Fellas,
As perhaps you know, I cast my own bullets. I use only round balls.
I cast with both Lee and Lyman/Ideal molds. I have included photos of balls from two of my molds (Lyman .454 and Lee .454).
Here is what I have noted. If you look at the photo entitled LymanBullets you will notice that the sprew is quite large. It is clearly visible and indeed when I examine the mold I note that the opening of the mold is made in such a way as to create a slightly elongated sprew. Taking a look at the other photo you will note that the sprew is much smaller. The Lee mold is designed with a much sharper opening. Indeed it appears that the mold is designed such that the sprew cutter actually shaves the sprew just slightly below a point that would be tangent to the sphere of the ball.
Both of these molds are in good shape including the sprew cutter spring washer and tightness. In the words of the "Kid" in "Unforgiven" "It ain't bent."
When I measured the balls, I got an average diameter of .4555. The Lee balls have a diameter which averages .4542. Perhaps, also, you recall that I made a set of spring loaded mold handles for my Lyman and Ideal molds which improves the diametric consistency of the bullets. I have not made similar handles for my Lee molds because you can't get the mold off of the handles unless you drill the blind side of the mold so the pin can be driven out. So I just hold the molds closed very tightly with hand pressure. This produces a more consistent ball with MUCH less flash and one which is closer in diameter to the size that is marked on the mold. (If I don't do this, I have a Lee .454 mold which makes .457 bullets when it heats up.)
Trust me. I am about to make my point:
Lee molds go for about twenty bucks a piece. Lyman molds and handles can be two to three times that price. My Lee molds, at least in this comparison make a ball that is closer to the stamped size with a smaller sprew. They appear to be no more or less consistent in size. Perhaps the aluminum mold will wear out quicker than the steel mold but after a bout a thousand castings in both of these molds I don't see a nickels worth of difference in the wear they have undergone.
Apart from personal preference is there any reason to stay away from Lee molds?
Tnx,
As perhaps you know, I cast my own bullets. I use only round balls.
I cast with both Lee and Lyman/Ideal molds. I have included photos of balls from two of my molds (Lyman .454 and Lee .454).
Here is what I have noted. If you look at the photo entitled LymanBullets you will notice that the sprew is quite large. It is clearly visible and indeed when I examine the mold I note that the opening of the mold is made in such a way as to create a slightly elongated sprew. Taking a look at the other photo you will note that the sprew is much smaller. The Lee mold is designed with a much sharper opening. Indeed it appears that the mold is designed such that the sprew cutter actually shaves the sprew just slightly below a point that would be tangent to the sphere of the ball.
Both of these molds are in good shape including the sprew cutter spring washer and tightness. In the words of the "Kid" in "Unforgiven" "It ain't bent."
When I measured the balls, I got an average diameter of .4555. The Lee balls have a diameter which averages .4542. Perhaps, also, you recall that I made a set of spring loaded mold handles for my Lyman and Ideal molds which improves the diametric consistency of the bullets. I have not made similar handles for my Lee molds because you can't get the mold off of the handles unless you drill the blind side of the mold so the pin can be driven out. So I just hold the molds closed very tightly with hand pressure. This produces a more consistent ball with MUCH less flash and one which is closer in diameter to the size that is marked on the mold. (If I don't do this, I have a Lee .454 mold which makes .457 bullets when it heats up.)
Trust me. I am about to make my point:
Lee molds go for about twenty bucks a piece. Lyman molds and handles can be two to three times that price. My Lee molds, at least in this comparison make a ball that is closer to the stamped size with a smaller sprew. They appear to be no more or less consistent in size. Perhaps the aluminum mold will wear out quicker than the steel mold but after a bout a thousand castings in both of these molds I don't see a nickels worth of difference in the wear they have undergone.
Apart from personal preference is there any reason to stay away from Lee molds?
Tnx,