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View Full Version : First 45acp mold LEE ? Lyman ?


ROCKET
06-22-2013, 01:14 AM
Sick of paying hundreds for commercial cast stuff so I decided to cast my own.... Which mold should I get ? I already have a LEE 20 lb production pot. Still debating between a Star sizer, Lyman or RCBS...
KYShooter73
06-22-2013, 01:48 AM
Just got my first .45 acp mold from Eric at hollowpointmolds.com today. Been working with it for a couple hours now. It is a lee 452-228, hollow pointed by Eric. Drops right at 214gn with COWW. Cleaned it and got all the oil burned off. Had to fiddle with my temp some with Lee bottom pour to get good fill an minimal frosting. It's casting real nice, dropping at about .4525. My 2nd lee mold from Eric. I'm a noob to casting, but getting good results here.

I'm also using Lee push through sizes, powder coating, then sizing again.
blikseme300
06-22-2013, 02:59 AM
The Lee 6-cavity molds are hard to beat in terms of cost and performance. I use the Lee 452-230-TC and 452-200-SWC molds.

Get a Star lube sizer and you won't ever regret it. Yes, startup cost is higher but not having to mess with top punches and being able to use lube bevel base boolits without the lube ring are advantageous.
ROCKET
06-22-2013, 03:46 AM
The Lee 6-cavity molds are hard to beat in terms of cost and performance. I use the Lee 452-230-TC and 452-200-SWC molds.

Get a Star lube sizer and you won't ever regret it. Yes, startup cost is higher but not having to mess with top punches and being able to use lube bevel base boolits without the lube ring are advantageous.

I was leaning toward a Star..should I look for an older one or just get a new one?
blikseme300
06-22-2013, 03:51 AM
I was leaning toward a Star..should I look for an older one or just get a new one?

I have only used the older Star made units but my understanding is that the Magma Star units are of equal quality. Get what you can is my recommendation.
Shiloh
06-22-2013, 08:44 AM
Mine was a LEE

Shiloh
ku4hx
06-22-2013, 08:58 AM
I've got several Lee 45 ACP molds (two six cavity and several two cavities) and Lyman double cavity. Mostly I use the Lee six cavity molds with my favorite being their 230 grain TC. The other 6 cav is a discontinued 190 grain SWC and I like it fine too.

TL or traditional lube, I tumble lube them all and dust with Motor Mica. Works good; last long time.