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Thread: Lyman vs RCBS Handles

  1. #1
    Boolit Buddy map55b's Avatar
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    Lyman vs RCBS Handles

    Are these mold handles interchangeable?

  2. #2
    Boolit Grand Master
    Mk42gunner's Avatar
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    No. One is thicker than the other, and I don't remember which off hand.

    Robert

  3. #3
    Boolit Master kenyerian's Avatar
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    http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...les-Pic-Thread!! Lee handles are the most versatile . Rcbs molds work best with Rcbs Handles. Several different styles of Lyman Handles that only work with specific molds.

  4. #4
    Boolit Master kenyerian's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mk42gunner View Post
    No. One is thicker than the other, and I don't remember which off hand.

    Robert
    RCBS Molds have a thinner channel and other brand handles have to be modified to work in them.

  5. #5
    Boolit Master
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    Sorry map, not interchangeable. I don't own any RCBS molds. I have one old set for my LBT molds, they are quality handles or at least they used to when I got these.

  6. #6
    Boolit Buddy map55b's Avatar
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    Thank you folks. I'm looking to obtain a NEI mold, guess I need to add a set of handles too.

  7. #7
    Boolit Master
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    I use RCBS handles with my NEI molds, also found the RCBS handles to thick for a Lyman 4 cav.

  8. #8
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    I have both, i much prefer the RCBS handles, or the cheap Lee 6 Cavity, the only Lymans i have are the older ones, my gripe with them is when the mold is closed the handles are stil spread wide, they are built VERY heavy duty, same exact Handles as TC, i have heard that Lyman made them for TC back in the day and i would bet that to be true, they are identical. Best value is the Lee 6 Cavity, drill and pin the handles, you can file them down a bit if need be to fit your mold

  9. #9
    Boolit Master

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    I much prefer the RCBS handles over the Lyman. Well built pressed steel vs cast iron. I've had cast Lyman handles break when gently tapping to release boolits. Lyman did replace them. The RCBS handles are also much more comfortable in my hands.
    RCBS handles fit my Lyman molds. The only exception is the Lyman 4 cavity molds, the slots are too narrow. I've even had to mill down Lyman nutcracker handles to fit their 4 cavity molds.

  10. #10
    Boolit Bub
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    map- RCBS handles are the way to go, for NEI Molds, however, if your looking to purchase a new NEI Mold. I would check out the threads on them, the "old"ones, when Walt Melander made them were very good. The new stuff has had a questionable reputation. bushman

  11. #11
    Boolit Master
    Tom W.'s Avatar
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    Sorry guys, but I have two Lyman two cavity molds that fit my RCBS handles just fine without modification. Maybe I just got lucky.





    Holy smokes! I have two boolits now!
    Tom
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    Did I ever mention that I hate to trim brass?

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