Lee Precision response on inquiry about Ranch Dog molds

[jaysouth]

I got this from Lee this morning in my response to an inquiry about Lee producing Ranch Dog molds:

"We probably will not be able to get around to introducing any new molds this year, as production of our regular molds is currently at a unprecedented level. You could order them on a custom basis in 16 weeks, a custom double cavity is $206.23 and a custom six cavity is $233.25

Thanks,


Andy

Lee Precision, Inc.
4275 Highway U
Hartford, WI 53027
phone: 262-673-3075"

I sure wish I had ordered from Ranch Dog when he was in business. Is there anything close to his RD 357-175 available in the next light year?

[bootsnthejeep]

I think Tom at Accurate Molds catalogs a few bullets that are pretty similar to RD's designs. I'm kicking myself for not getting one of his six cav 30 moulds when I had the chance... and I certainly had lots of chances.

[Combat Diver]

Don't know of any. I got lucky and ordered one from Mike.

CD

[rbertalotto]

I wonder if Ranch Dog would sell his reamers. If I could get the reamers I could make the molds in the shop.

[Chicken Thief]

He got the moulds cut at Lee directly (and as far as i know they do CNC), so theres no reamers!
Standard thing: Order 25 moulds or more and setup is free.

[runfiverun]

no reamers just cad plans.

[MtGun44]

Modern mold production is with a CNC lathe or mill. Miha uses and undersize profile
cutter in a mill, so he can cut any diameter he wants that is larger than the profile cutter
diameter. I think Lee useds a lathe and cuts each cavity with a single point tool.

Lots of ways to skin that cat and modern methods open new doors. AFAIK, Miha's
method is original to him. Ever wonder why you can order a MP mold at .452 or .454 or .456
without any big deal ? Just change the diam of the circle path that the cutter will follow
by .002 to get the next larger size cavity. No sweat and fantastic for those of us with oddball
diam requirements.

Lyman's old methods with cherries are well documented in some of their books, but I have
no ideas if that is how they still make them. Probably is. Not a clue how RCBS makes
their works of art.

Bill

[uscra112]

NOE has some designs that duplicate Ranch Dog's.

[cbrick]

A custom double cavity is $206.23 and a custom six cavity is $233.25

For LEE molds? :coffeecom

How much are NOE, MP or Accurate molds? :coffee:

Rick

[uscra112]

I paid $77 for the NOE I just bought. 2 cavity 165 gr. for the .30-30. And only $5.80 shipping.