.54 Cal Maxi Ball Mold Differences

[Anonym]

I have an older 430 grain TC Maxi Ball mold that I had considered replacing with a steel Lyman version. Finally found one in my price range and picked it up, but was surprised that the newer mold seemed "thinner" on top with a much smaller meplat and is only casting slightly over 400gr with pure lead. Did they make a lighter version of the .54, or is this just a manufacturer's difference?

I like the idea of a heavier boolit and larger meplat with the original TC mold, but a good steel mold is also hard to let go of. Anyone want to convince me I should keep one over the other?

Thanks,
Anon

[triggerhappy243]

well i would like to see what you have. t/c did make different maxi-ball molds. if it casts a 400 gr. slug, i would try it out and see if it is any more accurate than the 430 gr. i have 2 styles of maxi.... but did not know there was a lighter cast. can you post a pic of a cast bullet? and if you are going after elk, either bullet will easily knock his socks into his watch pocket.

[Anonym]

Yea, looks like they made both a 400 grain and 430 grain option in .54 caliber. I've grabbed a few photos for comparison.

First is the difference in molds. Steel Lyman 400 grainer is on the left with the aluminum T/C 430 grainer is on the right:
http://i632.photobucket.com/albums/uu49/Anonym_photos/20140516_071131_zpsb24b6372.jpg (http://s632.photobucket.com/user/Anonym_photos/media/20140516_071131_zpsb24b6372.jpg.html)

Here are the two slugs they cast (400 on L, 430 on R). Note the 400 grainer has a smaller meplat and a steeper angle to the nose. The diameter of the core (bottom of the grease grooves) measures about 0.01" thinner on the 400 grainer, and the whole nose cone is more slender. The overall length is within 0.001", with the shorter being the 430 grainer.

http://i632.photobucket.com/albums/uu49/Anonym_photos/20140516_071314_zps99abcfd7.jpg (http://s632.photobucket.com/user/Anonym_photos/media/20140516_071314_zps99abcfd7.jpg.html)

http://i632.photobucket.com/albums/uu49/Anonym_photos/20140516_071339_zpsb066c742.jpg (http://s632.photobucket.com/user/Anonym_photos/media/20140516_071339_zpsb066c742.jpg.html)

http://i632.photobucket.com/albums/uu49/Anonym_photos/20140516_071414_zpsfca01ff2.jpg (http://s632.photobucket.com/user/Anonym_photos/media/20140516_071414_zpsfca01ff2.jpg.html)

Here is the stamp code on the Lyman

http://i632.photobucket.com/albums/uu49/Anonym_photos/20140516_071743_zpsa82c4d84.jpg (http://s632.photobucket.com/user/Anonym_photos/media/20140516_071743_zpsa82c4d84.jpg.html)

These are obviously just a couple "quick cast" slugs to show the difference, so pay no attention to the sloppy edges and wrinkles...

I weighed them both again this morning and the 400 grainer comes in right at 400 grains. I was surprised the 430 grain mold didn't cast close to 430 grains, but settled in averaging around 418 grains. Interesting.

[Anonym]

EDIT: Well shoot. I just looked up the Lyman mold on the Ol' Buffalo mold chart and Lyman has this listed at 425 grains. Curiouser and curiouser.

[OverMax]

As read I guess the difference would be which mold you prefer to work with. Steel verses aluminum. Frankly these types of weighty slugs I simply put a T/C felt wad under mine to help ensure good down range accuracy regardless who their manufacture or mold came from. Although it has been commented T/C made the best maxi ball molds specifically machined to tolerances as to give the best performance in their rifles. You may want to consider that tidbit of info when choosing which to keep.

[triggerhappy243]

overmax has good advice. i believe the lyman mold is much older that your t/c mold and my maxi mold is much newer than yours. they changed the design at some point with the way the rotating bands are cast. i found if you put lube in the lower lube groove only...... you will have better accuracy. and as far as which bullet is better for hunting, dont worry about it. either one will make the game wish it was still at the bar. good hunting. I'd keep both.

[Anonym]

Thanks guys. Good advice. I'll probably keep both in the stables until I have reason to turn lose of one. Hopefully funds never dictate that as they both cast a really nice chunk of lead!

Justin