Lee vs Lyman molds

[Pigboat]

Up until now, the only molds I have used are the Lee aluminum molds. I recently purchased a Lyman mold and would like to ask what differences I might expect when I start using it.

[VHoward]

If it's steel, then it's going to take longer to get to casting temperature. Have to watch out for rusting and they are heavier.

I have only used Lee, NOE, MP and Saeco molds myself. I don't care for the Lee molds. The Saeco mold is the only steel mold I have and it is relatively easy to use once it is up to temp.

[MT Chambers]

The Lyman steel mold will hold heat better/longer and it is easier to regulate heat, you can leave the mold sitting while you grab a java, and go right back to casting. Many alum. molds get frosty bullets too soon and when you try to cool them, they get toooo cool.

[bedbugbilly]

I use both and have for years - MT Chambers summed it up pretty well.

I'm not "high tech" - I dip out of a ideal pot over a propane hotplate. I preheat my molds to get started and with the Lymans, I can just keep going once I get in to a good rhythm. I can do the same with the Lees but at times, I have to let them cool. Both will drop good boo lets though.

Molds are like any tools . . . if you take care of them they will provide years of service. I have some Ideal molds that I use that are years older than I . . . and I'm an old fart. Once you get to using a steel block (like a Lyman) you'll learn quickly how it reacts, the heat up time, etc. On some of mine, even starting with a colder mold it only takes about three pours to start getting good ones.

Good luck!

[FergusonTO35]

Biggest thing I don't like about Lee molds is the limited design selection. They have no .32 Auto mold whatsoever. I would like to see them at least make limited runs of molds that people keep asking for. Functionally I think Lee molds are great, especially if you are using a very basic pot and ladle set up.

[Vinne]

I started out with a Lee single mold and felt like I was doing great. I came across a guy selling 2 H&G 10 cavity in 38. Well talk about heavy...like lifting weights but they did put out a mess of fine looking bullets!! After many thousands of bullets later, a friend asked to sell him one. I figured that I would never use all those bullets and also switched to 9mm guns. So I sold both molds and went back to using Lee molds. Now I have 6 different Lee molds (5 are 6 gangers and one double) and only one Lyman rifle mold. Lee is great for the money. The only thing is getting use to switching from one type to the other.

[Akheloce]

I started with 4 different Lee molds, 3 6-cavity, and one 2 cavity. I had no idea what I was missing until I got my Lyman 454190.

I initially was concerned about only being a 2 cavity, but the temperature control is so much easier, my production is about the same or maybe better than the aluminum 6 cavity when culls are taken into account.

The pins are better, and the vent lines are better. In addition to the better/easier temp control, I have fewer % culls due to fill-out, and misaligned halves with the Lyman. (I have only noticed the misaligned halves when sizing, this makes it more obvious)

Take my opinion with a grain of salt. I've only been casting for a few months, and about 1500 or so boolits.

[dudel]

Lee will be lighter in your hands and on your wallet.

Lee will heat up quicker and cool down quicker. Tempo becomes more important. The Lyman will hold a constant temperature easier.

Two of my Lee's have scratches from the sprue plate. I don't think that's a common occurrence on the Lymans.

[spfd1903]

Have both kinds. Once the cast iron mold is cool, you have to have a plan or method to keep them rust free. Plenty of posts and ideas on that topic....do a search and see what makes sense to you.