no-name mould, the Lyman mould is a significant upgrade. The Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 22 Caliber – #225415 2660415 delivers consistent bullet weights, which translates to improved accuracy and less time spent culling rejects. The Lyman is easier to use and maintains consistent temperatures throughout the casting process.
Breaking Down the Features of Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 22 Caliber – #225415 2660415
Specifications
Caliber: .22 Caliber – Specifically designed for .22 centerfire cartridges like the .22 Hornet, .223 Remington, and .22-250 Remington. This allows for versatility in loading ammunition for a variety of rifles.
Bullet Weight: 55 grain – A medium weight bullet well-suited for varmint hunting and target shooting. The 55-grain projectile provides a good balance of velocity and ballistic coefficient.
Bullet Type: Flat Nose (FN) – The flat nose design is known for its effective energy transfer on impact. This is an important factor when hunting small game.
Bullet #: 225415 (Gas Check) – This identifies the specific bullet profile and requires the use of gas checks for optimal performance, especially at higher velocities. Gas checks prevent gas cutting and improve accuracy.
Top Punch # : 415 – Specifies the correct Lyman top punch required for seating gas checks and sizing bullets after casting. Using the correct top punch prevents bullet deformation.
Double Cavity # : 2660415 – Indicates a double-cavity mould, allowing for faster bullet production compared to single-cavity moulds. More bullets cast per session saves time and effort.
Performance & Functionality
The Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 22 Caliber – #225415 2660415 excels at producing consistent, high-quality bullets. The bullets cast from this mould, when properly sized and loaded, deliver excellent accuracy in my .22 Hornet rifle. Its strength is the repeatable casting results.
The mould’s main weakness is that you must purchase gas checks and a bullet sizer separately. This increases the initial investment. It meets my expectations for a quality bullet mould.
Design & Ergonomics
The mould is constructed from high-quality iron, giving it substantial weight and excellent heat retention. The handles are comfortable to grip and provide good leverage for opening and closing the mould. The fit and finish are very good.
The Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 22 Caliber – #225415 2660415 requires a basic understanding of bullet casting, but the learning curve is manageable. New reloaders will benefit from watching instructional videos and reading reloading manuals.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 22 Caliber – #225415 2660415 should last for many years. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the sprue plate will ensure smooth operation. The iron construction is resistant to warping and cracking.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 22 Caliber – #225415 2660415 itself comes with the mould blocks and handles. You’ll need to purchase gas checks, a bullet sizer, and a top punch separately. The mould is compatible with Lyman and other brands of bullet sizing dies.
Pros and Cons of Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 22 Caliber – #225415 2660415
Pros
- Consistently casts accurate bullets, leading to tighter groups and improved shooting performance.
- Durable construction ensures years of reliable use, making it a worthwhile investment for serious reloaders.
- Double-cavity design speeds up the casting process, saving time and effort.
- Allows for customized ammunition development, enabling reloaders to fine-tune loads for their specific firearms.
- Cost-effective solution for high-volume shooters who want to reduce their ammunition expenses.
Cons
- Requires the additional purchase of gas checks, a bullet sizer, and a top punch, increasing the overall cost.
- Initial learning curve may be challenging for novice reloaders.
Who Should Buy Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 22 Caliber – #225415 2660415?
The Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 22 Caliber – #225415 2660415 is perfect for reloaders who own .22 caliber rifles, particularly those chambered in .22 Hornet, .223 Remington, or .22-250 Remington. It’s also ideal for varmint hunters, target shooters, and anyone seeking to develop custom ammunition loads for improved accuracy and performance. If you are looking for accurate bullets, this is for you.
Those who are new to reloading or who prefer the convenience of factory ammunition may want to skip this product. If you don’t have reloading experience, the learning curve is too high. A must-have accessory is a Lyman 4500 bullet sizer and Lyman #415 top punch.
Conclusion on Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 22 Caliber – #225415 2660415
The Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 22 Caliber – #225415 2660415 is a high-quality tool that delivers consistent, accurate results. While it requires an initial investment in additional equipment, the long-term cost savings and performance benefits make it a worthwhile purchase. The value proposition of producing custom, high-performance ammunition justifies the price for dedicated reloaders.
I would definitely recommend the Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 22 Caliber – #225415 2660415 to anyone serious about reloading .22 caliber ammunition. Take control of your ammunition and unlock the full potential of your rifle – invest in the Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 22 Caliber – #225415 2660415 today!