Taking the plunge on new NOE mold

[lablover]

Just checked out the site and found one I wanted..
http://noebulletmolds.com/NV/product...roducts_id=523

Newbie question, why can I not find it in .452? Do I get the .453 and size to .452?

Also, what does PB mean?

Gonna stick with Aluminum to keep maint easy..Just read a few brass stories...YIKES

Thanks

Joe

[rancher1913]

molds sometimes throw undersize so better to get big and size down. PB=plain base, no gas check

[Mica_Hiebert]

size it down.

[lablover]

Awesome, thanks

The more I look and read...Brass sure is pretty but I'm afraid my newbie casting experience will ruin it with too much tin or something...Alumn, seems to be a safe bet

[Beagle333]

Use the right alloy at the right temp and a .453 mold will drop at .452
I'd plan on sizing it down though. It's easier.
Don't fret brass. It is wonderful stuff.
My first mold was a brass 4 banger NOE hollow pointer. Quite a learning curve, but it sure made wonderful boolits!

[Wasalmonslayer]

I use aluminum more often than brass because it is a lot lighter.
Al's molds are top notch!!
I have the exact mold your looking at you will be really pleased with it in aluminum.

[reddog81]

Most molds will require sizing. That's how most mold makers operate to prevent undersized bullets. I have one brass mold but prefer aluminium due to the cheaper cost and lighter weight.

Unless you're planning on using a gas check you want the plain base molds.

[Dragonheart]

The choice is yours, but I own 7 NOE brass molds and may other steel and aluminum molds. My brass molds will last a lifetime and they give me the best bullets I have ever made. I have never had a problem with tinning.

[gwpercle]

I got my first NOE , a 4 cavity aluminum and was surprised at how heavy it was. Al uses substantial blocks and thick steel sprue plates. I'm a ladle caster so hold the mould in my left hand, the 4 cavity aluminum wore my hand out (I'm 60 ) I don't think I could handle a brass mould. But I'm learning to rest it more and my fingers are working up some strength. Production with it is awesome but very tiring to the hand.
If you bottom pour , or you are young and strong this isn't an issue. I went with aluminum after reading a few posts and hearing of the "brass good but it is heavy" reviews .
My next one is going to be a 3 cavity aluminum. NOE's are sweet caster's , get them fully broke in and seasoned, then it's clear sailing !

[rbuck351]

Pay attention to the instruction sheet that comes with your NOE mold. You might get lucky and have it pour good on the first heat cycle but if you use a hot plate and follow instructions life will be good. Run the mold and the lead a little on the hot side. Aluminum is fine and will last a lifetime if you treat it right.

[GWM]

My next one is going to be a 3 cavity aluminum.

I too like the 3-cavity aluminum molds. To me it feels like the best compromise between volume and balance/weight. Unfortunately they are not that common.

[Leadmelter]

Ditto on the instructions
Good casting on the 5th to 7th pour for me.
I have about 15 molds and they are first rate.
Leadmelter
MI

[C. Latch]

NOE molds are top quality, but if I was a new-ish caster (after ~4 years, maybe I still am) I'd just get a Lee 6-cavity if all I wanted was a common design for the .45 ACP.

YMMV. You won't regret a NOE mold; you just don't have to spend that much to get a functional H&G 68 copy.

[lablover]

Too late


NOE 4 banger on the way

[Dragonheart]

lablover. You won't regret your purchase. One thing some don't take into consideration is the NOE molds have a excellent resale value if you decide casting is not for you, just look at Ebay or on this site and the NOE's go quickly. The best way to not like casting is starting out with a mold that drops poor quality bullets, a problem you won't have. If you just want a load to go bang then pretty much anything works, but if you intend to get the most out of casting, especially accuracy, you made the right decision.

[rintinglen]

^What he said. NOE is first rate quality at mid-rate prices. I have at least 10 and all have been well made and have made good boolits.

[GRUMPA]

The thing with NOE moulds is you'll notice a couple of things real quick. The first is after you cast a few and after the cool down period, that both mould halves are lined up about as perfect as they can be compared to mass produced dies. What size is on the drawing is going to be close or right on the money.

NOE moulds are all I use now, mass produced dies are cheaper, but so is the quality.

[lablover]

USPS Tracking says my new Baby should be here TODAY!!! And a 3 day weekend in the make..Oh yea, someones gonna have fun!!!!

I hope it comes with instruction on how a newbie can't fug it up

[Dragonheart]

Is the mold brass or aluminum?

[lablover]

aluminum

I'm seasoning it as we speak..Getting it to 350 in my toaster over then cool..3 times.

I really need a hot plate bad

As much as I'd like to cast tonight I may wait till tomorrow so I can get a hot plate. From what I read makes all the difference in the world. I also should of got it drilled for a probe and bought a probe....

Hmmmm send it back or drill it myself?