Old ideal mold

[johniv]

I just got 2 old Ideal molds at a junk shop, price was right. One is Elmers 358439 without the hollowpoint pin ( I have a pin that will work). The other is #358430 in the 150 gr version. I notice that the 358430 has NO vent grooves. My question is do any of you gents know when vent grooves became standard in the Ideal molds. Any help appreciated.
Thanks
John

[Donor8x56r]

Nice find-good for you :)

I was told few times that old molds and other reloading stuff can be found in junk/pawn/oldies shops so I drop in if i see one.

So far no luck.

[Le Loup Solitaire]

Lyman/Ideal molds started showing up with vent lines in the forties-fifties time frame. I bought my first Lyman mold in the sixties and it had vent lines as well as removable blocks (from the handles). Vent lines are not necessary for casting good bullets although having them probably makes casting easier in terms of better venting. I have two really old WRA single cavs that have no venting lines and they do just fine. LLS

[Mk42gunner]

There is a chapter in "From Ingot to Target" that tells about the various dates for Ideal and Lyman molds.

Robert

[johniv]

Thanks for the help fellas , I will check that out.
John

[Moonie]

I have an Ideal 270 mold that drops a 134gr RN that has no vent lines, casts beautifully.