Let’s Dive into Lyman Shotgun Bullet Mould: 12 Gauge Hollow Base – Foster Slug (shotgun slug) – #SC12 2654012
The Lyman Shotgun Bullet Mould: 12 Gauge Hollow Base – Foster Slug (shotgun slug) – #SC12 2654012 isn’t just a tool; it’s a gateway to crafting your own high-performance shotgun slugs. Manufactured by Lyman, a name synonymous with reloading excellence, this mould allows you to create consistent, accurate, and powerful 12-gauge Foster slugs, giving you unparalleled control over your shotgun ammunition. This single-cavity mould produces a 475-grain hollow-base slug, designed for smoothbore shotguns.
I’ve always sought complete autonomy in my shooting endeavors. The rising costs of specialized ammunition, especially shotgun slugs, combined with my desire for tailored performance, led me to explore casting my own. The Lyman mould offered a promising solution.
Unboxing the Lyman Shotgun Bullet Mould, I was immediately struck by the robust construction. The steel blocks felt substantial, and the machining appeared clean and precise, indicative of Lyman’s commitment to quality. The mould exuded durability.
Compared to cheaper, aluminum moulds I’ve seen, the Lyman stood out for its ruggedness. I considered a double-cavity mould for increased production speed, but the consistent reports of quality and longevity associated with Lyman swayed me. Ultimately, the allure of reliably producing high-quality slugs outweighed the initial time savings of a multi-cavity design.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The mould looked well-made and capable, but the proof would be in the casting. I was excited to begin the process of creating my own shotgun slugs.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman Shotgun Bullet Mould: 12 Gauge Hollow Base – Foster Slug (shotgun slug) – #SC12 2654012 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my home reloading bench and then the local shooting range. I needed to find the right lead alloy and loading recipe for my particular shotgun. The casting process itself was straightforward, though there was a learning curve to achieving consistent fill-out of the hollow base.
Conditions were fairly mild during my first casting sessions. Slight breezes made ventilation important. The real test came at the range, where a light drizzle presented a challenge to maintaining a consistent grip.
The mould itself was easy to use, after a few initial practice runs. The hollow base pin required a bit of finesse to ensure proper slug release, but a slight tap with a wooden dowel solved the issue. I soon got into a good rhythm.
My first-time use revealed a slight “sticking” issue with the slugs. A little mould preparation – thoroughly cleaning and lightly smoking the mould cavities – completely resolved this. The initial hurdle quickly became a minor footnote.
Extended Use & Reliability
After months of consistent use, the Lyman Shotgun Bullet Mould continues to perform admirably. I’ve cast hundreds of slugs with it. There is virtually no discernible wear on the mould’s critical surfaces.
The steel construction has proven its worth. The mould has stood up to repeated heating and cooling cycles without any signs of warping or degradation. A little bit of lead flashing remains.
Maintenance is simple: a quick wipe down with a lead removal cloth and a light coating of mould release agent after each session. This ensures smooth operation and prevents lead build-up. Consistent cleaning is key.
Compared to my previous attempts at slug reloading using cut-down commercial slugs, the Lyman mould provides vastly superior consistency and accuracy. The precision and control offered by this mould are unparalleled in my experience. It is a game-changer.
Breaking Down the Features of Lyman Shotgun Bullet Mould: 12 Gauge Hollow Base – Foster Slug (shotgun slug) – #SC12 2654012
Specifications
The Lyman Shotgun Bullet Mould: 12 Gauge Hollow Base – Foster Slug (shotgun slug) – #SC12 2654012 boasts several key specifications. The mould is designed for 12-gauge shotguns, casting a .705″ diameter Foster-type slug. It weighs approximately 475 grains, allowing for significant energy transfer upon impact.
The single-cavity design, while slower than multi-cavity options, ensures meticulous quality control. The hollow-base design is critical for stabilizing the slug in smoothbore barrels, utilizing gas pressure to expand the base and engage the bore. The mould requires double-cavity handles for operation. These specifications are vital for reliable performance.
