Why are Lyman Moulds in such demand

[kungfustyle]

I just got into casting a few months ago, but I've been reloading for a few years now. I've been watching the prices on moulds from Lyman and RCBS on this sight and cannot believe what they are going for. Midsouth sells new moulds for $58 and change and people are snatching the ones on on the swap out section for $50 or more w/ and w/out handles. What is going on that I'm not catching on to? I could see half price or even $30 maybe $40 for moulds, $50 w/ handles....But people are buying these things up like hot Kryspy Cream Doughnuts for $50....I did get Lee moulds to try this casting thing out and when they give up the ghost, I'll get some better quality ones, but why would someone buy a used mould for so much when new is only a few dollars more?

[bhn22]

Lyman is the standard in casting, and their molds are in demand. Their quality isn't perfect, but they eventually try to make their customers happy. Honestly, there's no way you'll get a really good quality used mold for half of new. They usually run about 75% to 80% of new in lean times. Right now there's a bullet shortage, and people who will never melt lead are buying molds, just to have them in case things get worse. Couple that with the buying power of the credit card, and the answers pretty obvious.

[Dusty Bannister]

Have you happened to notice if the new molds are actually in stock?
Have you happened to notice that some of the molds are no longer produced in that
number. ie, I have a single cavity in 225462 and when it was a stock item, was also made in
2 cavity. If I want to upgrade, I have to find one used. You will also need to add to that catalog
price for the shipping and handling fees. And just because a mold is available from a vendor today, it might have been months since it was last in stock. This does not even take into consideration the difference of old quality vs new quality. Have you read any of the threads about problems with block alignment, quality control, etc, for the new molds? Stay with it, there is a lot to learn about this hobby/obsession. Dusty

[kungfustyle]

Thanks for the input and agreed, there is a lot to learn. I have been watching and they are in stock and have been for months...I just keep watching so when I get the cash, I can pick one up. I'm looking at .358 and 30 cal molds and they are common. No one lists the date of manufacture so I don't know about the new vs old rebuttal. I have heard that Lyman qc is in question lately....The old molds I could see, but we are talking about something different... I'm referring to the ones still in production. And shipping is seldom included in the mould swapping deals and Grafs only charges $7 for shipping. Hardly any RCBS floating around....Maybe I should keep saving for RCBS...

[leadman]

Many of the website will show an item in stock when it is not. Lyman lists a 38 cal 150gr SWC for $85.00 plus shipping. On-line vendors are uusually lower.

[mrbill2]

Molds are like fishing lures. The next one you buy will always shoot better. (Catch more fish).

[Airman Basic]

Hardly any RCBS floating around....Maybe I should keep saving for RCBS...
What he said. Folks seem to hang onto RCBS molds. Reckon why?

[Doc_Stihl]

I also put more value in an old lyman mold over a new one. I try not to buy parts/guns/anything when they're in high demand. Inevitably QC goes down.

[LynC2]

Like others have mentioned: It may not be in stock or no longer in production. I have picked up a couple of 4 cavity molds that are no longer in production and I considered the price I paid to be a good deal even if it was used.

[w5pv]

I have an old Lyman Mold that is 35 or so years old 308 that drops 200 grain boolits but to tell you the truth I cannot say it is any better than my other molds.I would not pay the difference in performance for it over one of the cheaper molds.

[TheCelt]

For the money Lyman makes a tolerable mold. Like Doc Stihl I prefer the Older Ideal and Lyman molds as the quality (IMHO) is better. Not to say the new ones are bad, just seems like Lyman OC is not what it used to be.

That said, I still prefer custom molds From Mihec and NOE when I can get them in the design I want. Try one, you will not be disappointed!!!

[Changeling]

Lyman's molds are associted with Elmer Kieth considered the Papa of the 44special/44 Mag cartridge, that is basically there only association with the public.
With out this association they would haave been history years ago!
In reality they are one of the most money grubbing companies related to firearms there is.
Service is totally non-existant.
Products SUCK! Lousy construction, just typical Lyman.

Yet there are a lot of fools that still buy there garbage.
Try comparing there garbage with a product from RCBS, and service.

Have a nice day!!


There new molds are absolutely pathetic!!!

[dbosman]

Some of a lot of things are going for beyond ridiculous prices on online auction sites.
If people think it's a collectible, it becomes one.

