All of my moulds have been smoked prior to first using them. Pins for the hollow bases or hollow points are lightly lubed.
I have a new Mihec Mould, still in the box, for .45 caliber.
An older member of my club happened to see it and commented on the quality. And then said don't smoke that mould. He said he never has and never did and his bullets come out perfect every time.
So just what is the popular consensus on new moulds fresh out of the box...prior to first use and during and after casting a few?
I didn't see any reference on the Mihec site regarding smoking.