Mold handles?

[Lonegun1894]

Ok, Y'all, I hope this isn't a dumb question, but I couldn't get the search function to work for me. I have been casting for almost 10 years now, and all my molds so far are Lee. Well, after reading many posts here for the last couple of years (even before i joined) I have decided to expand my collection. One mold I want is the Lyman 311041 for use in my .30-30s, .308s, .30-06s. The other I am still trying to decide on will be for either .357 or .45, but I haven't chosen a specific mold yet, or even a manufacturer. RCBS has a 158gr GC I like the looks of though, which brings me to my question. Since most manufacturers other than Lee do NOT include handles with their molds, do the handles interchange between the manufacturers, or am I stuck buying a dedicated set of handles for each mold or at least for each brand of mold at extra cost? Thank you all for any help or suggestions.

[Jim]

I know that Lee 6 banger handles fit Lyman molds, but I don't know about them fitting other brands.

[Mk42gunner]

The Lee handles will work on RCBS molds, but need to be thinned. A belt sander works well, or a file, ne holes may also need to be drilled.

The Lee six cavity handles may not fit everything, out of the box; but they are the least expensive to buy. You can buy two sets and flat ruin one and still save money compared to some of the more costly brands.

It depends if you want instant gratification, and are willing to pay for it. If so buy the name brand handles. If not, buy the Lee handles and invest a little time and effort into making them work.

Another way is to buy used molds, sometimes they come with handles.

Robert

[stubshaft]

I use my RCBS handles on Lyman, LBT, NEI, Mountain Molds, NOE and Mihec molds. I like them better because they are lighter then the Lee 6's.

[williamwaco]

Ok, Y'all, I hope this isn't a dumb question, but I couldn't get the search function to work for me. I have been casting for almost 10 years now, and all my molds so far are Lee. Well, after reading many posts here for the last couple of years (even before i joined) I have decided to expand my collection. One mold I want is the Lyman 311041 for use in my .30-30s, .308s, .30-06s.

That Lyman 311041 is a really fine .30 cal bullet. has been a favorite for decades.

Have you looked a the Lee C309-170-F. They are almost identical. I have used both and really like them both.


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[462]

Lonegun1894,
Don't overlook Lyman's 311291/Ideal's 308291. It was introduced round 1920 and its 173-grain, round nose design was originally intended for tube-magazined rifles. It works extremely well in my '03-A3 and K-31's, in addition to the Model 94.

If I were in need of a flat-nosed design, I'd follow Williamwaco's advise and get the Lee.

[Lonegun1894]

I already have the Lee C-309-150F and C-309-170F, and both shoot well. I didn't realize that they are that close in design. I was just thinking in terms of getting some of the favorites here made by companies other than Lee and out of material other than aluminum for my most used guns. The diameters I use most are .311 (.30-30, .30-06, .308), .358 (.38/.357), and .452/.454 (.45ACP/.45 Colt). I guess the curiosity to try something else and reading all the posts here has finally sunk in...

[Red River Rick]

Check Here: http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=56554

[John Boy]

http://www.castingstuff.com/cabinetree_loading_products.htm
Locking Mould Holder $70.00 + $12.00 priority mail, total delivered cost in the US is $82.00.
The handles fit Lyman, RCBS, Saeco, and most custom/semi-custom moulds.

[williamwaco]

I already have the Lee C-309-150F and C-309-170F, and both shoot well. I didn't realize that they are that close in design. I was just thinking in terms of getting some of the favorites here made by companies other than Lee and out of material other than aluminum for my most used guns. The diameters I use most are .311 (.30-30, .30-06, .308), .358 (.38/.357), and .452/.454 (.45ACP/.45 Colt). I guess the curiosity to try something else and reading all the posts here has finally sunk in...



It's a terrible disease. Unfortunately it is uncurable. The good news is that it is not fatal. The better news is that it is FUN.



PS: That LEE 309-170-F regularly groups in less than 1" at 100 yards with 9 grains of 4756. ( without the gas check ) From my TC Contender .30-30.




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[Lonegun1894]

Mine seem to prefer the 170 ove the 150 too, some more than others. But I cant seem to get anything resembling accuracy out of my Marlin .30-30 (its the current project) without a gascheck. What surprized me is it almost seems like, with the exception of the Lee .314 (sized to .311)-90-SWC, the faster I drive it, the more accurate it gets. Everything else I have doesnt seem to require max loads, so this rifle has me a bit surprized. Dont get me wrong, it shoots well starting at about 1500fps with both the Lee 150 and 170, but I have pushed the 150 to 2450fps (per the manuals) and the 170 to 2350fps (also per the manuals).

[williamwaco]

Mine seem to prefer the 170 ove the 150 too, some more than others. But I cant seem to get anything resembling accuracy out of my Marlin .30-30 (its the current project) without a gascheck. What surprized me is it almost seems like, with the exception of the Lee .314 (sized to .311)-90-SWC, the faster I drive it, the more accurate it gets. Everything else I have doesnt seem to require max loads, so this rifle has me a bit surprized. Dont get me wrong, it shoots well starting at about 1500fps with both the Lee 150 and 170, but I have pushed the 150 to 2450fps (per the manuals) and the 170 to 2350fps (also per the manuals).


Welcome to the club. Those surprises keep life interesting.



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