People have joked here about putting things up for auction and adding the words vintage or rare.
Do an auction site search for an item, then the same item adding vintage to your search. If you use heart meds, make sure they're in reach. ;-)

[Larry Gibson]

Hmmmmmmmm

I've had a standing offer to buy any Lyman mould that does not cast to nominal diameter for a while now. I'm sure many of you have seen my offer as discussed in other threads. I've now tested numerous Lyman moulds and so far have found they all cast to nominal diameter with a correct alloy (COWWs + 2% tin or #2 alloy) and correct casting technique as out lined in several manuals but notably Lyman's CBHs. The common problem with most was straight COWWs as the alloy used and with many the casting temp was below 700 degrees also. I've not bought a single Lyman mould under that offer. I have checked one defective Lyman mould that had the cavity off center of each half slightly. (I'm assuming Geargnasher returned it to Lyman for replacement of refund?)

Now on the other hand I have tested a couple RCBS moulds and have found one that would not cast to nominal diameter in one cavity by .0005". I have bought that mould as per the agreement. I have several RCBS moulds of my own and they all cast to nominal diameter with #2 alloy or linotype (the alloy the rifle moulds are designed for). Having bought more new Lyman moulds in the last 10 years than RCBS moulds I'd have to say the quality of both is about the same.....excellent in my opinion. As to their customer service I've been dealing with both for many, many years and have never had a problem. But then I don't call them, or write them or email them bad mouthing the product. Human nature being what it is I've learned to follow the philosophy of that great American Al Capone; "You get more out of people with a smile and a gun.....than just a smile!" So I let nice talking be my "gun" and I get wonderful customer service and complete satisfaction.

Larry Gibson

[TheCelt]

Lyman's molds are associted with Elmer Kieth considered the Papa of the 44special/44 Mag cartridge, that is basically there only association with the public.
With out this association they would haave been history years ago!
In reality they are one of the most money grubbing companies related to firearms there is.
Service is totally non-existant.
Products SUCK! Lousy construction, just typical Lyman.

Yet there are a lot of fools that still buy there garbage.
Try comparing there garbage with a product from RCBS, and service.

Have a nice day!!


There new molds are absolutely pathetic!!!


Wow, that Sir is a heck of a statement!!! To correct you though, Ideal/Lyman molds predate Elmer Keith by a whole lot of years. I have been casting boolits for right at 48 years now, and have right at 94 Boolit molds, a lot of which are Lyman and Ideal molds. I sure don't consider myself a fool by any stretch. I was just lucky enough to score a few older Ideal/Lyman 44 mag molds on this site yesterday. I have used RCBS, Ideal, Lyman, Saeco, H&I, NEI, Accurate, Paul Jones, Mihec, NOE and Gibbs molds and the Boolits cast with the Lyman molds are every bit as good as all the others.

As for Lyman Customer Service I am Impressed!!! I had a 4500 lubesizer with a defect in the cast body causing lube to leak around the head of the lube compression screw. I sent it in and they replaced the sizer body for free (this is after the warranty period had expired).

I am sorry that you've had such a dismal experience with Lyman. They are a company that has supported shooting sports well over 100 years and deserving of all of our consideration, and another chance by you. If you do have a problem with a Lyman mold they will replace it pretty quick!!!

[Gtek]

If you want it and cannot find it, you buy it when you see it. Human nature, my want and need hand fight all the time. Some people want older/used molds just because. If you indeed have the disease and it progresses all will become clear. Gtek

[cbrick]

Lyman's molds are associted with Elmer Kieth considered the Papa of the 44special/44 Mag cartridge, that is basically there only association with the public.
With out this association they would haave been history years ago!
In reality they are one of the most money grubbing companies related to firearms there is.
Service is totally non-existant.
Products SUCK! Lousy construction, just typical Lyman.

Yet there are a lot of fools that still buy there garbage.
Try comparing there garbage with a product from RCBS, and service.

Have a nice day!!

There new molds are absolutely pathetic!!!

What is truly pathetic is the above quoted post.

Rick

[btroj]

Lyman's molds are associted with Elmer Kieth considered the Papa of the 44special/44 Mag cartridge, that is basically there only association with the public.
With out this association they would haave been history years ago!
In reality they are one of the most money grubbing companies related to firearms there is.
Service is totally non-existant.
Products SUCK! Lousy construction, just typical Lyman.

Yet there are a lot of fools that still buy there garbage.
Try comparing there garbage with a product from RCBS, and service.

Have a nice day!!


There new molds are absolutely pathetic!!!

What a total load of BS.

Lyman is only around today because of Elmer? Dude, you really believe that BS?

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

I just got into casting a few months ago, but I've been reloading for a few years now. I've been watching the prices on moulds from Lyman and RCBS on this sight and cannot believe what they are going for. Midsouth sells new moulds for $58 and change and people are snatching the ones on on the swap out section for $50 or more w/ and w/out handles. What is going on that I'm not catching on to? I could see half price or even $30 maybe $40 for moulds, $50 w/ handles....But people are buying these things up like hot Kryspy Cream Doughnuts for $50....I did get Lee moulds to try this casting thing out and when they give up the ghost, I'll get some better quality ones, but why would someone buy a used mould for so much when new is only a few dollars more?

Quality tools hold there value. A Lyman boolit mold is a quality tool. With that said, there are always deals to be found on anything, if you want a better deal, checkout gunshows and garage sales, surely the prices will be better then the Sellin' & swappin' section. This website is probably the second largest collection of boolit casters in the world (the first being FleaBay), where better to advertise to sell a boolit mold than the largest (or second largest) collection of boolit casters. Where there is demand, there will be the highest prices.

[kungfustyle]

I've been reloading for years now and have been on the proverbial fence about casting for a while. What got me started was my 8mm Mauser. Just bought the thing and couldn't find ammo for it and almost sold it till I found out that you could turn 30-06 brass in Mauser brass. Got the Lee stuff to get started casting and now I can ring an 8" steel gong from 100 yards away, I'm hooked....But a man can go broke getting the necessities involved in this supportive/second hobby. I like Lyman stuff, Love RCBS stuff, use some Lee stuff...I guess my reloading area looks like Fred Sanford's been there.... But it works....I guess I'll keep saving till I find a deal on what I'm looking for and hopefully will be able to put a plug in before some of the fast people on this sight....

[waco]

I have both newer, and older Lyman molds. I've never had an ill issue with any of them. My 311041 is the best mold I have as far as ease of casting and producing perfect boolits.

[MtGun44]

Most Lyman customers are satisfied. I have a great number of their molds, many very
old and some pretty new. All perform about as expected, although a few cast on the
smallish size for me.
We have had reports of folks that have returned recently made Lyman molds and gotten
their satisfaction from good customer service.

I wonder if this vitriol is based in actual customer dissatisfaction or some imagined
problems. It seems to not match most people's experience with Lyman.

Bill

[cbrick]

But a man can go broke getting the necessities involved in this supportive/second hobby.

Well, yeah if ya let it and tried to go out and accumulate everything all at once. Don't be intimidated by some of the descriptions of mold & equipment collections that some here have. I can assure you that none of us started with everything, it is a collection of stuff acquired over many years. Casting is a hobby that you can get into as little or as deep as suits you and for some of us it is a passion that results in there never being enough. More molds, more lead, more everything. It's a disease for which I really hope there is no cure. :mrgreen:

Just start with the basics you need to shoot your 8mm and as time goes by your collection will grow and you'll be casting for more calibers & guns. You started so you could shoot a particular gun and one day you'll realize your shooting so you can cast more. :roll:

Pay zero attention to post #12 in this thread, obviously written by someone with a severe case of opticrectosis.

Enjoy, Rick

[TheCelt]

I've been reloading for years now and have been on the proverbial fence about casting for a while. What got me started was my 8mm Mauser. Just bought the thing and couldn't find ammo for it and almost sold it till I found out that you could turn 30-06 brass in Mauser brass. Got the Lee stuff to get started casting and now I can ring an 8" steel gong from 100 yards away, I'm hooked....But a man can go broke getting the necessities involved in this supportive/second hobby. I like Lyman stuff, Love RCBS stuff, use some Lee stuff...I guess my reloading area looks like Fred Sanford's been there.... But it works....I guess I'll keep saving till I find a deal on what I'm looking for and hopefully will be able to put a plug in before some of the fast people on this sight....


Casting is like about everything else, you can do it on a budget (10lb lyman pot on the stove with a ladle) or go all out (PID controlled 40lb electric pot with bottom pour). Thing is the Boolits are the same!!!! It open dimensions to reloading that you can't get to any other way and is worth every penny you spend on it. You know you are hooked bad when you have a bookcase devoted to molds/sizer dies/top punches !!!!

