new RCBS mold won't close completely

[Pete P]

My new RCBS mold won't close completely. At first I thought that perhaps small piece of lead had dripped between the blocks. But that is not the case. After closer examination I found that there is some sort of problem with one or both the locating pins which is not allowing the mold to close completely unless I really squeeze the handles tight. If I don't, I get flashing on the boolits. I could send it back but perhaps there is some small fix that I could do myself. Looking for advice, thanks.

[dromia]

Have you tried drifting the pin back into the block slightly?

[jtaylor1960]

I've seen that on other new RCBS molds also.Just carefully drive the pins back until the mold closes to suit you.That should help with the finning.Although a very slight gap can help with fillout by helping vent the mold.

[Longone]

My experience has been to use it and it will break in. I find new RCBS molds to be very tight requiring a break in period.

Longone

['74 sharps]

If it doesn't work to your satisfaction, return it to RCBS...........

[runfiverun]

it's just the alignment pins.
the last few i have bought from them have had the pins standing a bit tall.
if' it's something i can work with i leave them alone.
if they cause me problems, then i press them in a bit deeper in the vise.

[Larry Gibson]

Make sure you also have the right size handles on the mould, especially if using Lyman handles.

Larry Gibson

[GLL]

Are you using RCBS handles?
Will it close properly without the handles in place?

Jerry

[Pete P]

yes, I am using RCBS handles. I do believe it is related to the pins.

[Ole]

When I first got my 40 caliber 200 grainer, I had to shave some of the metal off the lee mold handles because they were slightly too large and were causing the mold to not close properly.

I see you're using RCBS handles, so you can probably disregard this post. :mrgreen:

[340six]

yes, I am using RCBS handles. I do believe it is related to the pins.

I had to take a brass rod, and ding the pins in some.
they fut nice in the box but were tight when in the handles and left a gap

[Bradley]

My solution was to find a screwdriver of the right diameter and then turn it in the holes that the aleignment pins go into. That will remove any burrs and solved the problem.

[dodgyrog]

Are you using RCBS handles?
Will it close properly without the handles in place?

Jerry

+1 on that.
I just bought an RCBS mould mounted on the wrong Lyman handles and the boolits had flash on them.
I put them on RCBS double handle and it worked fine.

[dromia]

Not a wrong handle issue the OP has already said he's using the correct RCBS handles.

[Pete P]

Thank you for the advice on the pins. I measure them out to be from the outside of the mold to the tip of the pin .757 thousands. Placing the mold on a piece of wood and a piece of round brass stock as a punch I carefully tapped them in. I was constantly measuring and testing for fit. When I reached .745 thousands the mold closed. I checked it by feel and visually by holding it up to a bright light. All is good now, I'm starting to melt some lead.

Thanks Pete P

[dromia]

Result! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/adamsutherland/Smilies%20FB/icon_thumbup.gif

RCBS make good moulds, look forward to seeing the outcome of your casting session. :D

[340six]

I had to take a brass rod, and ding the pins in some.
they fut nice in the box but were tight when in the handles and left a gap
Man I type bad on Chemo drugs lol glad ya pushed thee pins in that is what i had to do just very little