Let’s Dive into Lyman Shotgun Bullet Mould: 20 Gauge Hollow Base – Sabot Slug (20ga Sabot) – #SC20 2654120
For years, I’ve explored the outdoors, from dense forests to open plains, and relied on my shotgun for both hunting and self-defense. The escalating cost of ammunition, particularly specialized shotgun slugs, led me down the path of reloading. That’s where the Lyman Shotgun Bullet Mould: 20 Gauge Hollow Base – Sabot Slug (20ga Sabot) – #SC20 2654120 entered the picture, promising a cost-effective and accurate way to create my own 20-gauge slugs.
I was tired of paying premium prices for sabot slugs at the local sporting goods store. I needed a reliable method to produce consistent, accurate rounds for deer hunting and target practice. The Lyman mould seemed to be the answer, offering the potential for significant savings and customized load development.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed with the heft and solid feel of the mould. The steel construction exudes quality, and the machining appears precise and clean. It’s a simple design, but it feels like a tool built to last.
I considered several other mould options, including offerings from Lee Precision and Accurate Molds. I ultimately chose the Lyman due to its reputation for quality and the hollow base design, which is known to enhance accuracy in shotgun slugs. My initial excitement was tempered by a bit of trepidation; reloading can be finicky, and I hoped this mould would deliver consistent results.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman Shotgun Bullet Mould: 20 Gauge Hollow Base – Sabot Slug (20ga Sabot) – #SC20 2654120 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Lyman mould was at my home reloading bench, followed by a range trip to a local outdoor shooting facility. I cast slugs using a lead alloy I’ve developed over years of experimentation, aiming for a specific hardness and weight. The mould heated up quickly and released the slugs cleanly after a short cooling period.
Conditions were typical for an early spring day: cool, with a light breeze. The casting process was smooth, and the slugs dropped from the mould with minimal effort. After loading the slugs into appropriate sabots and shotgun shells, I fired them from my Remington 870 with a rifled barrel. I experienced no issues with the mould’s ease of use.
I was pleasantly surprised by the accuracy. The initial groups at 50 yards were tighter than I expected, rivaling some factory loads I’ve used in the past.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Lyman Shotgun Bullet Mould has proven to be a reliable tool. The mould continues to cast consistent slugs with minimal maintenance. I’ve produced hundreds of slugs without any significant wear or degradation in performance.
The steel construction has held up remarkably well. There’s no rust or corrosion, even with regular exposure to lead and mould release agents. Cleaning the mould is simple; a quick scrub with a brass brush removes any accumulated lead residue. Compared to some aluminum moulds I’ve used in the past, this Lyman mould is significantly more durable.
In my experience, this Lyman mould easily outperforms cheaper, less durable alternatives. The consistency and quality of the slugs it produces are far superior.
Breaking Down the Features of Lyman Shotgun Bullet Mould: 20 Gauge Hollow Base – Sabot Slug (20ga Sabot) – #SC20 2654120
Specifications
The Lyman Shotgun Bullet Mould: 20 Gauge Hollow Base – Sabot Slug (20ga Sabot) – #SC20 2654120 is designed to cast 20-gauge sabot slugs. The mould produces slugs with a 350-grain weight, ideal for deer hunting and target shooting. The mould is constructed from durable steel, ensuring longevity and consistent performance.
The specified 20-gauge cartridge compatibility makes it perfect for 20-gauge shotguns with rifled barrels. The 350-grain weight provides a good balance of velocity and energy. The steel construction ensures the mould can withstand repeated use without warping or degrading.
Performance & Functionality
The Lyman Shotgun Bullet Mould performs its job exceptionally well, casting consistent, accurate slugs. The hollow base design allows the slug to expand upon firing, engaging the rifling in the shotgun barrel for improved accuracy. The slugs consistently achieve tight groupings at distances of 50-100 yards.
The mould’s strength lies in its consistency and ease of use. The slugs drop cleanly from the mould, requiring minimal effort. The only potential improvement would be a more ergonomic handle design for extended casting sessions.
It exceeds my expectations. I initially hoped for decent accuracy, but the Lyman mould has delivered performance rivaling some premium factory loads.
Design & Ergonomics
The mould is constructed from high-quality steel, providing excellent heat retention and durability. Its weight feels substantial, conveying a sense of quality and longevity. The design is simple and functional, prioritizing performance over aesthetics.
While the mould is easy to use, the handles could be more ergonomic. After casting several hundred slugs, my hands did start to feel fatigued.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its robust steel construction, the Lyman Shotgun Bullet Mould is built to last. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is simple. After each casting session, I clean the mould with a brass brush and apply a thin coat of mould release agent.
Accessories and Customization Options
The mould itself doesn’t come with any accessories. However, it requires the use of 20-gauge sabots, which can be purchased separately from various manufacturers. There are no customization options directly related to the mould.
The resulting cast slugs are compatible with readily available 20-gauge sabots from various brands like Lyman, Federal, and Hornady. You can also experiment with different lead alloys to fine-tune the slug’s hardness and weight. Using a lead thermometer and consistent process is vital.
Pros and Cons of Lyman Shotgun Bullet Mould: 20 Gauge Hollow Base – Sabot Slug (20ga Sabot) – #SC20 2654120
Pros
- Durable steel construction ensures longevity.
- Consistent slug casting promotes accuracy.
- Hollow base design enhances performance with rifled barrels.
- Easy to use, even for novice reloaders.
- Cost-effective alternative to factory sabot slugs.
Cons
- Handles can become fatiguing during extended use.
- Requires separate purchase of 20-gauge sabots.
Who Should Buy Lyman Shotgun Bullet Mould: 20 Gauge Hollow Base – Sabot Slug (20ga Sabot) – #SC20 2654120?
This mould is perfect for hunters who rely on 20-gauge shotguns for deer or other game and who want to save money on ammunition. It’s also ideal for target shooters who want to practice with accurate, consistent loads without breaking the bank. Reloaders who enjoy experimenting with different loads and fine-tuning their ammunition will also find this mould valuable.
Those who are new to reloading or who prefer the convenience of factory ammunition might want to skip this product. You’ll also need reloading equipment such as a melting pot, lead thermometer, and shell reloading press to fully utilize this mould.
Must-have accessories include 20-gauge sabots, a lead melting pot, a lead thermometer, a shell reloading press, and a good supply of lead alloy.
Conclusion on Lyman Shotgun Bullet Mould: 20 Gauge Hollow Base – Sabot Slug (20ga Sabot) – #SC20 2654120
The Lyman Shotgun Bullet Mould: 20 Gauge Hollow Base – Sabot Slug (20ga Sabot) – #SC20 2654120 is a worthwhile investment for any 20-gauge shotgun owner looking to produce accurate, cost-effective sabot slugs. The price is justified by the mould’s durable construction and consistent performance.
I wholeheartedly recommend this mould to anyone interested in reloading their own 20-gauge shotgun ammunition. It offers a significant cost savings over factory loads and allows for customized load development. Start casting your own slugs and experience the satisfaction of crafting your own ammunition.