[BruceB]

A bit late in getting into this thread, but I'll take a swing anyway...

I completely agree with the approach mentioned by others here, saying that the "stuff" will accumulate of its own accord as time goes on. I started with a cast-iron skillet on the kitchen stove and a borrowed single-cavity Lyman .45 ACP roundnose mould.

There are now AT LEAST fifty lyman or Ideal moulds out in my shop, and likely about another fifty moulds of varied manufacture..... no exaggeration. This mass of tooling grew over 45 years or so of "need" and also "opportunity".

I will further echo earlier posters, and say that I have NEVER had occasion to complain about a Lyman/Ideal mould. Yes, a few have been marginal in diameter for certain uses, but even those proved usable for other "certain uses". There have been times when I embarked on searches for OLD Lyman/Ideal moulds in the hope of finding one of slightly-larger diameter.... for "certain uses". Still, I am a happy user of Lyman moulds, and the most-recent one is a brand-new 2012-production 311359 (.30 Carbine) mould which casts perfect bullets at .311" diameter....exactly what I wanted and needed.

Lyman has been a mainstay of our hobby for many, many years for very good reasons. I hope and trust that this role will continue far into the future, as new handloaders and casters come along to extend the reign of the cast bullet in shooting activities.

[weasel 21]

I needed a small part for my Lyman M die; a different plug. The part was $4; shipping was $4; & they charged me CA sales tax. The Lyman co is in Conn.

[paul h]

(snip)
But people are buying these things up like hot Kryspy Cream Doughnuts for $50....I did get Lee moulds to try this casting thing out and when they give up the ghost, I'll get some better quality ones, but why would someone buy a used mould for so much when new is only a few dollars more?

The long and the short of it is, quality tools that are in demand just don't depriciate much. Doesn't matter if you're talking woodworking, bullet casting etc. Bullet casters know the value of a good tool and know that a mold is always a good investment.

As to why Lymans are so popular, honestly that has long puzzled me. They have been notoreous for taking a given design, say a swc handgun bullet and changing the design over the years so that you never really know what you'll get or if the dimensions will be friendly to your gun or provide top accuracy.

My approach has been, if Lee offers a design that will work for me I'll get one of their molds as their designs have always shot well for me and their molds are reasonably priced. If I want something different, then I'll get a custom mold made.

[myg30]

Kungfu, The good thing about buying a used mold from a caster here is that you will get the info on the cast boolit. Most post the size as cast with cow or their mix.
I started on here with 2 molds that were given to me. I had no use for them but learned to cast with them and of course plenty of help and great info from this site. While reading and checking the selling section I wound up with many molds, ideal, lyman,lee, noe,accurate and have enjoyed casting with all of them.
This time of year it seems many on here sell off their molds and good deals are here for you, just got to be fast on the keyboard as many others snatch up old molds or hard to find or just a "Needed" mold.

Good luck, enjoy and keep a look out.

Mike

['74 sharps]

Lyman's molds are associted with Elmer Kieth considered the Papa of the 44special/44 Mag cartridge, that is basically there only association with the public.
With out this association they would haave been history years ago!
In reality they are one of the most money grubbing companies related to firearms there is.
Service is totally non-existant.
Products SUCK! Lousy construction, just typical Lyman.

Yet there are a lot of fools that still buy there garbage.
Try comparing there garbage with a product from RCBS, and service.

Have a nice day!!


There new molds are absolutely pathetic!!!


:violin:

[Airman Basic]

Anything associated with guns and shooting seems almost stupid expensive anymore. Survivalists and hoarders, (think I'm a little of both) plus the fond memories of Keith, Skelton, et al, make for high prices, too.

[Bret4207]

Lyman's molds are associted with Elmer Kieth considered the Papa of the 44special/44 Mag cartridge, that is basically there only association with the public.
With out this association they would haave been history years ago!
In reality they are one of the most money grubbing companies related to firearms there is.
Service is totally non-existant.
Products SUCK! Lousy construction, just typical Lyman.

Yet there are a lot of fools that still buy there garbage.
Try comparing there garbage with a product from RCBS, and service.

Have a nice day!!


There new molds are absolutely pathetic!!!

