Which mould?

[Otto]

I am going to try my hand at casting in the near future, 45 Colt for a revolver. Mostly plinking. I have narrowed my mould choice down to three options- RCBS .45-255-SWC-424, Lyman 452424, and Lee 452-252-SWC. As far as I can tell, these are all variations of the same basic design. Is there any compelling reason to pick one over the others? Either the specific bullet design, or the quality of the mould itself? I know the Lee mould is made of aluminum, and I think Lyman's are steel, but don't know for sure.

[Charles]

Quality wise, the RCBS is better ,than the Lyman and light years better than the LEE.

[.45]

When I started casting I went with the same lee mold you are looking at. The main reason was $. Wasn't sure it was something I wanted to keep doing but always wanted to try. Turns out I have a blast casting bullets. I now have 6 Lee molds and have had zero problems with them. I am sure the steel molds will last much longer, but for the $ you can't beat the Lee's.

[J Miller]

The newer Lyman 452424 molds do not, to me, cast as good a bullet as their old 454424 molds. They don't cast as large so you can't fit them to your gun as well as the old ones.

The RCBS bullet I like a lot. It is, of the three listed, the closest to Elmer Keiths original design. They are accurate and well made molds.

Now, here is a thought.
RCBS uses 10-1 lead-tin alloy to set the weight for their handgun bullets.
Lyman is still using #2 alloy I believe
I don't know what Lee is using.
Saeco is using 92-6-2 alloy for theirs.

If you cast with anything else you will not get the claimed weight. Wheel weights will cast out very heavy. My 454424 mold is rated at 255grs with L#2 but casts out at 265 to 268grs with wheel weights. This is common to all molds.

Just so you'll know, if the bullets you get is much heavier than the advertised weight, check your alloy against what the mold makers uses.

Joe

[Otto]

My 454424 mold is rated at 255grs with L#2 but casts out at 265 to 268grs with wheel weights. This is common to all molds.
Joe

Wow. I didn't realize there would be that much variation in the weight. I assume that will affect charge weight?

[J Miller]

My 454424 mold is rated at 255grs with L#2 but casts out at 265 to 268grs with wheel weights. This is common to all molds.
Joe

Wow. I didn't realize there would be that much variation in the weight. I assume that will affect charge weight?

Well, yes and no.
I shoot two loads with .45 Colt bullets this heavy, 9.0grs Unique, and 18.5grs of 2400. I've been shooting the Unique load since the mid 70s and use it mostly in my Ruger and lever guns. It's on the top end of standard so I sorta limit it's use in guns like my IJ.
The heavier loads you'll find for 265 and up, and my 2400 load are restricted to the Rugers and lever guns.
You can get pretty decent standard pressure loads with bullets this heavy with 8.5grs Unique and several other powders.

Joe

[Don McDowell]

The RCBS is my favorite, the Lee is a real good bullet and plenty accurate, but the dang mold or the handles will stuff out on you if you cast many. Lymans molds nowdays seem to be hit and miss, one might be good, throw round bullets, the next might be a pain to get to cast and would make nice lead easter eggs.

[BwanaDave]

Have you looked at the RCBS 45 270 SAA? I am shooting those out of my New Vaquero and they are great. Mine were cast by Mt Baldy and when I am done with them I will start casting my own.

Dave

[Chuck 100 yd]

On another forum lately everyone has been complaining about the quality of RCBS molds and praising Lyman. It seems to be a stuff shoot either way. Lee molds are good for the money.

I just got a new Lyman 542664 ,250gr. mold and it casts at .452 with 50/50 WW-lead alloy. Nice and round , would be on the small side for some but just right for my guns.

I think you pays your money and if its not what you expected send it back. So far I have kept em all Lyman and RCBS.

[DerekR]

One advantage to the Lee is it can be had in six-cavity. I have the Lee 452-200 swc, and it will make a pile of bullets in a hurry. Shoot 'em in my .45 Colts and my 1911. I have some bullets I bought cast from the RCBS 270SAA and they look and shoot good.