Performance & Functionality
The Lyman Shotgun Bullet Mould excels at producing consistent, accurate Foster slugs. When loaded correctly, these slugs exhibit good accuracy at moderate ranges (out to 50-75 yards) in smoothbore shotguns. The hollow-base design works effectively to engage the bore.
The mould’s primary strength lies in its ability to create consistent slugs. Its weakness is its single-cavity design. It’s slow for large production runs. Overall, it exceeds expectations for its intended purpose.
Design & Ergonomics
The mould is constructed from high-quality steel. The material is durable and provides excellent heat retention. The weight is substantial, contributing to its stability during casting.
While the mould itself is inherently simple, there is a slight learning curve for mastering consistent hollow-base fill-out. Proper alloy temperature and technique are essential for success. This mould is not overly complicated.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction of the Lyman Shotgun Bullet Mould ensures excellent longevity. With proper care and maintenance, it should last for many years of regular use. The mould appears very well made.
Maintenance involves cleaning lead residue and applying a light mould release agent. The process is straightforward. Repair, should it ever be needed, would likely involve replacing the hollow-base pin, which appears robust but could potentially bend under extreme force.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lyman Shotgun Bullet Mould itself comes with no accessories. However, you will require mould handles (specifically designed for double-cavity moulds) to operate the mould. Additionally, you’ll need lead alloy, a lead melting pot, and appropriate safety gear (gloves, eye protection, and ventilation).
While the mould itself isn’t directly customizable, the resulting slugs can be tailored through alloy selection and loading recipes. It does not have external accessory options. Experimentation with different powder charges and wad combinations can significantly impact performance.
Pros and Cons of Lyman Shotgun Bullet Mould: 12 Gauge Hollow Base – Foster Slug (shotgun slug) – #SC12 2654012
Pros
- Produces consistent, accurate Foster slugs for 12-gauge shotguns. This is its primary function and it excels at it.
- Durable steel construction ensures longevity and reliable performance. This mould is built to last.
- Hollow-base design effectively stabilizes slugs in smoothbore barrels. The hollow base works great.
- Allows for tailoring slug performance through alloy and loading variations. You have complete control.
- Cost-effective alternative to purchasing commercial shotgun slugs. Save money while shooting.
Cons
- Single-cavity design is slow for large production runs. Be prepared to invest time.
- Requires separate purchase of mould handles. This is an additional expense.
- Slight learning curve for mastering consistent hollow-base fill-out. Patience and practice are key.
Who Should Buy Lyman Shotgun Bullet Mould: 12 Gauge Hollow Base – Foster Slug (shotgun slug) – #SC12 2654012?
The Lyman Shotgun Bullet Mould is perfect for reloaders who prioritize accuracy, consistency, and cost savings in their shotgun ammunition. Hunters seeking to tailor their slug performance for specific game or conditions will find this mould invaluable. The mold is excellent for those who enjoy the reloading process and value self-reliance.
This product is not ideal for casual shooters who only fire a few slugs per year. It’s also not suitable for those unwilling to invest the time and effort required for reloading. If you need slugs now, purchasing factory loads is faster.
Must-have accessories include quality mould handles, a lead melting pot with temperature control, a lead thermometer, and appropriate safety gear (gloves, eye protection, and a respirator). A good reloading manual with shotgun slug loading data is essential. Proper ventilation is also critical.
Conclusion on Lyman Shotgun Bullet Mould: 12 Gauge Hollow Base – Foster Slug (shotgun slug) – #SC12 2654012
The Lyman Shotgun Bullet Mould: 12 Gauge Hollow Base – Foster Slug (shotgun slug) – #SC12 2654012 is a well-designed and durable tool that empowers shotgunners to create their own high-performance ammunition. While the single-cavity design requires patience, the resulting consistency and accuracy make it a worthwhile investment for serious reloaders. The mould offers complete control of the process.
At $111.49, the price is justified for those committed to reloading. The cost savings on ammunition over time, combined with the ability to tailor performance, easily offset the initial investment. The cost will balance out eventually.
I highly recommend the Lyman Shotgun Bullet Mould to any serious shotgunner looking to take control of their ammunition and improve their shooting experience. Embrace the rewarding process of crafting your own slugs and experience the difference that tailored performance can make. Get yours and start casting!