Free Mould

[462]

Do you want a free bullet mould? Are you up to a challenge? Are you unafraid to publish the challenge results? If so, listen up.

I bought a Lee 459-500 3R mould some time ago. Fresh out of the box, and with Shirley's inspection label proudly displayed on one of the handles, there were aluminum ridges along the cavity edges, and a lot of visible light showing through the mould's bottom when closed. I was able to gently remove the ridges, but could not do anything to remove the visible light. There were other physical problems, however their horrors have thankfully escaped from my memory. Also among the escapees were the cast and roundness/out-of-roundness dimensions, and weights.

Free mould: I'll pay the shipping.

The challenge: Get each cavity to cast bullets of at least the advertized .459" measured at the part line and 90-degrees from it. The bullets probably won't weigh the advertized 500-grains, but both cavities should weigh within 1-grain of each other.

Publish the results: Nothing scientific, but let the forum know how the mould cast initially, what you did to improve its performance, and the final results.

There you have it. The mould is in its box and anxiously awaiting your mailing address.

Good luck. The forum will be rooting for you.

Michael

P. S. If none of that appeals to you, forget the challenge, forget publishing the results, but don't forget your free mould.
Your not so secret Santa and the mould are still awaiting your mailing address.

Merry Christmas!

 

[RBHarter]

It could be months before I can brag or spit nails .
I've had some success with uncooperative Lee delights , I have not had one that was a complete failure ......... Well there's that .380 RB but I should have sent it back cause .......dang it .

 

[Glaciers]

Well Michael that’s an interesting challenge. I’m lucky enough to own 2 of those 2 cavity 500’s, so I’ll personally pass, but the one I have used has none of those exasperating traits you describe, and was shooting nicely at about 1100 fps displaying nice groups at 50 yards. The second mold is going to be milled down, for a future project.
But someone out there needs this mold for a single shot or a bolt 458 like mine. It was showing promising possibilities and is on my list for further load work this coming springtime. The LEE 500, Arsenal 370 which looks like a shorter twin, and the cut down LEE if it gets done. I also have 3 bullets to work up for my 45-70. The 458 - 460 bullets are my spring special project.
So a free mold for the asking, and it can be a fine shooter. Have fun.

 

[Bret4207]

Shirley you're joking!!!

 

[Missionary]

Well I have the time and inclination as I enjoy "fixing and repairing" mechanical devices.
BUT... as I am back here in Peru and they have already confiscated my registered firearms, I will pass as having to explain why I would import "contraband" firearms items. Visiting the insides of the Socobaya Prison on a long term basis does not appeal to me this year.

 

[richhodg66]

I truly admire you for doing what you're doing. I know I don't have what it takes to be a foreign missionary, but if I did, the host government taking my guns away would seal the deal for me not doing it anymore.

Our little church helps sponsor some foreign missionaries, one family of which is in Zimbabwe (I think, somewhere in AFrica where it is pretty dangerous). Seems they are allowed to be armed to some extent. Again, I truly admore them and wish my faith was as strong as theirs seems to be.

Good on you for the gift of the mold. I don't have the time or inclination, but I hope whoever does will post some details about the project.

 

[JonB]

As tempting as this is, I will make a post to explain why I will pass on this fun opportunity.
Mostly, I am not in need of a heavy 45 cal rifle mold...but also, more than once, I have turned a 2c Lee mold kit into scrap aluminum. I will say, I did have fun each time.

 

[462]

The mould will soon be one more of Mr. RBHarter's projects.

I thank you, sir, and wish you great success!

At the time, I was tempted to dump it in the recycle can, but the thought of "hmmm . . . some day . . ." caused me not to.

 

[RBHarter]

Given the experience levels here I suspect this will be just a little more challenging than some of my other orphan "these/this POS mould won't cast" Lee moulds that just needed to be run like Lee moulds . Too hot and too fast with sprue puddle running down the mould like the picture on the Lyman #4 cast book every other pour .

I promise to only use the bamboo broom handle and 2oz ball peen not the 32oz framer and oak fish whacker for adjustment .

 

[oscarflytyer]

RB - I got one for you two if you really feel bored! And if RB isn't a gluten for punishment, and someone else wants a go...

My 2c 379 mold that is badly out of round. Just say the word and it is headed your way!

 

[462]

Hey, maybe we've started a trend to add new life into recalcitrant moulds, and that will make for interesting and productive projects.

Anyone else want to participate?

 

[462]

Shirley you're joking!!!

No, joke, Bret, her sticker was front and center.

I'll bet that, despite her less than critical eye, she's a kind a loving lady/sister/wife/mother/grandmother.

 

[RBHarter]

RB - I got one for you two if you really feel bored! And if RB isn't a gluten for punishment, and someone else wants a go...

My 2c 379 mold that is badly out of round. Just say the word and it is headed your way!

I have 2 that are perfect except for the sprue cut off is only .270 . Not a big deal for 00000B (or whatever) but not something I want to load in a 36 cal C&B .

Center that little sucker up like you would for an HP and make it a flat base 1R with about a .1 thick base at about .275 or slip fit in a C&B and it should be a winner .

 

[Bret4207]

I truly admire you for doing what you're doing. I know I don't have what it takes to be a foreign missionary, but if I did, the host government taking my guns away would seal the deal for me not doing it anymore.

Our little church helps sponsor some foreign missionaries, one family of which is in Zimbabwe (I think, somewhere in AFrica where it is pretty dangerous). Seems they are allowed to be armed to some extent. Again, I truly admore them and wish my faith was as strong as theirs seems to be.

Good on you for the gift of the mold. I don't have the time or inclination, but I hope whoever does will post some details about the project.

Amen! I couldn't do it, no way, no how. Even the nice Mormon boys we see on occasion doing their mission amaze me, and their in the realtively safe North Country of NY. It's got to be some sort of calling beyond what I've experienced. My hat is off to anyone that can do it!

 

[oscarflytyer]

I have 2 that are perfect except for the sprue cut off is only .270 . Not a big deal for 00000B (or whatever) but not something I want to load in a 36 cal C&B .

Center that little sucker up like you would for an HP and make it a flat base 1R with about a .1 thick base at about .275 or slip fit in a C&B and it should be a winner .

LOL! You have OBVIOUSLY missed the fact that I am LAZY! I bought some bullets when my mold tanked, so I could shoot the new rifle (and couldn't find a mold anywhere).

Then, the other day, a REAL GOOD GUY on here (who helps run the joint!) offered/sold me a GOOD 379 mold! I am set (and my laziness and procrastination bid me well once again)!

 

[RBHarter]

No not at all . I have those 2 , ,a 3c Lachmiller , a double Lyman , an early Lyman double with an RB and a conical , and another Lee single . Just the one 36 cal 1858 and no desire for a 38-55 or 375 Win .......

I you really want to send it I might come up with a way to get 40-45 cal hole in it if I can't get a a flat base RB out of 2-3 of them .

 

[oscarflytyer]

I you really want to send it I might come up with a way to get 40-45 cal hole in it if I can't get a a flat base RB out of 2-3 of them .

Glaciers pinged me on it. If he wants to play, its his. If not, might come your way.