Let’s Dive into Lyman Shotgun Bullet Mould: 12 Gauge Hollow Base – Sabot Slug (12ga Sabot) – #SC12 2654112
The Lyman Shotgun Bullet Mould: 12 Gauge Hollow Base – Sabot Slug (12ga Sabot) – #SC12 2654112 is a single-cavity mould designed for casting 525-grain, 12-gauge sabot slugs. Made by Lyman, a respected name in reloading equipment, this mould allows reloaders to create custom shotgun ammunition tailored to their specific needs and preferences. Its ability to produce slugs that fit standard shotgun wads without roll crimping makes it particularly appealing.
For years, I’ve tinkered with various commercial and hand-loaded shotgun rounds, always searching for the perfect balance of accuracy, power, and affordability. Factory sabot slugs are expensive, and I wanted more control over the projectile and powder charge for my hunting and target shooting needs. The Lyman mould promised a way to achieve this, offering the potential for both cost savings and enhanced performance.
Upon receiving the mould, I was immediately struck by its solid construction. The steel felt substantial, and the mould halves aligned precisely, promising clean and consistent castings. Its heft suggests durability, but I noticed right away that handles are not included, which was a slight disappointment considering the price point.
I considered several other slug moulds before choosing the Lyman. Lee Precision offers a cheaper alternative, but I’ve found Lyman’s quality control and reputation to be superior. RCBS also makes slug moulds, but the Lyman’s hollow-base sabot design, intended for use with standard wads, seemed the most convenient and versatile for my existing reloading setup.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was eager to start casting, but also aware that achieving consistent results with any mould requires practice and attention to detail. The lack of included handles was a minor annoyance, but I hoped the quality of the mould itself would make up for it.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman Shotgun Bullet Mould: 12 Gauge Hollow Base – Sabot Slug (12ga Sabot) – #SC12 2654112 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first casting session took place in my well-ventilated garage, equipped with a propane furnace and all the necessary safety gear. I tested the mould initially to make practice slugs.
I quickly learned that getting the mould up to temperature is crucial for consistent fill-out. Once the mould was hot, the slugs dropped easily, and the hollow base formed cleanly thanks to the included steel plug.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Lyman mould has proven to be a reliable tool. The steel construction shows no signs of wear.
Regular cleaning with a mould cleaner and a light coat of anti-seize compound on the sprue plate keeps everything running smoothly. Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper moulds, the Lyman requires less fiddling and produces more consistent results.
Breaking Down the Features of Lyman Shotgun Bullet Mould: 12 Gauge Hollow Base – Sabot Slug (12ga Sabot) – #SC12 2654112
Specifications
The Lyman Shotgun Bullet Mould: 12 Gauge Hollow Base – Sabot Slug (12ga Sabot) – #SC12 2654112 is a single-cavity mould designed for casting 12-gauge sabot slugs. The slugs weigh approximately 525 grains, or 1 3/8 oz. The steel mould creates a hollow base, allowing the slug to be easily loaded into standard shotgun wads.
This design negates the need for specialized roll crimping tools or techniques. These specifications translate to a projectile with significant stopping power and manageable recoil (depending on the powder charge), making it suitable for hunting larger game.
Performance & Functionality
The Lyman mould performs its primary function – casting slugs – exceptionally well. After the mould reaches optimal temperature, it consistently drops clean, well-formed slugs with minimal imperfections. These slugs have demonstrated good accuracy out of my smoothbore shotgun, achieving reasonable groupings at 50 yards.
The primary weakness is the single-cavity design, which makes casting large quantities of slugs time-consuming. Overall, however, the mould meets and exceeds expectations for quality and consistency.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lyman mould is constructed from solid steel. The heft provides a sense of quality and contributes to heat retention. The lack of included handles is a design flaw, requiring an additional purchase.
The steel plug for forming the hollow base is well-designed and easy to use, but I’ve found it helpful to apply a small amount of mould release to prevent sticking. There is a slight learning curve with the mould, mostly related to heat management and consistent pouring technique.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction suggests that this mould should last for many years with proper care. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential for preventing rust and ensuring smooth operation. Disassembly for cleaning is relatively straightforward.
Accessories and Customization Options
The mould itself doesn’t come with any accessories, save for the hollow base forming plug. The most essential accessory is a set of mould handles, typically sold separately. The design of the slug allows it to be used with a variety of standard 12-gauge wads, offering some degree of customization in terms of wad selection and shot cup design.
Pros and Cons of Lyman Shotgun Bullet Mould: 12 Gauge Hollow Base – Sabot Slug (12ga Sabot) – #SC12 2654112
Pros
- Produces consistent, high-quality slugs: The mould’s precise machining ensures uniform castings with minimal imperfections.
- Hollow base design simplifies loading: The slugs are designed to fit standard wads, eliminating the need for specialized crimping tools.
- Durable steel construction: The steel build promises years of reliable use with proper maintenance.
- Cost-effective alternative to factory slugs: Reloading your own slugs can significantly reduce ammunition costs.
- Allows for custom load development: Reloaders can tailor powder charges and wad combinations to achieve optimal accuracy and performance.
Cons
- Single cavity design makes casting large quantities time-consuming.
- No handles included, adding to the overall cost.
Who Should Buy Lyman Shotgun Bullet Mould: 12 Gauge Hollow Base – Sabot Slug (12ga Sabot) – #SC12 2654112?
This mould is perfect for reloaders seeking to create custom 12-gauge sabot slugs for hunting or target shooting. It will especially benefit those who reload in high volumes.
Those who are new to reloading or who only need a small number of slugs may find the initial investment and time commitment less appealing.
Essential accessories include mould handles, a lead furnace, and a supply of appropriate 12-gauge wads and reloading components.
Conclusion on Lyman Shotgun Bullet Mould: 12 Gauge Hollow Base – Sabot Slug (12ga Sabot) – #SC12 2654112
The Lyman Shotgun Bullet Mould: 12 Gauge Hollow Base – Sabot Slug (12ga Sabot) – #SC12 2654112 is a well-made, reliable tool for reloaders seeking to produce their own 12-gauge sabot slugs. While the single-cavity design and lack of included handles are drawbacks, the quality of the castings and the versatility of the design make it a worthwhile investment.
The price is justified for serious reloaders who value precision and control over their ammunition.
I would personally recommend it to experienced reloaders looking to expand their capabilities and save money on shotgun slugs. If you value quality, consistency, and the ability to fine-tune your loads, then this mould is an excellent choice.