Lyman MAG25 Opinions

[gman]

Starting to look at some electric pots and was wondering if anyone here has had any experience with them. I have an old LEE that I have used in the past and mostly ladle cast now. Thanks fellas!

 

[gman]

Thinking the Pro Melt may just be the way to go. Have had great service from RCBS over the years. Still would like to hear any comments.

 

[Rick]

You can't go wrong with the Pro-Melt, nearly bullet proof. Been using mine since the early 80's. The temps on the dial don't match the pot temp but then none of them do so . . . Can't compare it to your LEE, there is no comparison between the two.

 

[gman]

Understand that Rick. I picked up that old LEE pot through a friend whose dad used to cast. I've primarily always been a ladle caster. Looking to speed things up. I'm even powder coating bullets now. What will happen next!

 

[quicksylver]

I have an old Lyman 8 #'er...I got used in the 60's....still using it today...I am sure they don't make them like they used to...

Can't help with any of the new ones...sorry

 

[gman]

Thanks anyway quicksilver. Always said if I bought one it would be the Pro Melt. Did just that earlier. Should have it by Wednesday or Thursday. Just in time for my return from work. Hopefully it will arrive with the new mold coming in from NOE. Man, I think I have a problem!

 

[Rick]

Problem? I see no problem. All seems pretty normal to me. Wait until your buying new guns because you found molds and don't have anything to use the bullets in. Your second or third Magma Master Pot could indicate a problem. Quitting your job because it eats up too much casting time could indicate a problem.
.

 

[gman]

Rick you convinced me!

 

[Intheshop]

I'm in the quicksylver camp,used Lyman...mine bought in the early 70's.

RCBS would be my choice these days.

Rick your last post hits a little too close to home,haha.

 

[Farmerjim]

I have a Lyman MAG25. It works great. I had to send the first one back because the screw to set the pour valve was stripped.
Same problem on the one they sent me. They then sent me a screw with the proper thread and it worked great. The Mold guide is too narrow for Lee 6 cavity, but can be used or flipped over for a flat surface shelf.

 

[Winelover]

Started with the smaller Lee "drip o-matic" then graduated to the 20# version.....vast improvement. Couple years ago, picked up a used Pro-melt off GB for a decent price, only because it was the 220v version. I just happen to have a 220 outlet in my garage for my air compressor. Been thinking of getting another one, in 110 volt.......they are nice pots but rather expensive, ($400) these days. I am leaning towards towards the 40# Magma Master pot for the additional $200.

 

[Brad]

I really want a 40# Magma pot. I have been using an RCBS for 25 years and it is a good pot. The ability to have 40 pounds of melt means I can cast about all I can stand and never need to add more to the pot.

Anyone ever use the 90# Magma? That would be a workout to drain.

 

[RBHarter]

90# ?
That sounds like an ideal solution for a guy that would run multiple cavities in 500 gr plus 45 and 50 cal moulds seems like it would be about a normal session 1/4 # at a pour. Now the stuff 40 and under that would be a long haul .

 

[Rick]

I am leaning towards towards the 40# Magma Master pot for the additional $200.

Be sure to add the Magma Digital Temperature Controller (PID). Buyers remorse will only last until the first time you use it. Can you cast good bullets without it? Sure, of course but then you can cast good bullets with a campfire too so why bother with a silly electric pot at all?

A solid fact of life is that a guy just has to have his toys.
.

 

[Rick]

I really want a 40# Magma pot. I have been using an RCBS for 25 years and it is a good pot. The ability to have 40 pounds of melt means I can cast about all I can stand and never need to add more to the pot.

Anyone ever use the 90# Magma? That would be a workout to drain.

The 90 pound Cast Master is $50 LESS than the 40 pound Master Pot. Is bottom pour and comes in 110v or 220v and you can add the PID. Guaranteed to allow you to cast until your arms fall off.
.

 

[Tony]

How does the dual orafice work? Is it adjustable to accommodate differing cavity/sprue hole centers?

 

[Rick]

Not adjustable but I have never had any problems using it with any of my 70+ molds. I've even used it with 3 and 5 cavity molds.

There's a video on this page about half way down.

Master Pot
.

 

[quicksylver]

I would want to make sure the bullet shoots before I started casting...

 

[Pistolero]

I am a real fan of my RCBS pot, it is a good one, no problems except a few times the
spout freezes off if I run it too cool.

Bill

 

[catskinner]

I bought a Lyman last winter and have cast perhaps 1000-1500 bullets with it. Works good except for the mold guide. I modified the mold guide. Also not enough clearance for some hollow point molds.