301620 Mold Question

[pete501]

I got this mold in a lot purchased some time ago. I was looking for a heavy 30 caliber for the 300 blackout and stumbled across the Lyman 301620. It looks heavy enough but I have never seen such small lube grooves and I am confused about the diameter. I have seen older molds being labeled in both 311 and 308 but not 301. Anybody have any info on this particular mold.

[Doc_Stihl]

I believe that's a paper patch mold.

I wish I could find one.

[Bullshop]

I believe that it is designed for paper patching.

[Bullshop]

Doc if we had been old timey gun fighters you woulda kilt me. Just a little faster on the draw.
OK so I am down and firing a shot from my boot gun, I call dibbs if you want to sell that mold Pete.

[pete501]

I have never done paper patch before, could this be used for the 30 blackout? I appreciate the interest in the mold but I don't have enough postings to use your swapping/selling.

[Doc_Stihl]

Depending on what the nose diameter is it may work. If you're looking for something easier I would swap you for a mold that does work well. I'll send you a PM.

[Maven]

#301620 is indeed a Lyman mold designed for paper patching, hence the nominally .301" diameter. E.H. Harrison of the NRA commissioned Lyman to produce 2 such designs, which varied only in weight & length. Harrison's article, "Paper Patched Bullets Come of Age," can be found in the NRA publication, "Cast Bullets," pp.93-97.

[Hardcast416taylor]

Since nobody has explained about the small "grooves" here is how it was told to me many years back when I first started patching. The smaller grooves are not meant for putting lube in as an unpatched boolet or under the patch, they are meant to be a sort of a grip on the paper patch to prevent slippage as the boolet travels down the barrel. As the wet patch dries it is drawn into these small grooves and in turn when you lube the outside of the patched boolet the lube goes into these grooves to lube the passage down the barrel.Robert

[mikeym1a]

If you want to sell it, I'll take it, if the price isn't too hateful. PM me if you are interested. mikey

[scb]

You said you were looking for a 300 Blackout bullet. I've never tried to run a paper patched bullet in a simi auto rifle because I'm not convinced it would be safe. If that's what your intentions are you might want to get some more input as to weather or not it's appropriate for your use before putting a lot of time and effort into it.

[pete501]

I will mold Lyman 311290 for this project. Single shot sbr. Not mine but for a friend.