Good Lord! Elmer invented the 44 Special? I would agree Lyman is less responsive to the casting market than we'd like, but the rest is nonsense. The 44 Mag is their only association with "the public"? So the 357 and the Sharpe moulds, the Loverin moulds, Thompson moulds, Hudson, Kephart and the myriad of other moulds don't count for anything? Wow. The lubrisizers, powder measures, the True Line, All American, the 61 pot.....all this means nothing? You have a different grasp of things I guess.

Whatever.

[cbrick]

Yep Bret, from that post and others of his I've realized the sky is a different color in his world, wherever that might be it sure isn't here.

Rick

[btroj]

Yep Bret, from that post and others of his I've realized the sky is a different color in his world, wherever that might be it sure isn't here.

Rick

Most likely black, probably pretty dark where his head is......

[theperfessor]

My only complaint about Lyman molds is the dimensional drift of virtually every bullet design they have made. Makes me wonder what bullet from what era they use to establish loading data.

[clownbear69]

The more specialized the market the higher the prices will be, even used. That's goes for casting as well.

Example: anyone who reloads needs a press. But you don't need to cast to reload....(even though everyone on here thinks differently on that)

[casterofboolits]

I have over one hundred Lyman four cavity moulds. Some have cast hundreds of thousands of boolits when I had my casting business and are still casting excellent boolits. I have only purchased one Lyman mould that I would consider bad. A 452374 Which drops under size and light. I have another four cavity 452374 that drops a perfect 225 grains, but is about fifty years old.

I have quite a few out of production "vintage" four cavity moulds that I may have to put up for sale on crazybay!

[bhn22]

I needed a small part for my Lyman M die; a different plug. The part was $4; shipping was $4; & they charged me CA sales tax. The Lyman co is in Conn.

They must have a facility in CA then. That would require them to charge sales tax. Assuming you're in CA too, of course.

[kweidner]

I do like Lyman. Ralistically for the iron molds they are a very good price and quality. I do however prefer the custom molds. My favorite is accurate they just cast like a dream and the sprueplate thickness is just awesome. I like being able to request diameter and give a specific alloy I am using. If I could do the same with NOE they would be a tie. I started with lyman and lee. Once I bought an accurate and NOE, I haven't really bought another lyman. I am sure there are other awesome custom makers out there, I just have found something I like. For the price of the Lyman I can just about get a custom aluminum or brass in the same cavity. As far as any mold being ****???? They all have their uses and following the directions, one could figure out how to cast boolits of nominal size.

[Viper225]

My local Pawn & Gun guy set a tool box on the counter about a year ago full of Lyman/Ideal moulds, and some other casting related things. I told him that I could probably sell them for him. He told me what he wanted for the lot, and told me I could have anything over that I could get. A little cleaning, and a little research to see what they all were for. I posted them on this site at what I considered to be reasonable, and about a week later they were all pretty much sold. I think posting to the last "I will take it" was about 9 days.

As for RCBS Moulds. They are not nearly as plentiful as Lyman/Ideal moulds. I have several Lyman/Ideal moulds, I have a single 2 cavity RCBS 44 mould. I also have a single 4 cavity Saeco. The Saeco is a great mould. HOWEVER New price in the Midway Catalog is $155.99 + $42.49 for the handles. Total $198.48
A Lee 6 cavity is $39.49 + $12.99 for handles = $52.48

Saeco does have some things going for it. Namely they market 17 different 45 caliber bullets. That should pretty much cover the needs of anyone. Lee also lists 11 different moulds, but not a 45 wadcutter. The Saeco is a top quality product, but at 25% the cost the 6 Cavity Lee will still have a big following.

At the time I bought the Saeco, Lee was not making the 6 cavity mould. I was needing a high production mould. Saeco was about the only game in town. This is way pre Internet.

Bob

[shoot-n-lead]

Lyman's molds are associted with Elmer Kieth considered the Papa of the 44special/44 Mag cartridge, that is basically there only association with the public.
With out this association they would haave been history years ago!
In reality they are one of the most money grubbing companies related to firearms there is.
Service is totally non-existant.
Products SUCK! Lousy construction, just typical Lyman.

Yet there are a lot of fools that still buy there garbage.
Try comparing there garbage with a product from RCBS, and service.

Have a nice day!!


There new molds are absolutely pathetic!!!

What a load of hogwash...