RD Closeout on Lee Site

[Mike Malat]

I was looking in the closeout section of the lee site and noticed that they have the .460 350g and 425g Ranch Dog moulds listed for sale. Double cavity. In case anyone has been looking for them.

[DrCaveman]

Thanks for the heads up

does anyone know the diameter these drop? Are they made for use in a 45-70, or a 460 s&w magnum?

thanks

[Mike Malat]

They're supposed to drop @ .460 and were intended for the 45-70 Lever Actions. I have no experience with the .460 S&W's to say whether it would work or not.

[Sagebrush7]

Please note RD sent back a lot of molds that did not meet his specs. Just a thought.

[blikseme300]

Thanks for the heads-up. Recently I bought a used Marlin in 45-70 1895SS and was about to start searching for molds. I ordered both the 460-350 and the 460-425 and will hopefully have brass and GC's reaching me soon as well. I already have a number of RD molds for other Marlin's and they work very well.

[dek16001]

Thanks for the heads up. I've been searching for the 350 gr. mold for some time. I went to the lee site and think I bought the last '350 gr one they had...
Dan .

[Whiterabbit]

the 425 kicks butt in a 460 BFR. With 32 grains of IMR 4198 which is (I think) the one powder that didnt seem to be unavailable during the shortage. I happily shot my way through the panic.

Sadly I'm between technology and cant easily upload pics at the moment, but I just came back from the range today with a 25 yard target with 25 and 35 round groups. Pretty consistent, given I was on a shaky table and am a poor pistolero. Few inches, give or take.

[johnly]

Just looked at the Lee Closeout website and they appear to have found a new home.

John

[Mike Malat]

Mine arrived in the mail today. Got the 460-350 and 359-190 (didn't mention that one as it went to out of stock immediately after placing my order). The boxes were a bit yellowed so I'm thinking that they've been sitting around in the shop for some time. However the blocks are clean and don't have any visible imperfections. I'll probably get around to casting with them later this week, time and weather permitting. The 350 will be used in my Marlin 1895 and I'll be giving the 190 a try in my Rossi M92/.357 as well as some L Frame S&W's. RD had mentioned that his 175gr boolit was a bit better in his .357 lever actions but for $17 and change it's worth a try.

[bubba.50]

i must be missin' somethin' 'cause I can't find anything even looks like a ranchdog mould on the lee site, in closeout or anywhere else.

[FergusonTO35]

Looks like we missed the boat on that one.

[30calflash]

Not sure if those were original RD molds as I've only seen RD selling 6 cav molds in the day.

Could have been some early ones that were made to determine manufacturing plausibility or 2 cavity were the early manufactured versions. Any others have 2 cav RD molds out there?

[texassako]

I think the original RD molds were 2 cavity. I took a look this morning and they have several of the rifle style FCD for the pistol calibers like RD used to carry. Grabbed a .357 Mag one and they also had a bunch of overrun molds of Midsouth's custom offerings and BP molds.

[TXGunNut]

Mine arrived in the mail today. Got the 460-350 and 359-190...-Mike Malat

Good choices, my Guide Gun in 45-70 loves the 460-350 and my 35 Rem and 35 Whelen do very well with the 359-190. Hope they work out for you.

[Mike Malat]

I cast a handful (~50) of each to break-in the mould and see how they dropped. That went well but it was just too darn hot muggy out to do any volume. Now I just need to order some GC's for them and load 'em up. The 350's will be going in a Marlin 1895 and I'll try the 190's in a Rossi M92 sitting on top of a 38 spl case with the COL to 357 lengths. Been playing with PC'ing and smokeless PP as well. Too many little projects going on, just need to focus on one. I get too distracted by all of the interesting things on this site and just have to try them.

[TXGunNut]

Too many little projects going on, just need to focus on one. I get too distracted by all of the interesting things on this site and just have to try them. -Mike Malat

Amen to that! Thanks to this bunch of enablers I'll have to quit my job and start taking better care of myself to get around to all the projects this forum has inspired. Last time I wrapped up a project I found two moulds I hadn't cast with yet and promptly ordered another. I'm afraid to try PC or PP, you're a brave man!

[pls1911]

Saveyourself some headache and order NOE molds of the RD design.
I have Lee RDs and NOE...the NOEs are top quality, and worth the difference.

[blikseme300]

Saveyourself some headache and order NOE molds of the RD design.
I have Lee RDs and NOE...the NOEs are top quality, and worth the difference.

What's the difference you mention? I have cast and shot many boolits cast from original RD molds and they worked as advertised. I do have a number of NOE molds, all of which cast well, but none of the RD designs. Both the Lee cut molds and NOE work well for me.

[pls1911]

Blik,
The difference is in the higher mold quality and the associated higher cost.
I too have some of Michael's issue Ranch Dog molds and they do cast fine bullets.
But he performed a careful quality control check before he sent anything out, and returned plenty to Lee as not up to his standards.
So, if you buy from Lee, you chance needing to press a bit to get a mold as nice as one you would receive from Michael.
Yes, I do have a couple of Lee 6 cavity pistol bullet molds which are ok, and their Buckshot mold is great, but still nowhere near the quality (or cost) of NOE...or NEI, or old Hensley& Gibbs, or SAECO.
I've hawked gun shows and bought vintage molds from old retiring caster-shooters for years, and have made some great deals on "Just a box of old molds".
The best deal ever was one box for $20--- several old school 4 cavity Lymans, H&Gs, and SAECOs in .30, .45ACP and Colt, and then 3x 4 cavity molds for .38 wadcutters. The handles alone were worth more than the price. All were well "broken in" over the decades, but had been beautifully preserved and carefully packaged for storage and came with GI ammo can storage boxes.

[Mike Malat]

Since I've started this madness.. :razz: Beginning with BP GG and PP, I've bought an assortment of Lee, Accurate, Brooks, Buffalo, as well as factory moulds. I've been pleased with all of my purchases and I see NOE moulds in my future as well. LoL. However when you see a mould, or moulds, that you've been wanting to try offered for less than $20, (Lee), it's kinda hard to pass up. Over the past 6 months or so, I've been able to pick up RD's 44, 45, and 35 cal moulds from the Lee clearance bin. If a 35 cal 175g version comes up, I'll grab that as well. If I cannot resist the temptation anymore I'll get it from NOE in the PB version. Then I think my RD "collection" will be complete...... I'm probably just kidding myself. .... :shock: