Custom vs. mainsteam commerical

[Petrol & Powder]

I use a variety of molds but I've become fond of RCBS. Unfortunately, RCBS = 2 cavities at best.

Lyman offers 4 cavity molds but I've heard too many complaints about their current quality to take a chance.

I like iron molds and I'm willing to put up with the weight and storage issues of iron.

That leaves me with Saeco, one of the custom mold makers or a "vintage" mold.

I'm looking for a 38/.357 mold that is similar to the RCBS 38-150-SWC (or Lyman 358477), made of iron and with 4 cavities.

The Saeco #382 looks close and is in the ballpark price wise but I'm looking for advice from fellow forum members.

What say you?

[ShooterAZ]

I too like RCBS molds, they are my favorite brand of commercial mold for sure. I'm perfectly fine with a 2 cavity mold however. I don't use a mold guide, and just free hand them. I don't relish the idea of doing that with a 4 cavity iron mold. Another option would be to get a 4 cav brass mold from Accurate or Noe, once again...heavy.

[shdwlkr]

over the years I have got lyman, rcbs, noe, lbt molds for different reasons and can say none of them have failed to do what they were made for. IF you need a mold that is not normally made then custom is the way to go and if it meets your needs then what more can you ask from a mold

[Petrol & Powder]

What I want is a 4 cavity RCBS 38-150-SWC.....but no such animal exists.

The Saeco looks close. I'd be curious if anyone has experience with the #382

[Dan Cash]

Contact Accurate Molds. Top quality at a more than competitive price. Your choice Iron, Bronze, Aluminum, fast delivery.

[ShooterAZ]

That RCBS 38-150 is my favorite 38 Cal mold.

[TexasGrunt]

I've got a 4C RCBS mold.


You could look for a H&G or check Accurate.

[Petrol & Powder]

The H&G #51 would be great but they're hard to find.

I'd like to hear from someone with a Saeco #382 mold.

[superdan]

I have an older 3 cavity Saeco 382 it is a great design it's very accurate in my .38's and has been pretty good in my .357's. My particular mold is kind of picky about technique it is one that has no venting on the halves. I do have a new Saeco 180 gr. .357 mold that is great.

[Petrol & Powder]

Thanks superdan

[country gent]

I to use a variety of moulds for large rifle calibers (BPCR). I currently have Lee, Lyman, RCBS, Brooks, Boomers, Baco and Old West. Most of the rcbs, lyman, baco and brooks are single cavity the Lee, Brooks and old west are all double cavity. Lees are aluminum, lyman, rcbs, brooks and baco are mehanite. The Old west are brass. All cast good bullets and the brooks baco old west and boomers are a real pleasure to use.
One trick is buy 2 2 cavity moulds and cast with them in tandem this saves the time waiting for the cast to cool and solidify. 2 2cavity in tandem cast faster for me than a single 4 cavity due to the saved time once the cadence is learned.

[MT Chambers]

I consider Saeco molds the best factory production molds, the only down side is that most cast to minimal dimensions ( or at least listed diameters), they don't cast oversize like some makes, IMHO.

[Petrol & Powder]

I consider Saeco molds the best factory production molds, the only down side is that most cast to minimal dimensions ( or at least listed diameters), they don't cast oversize like some makes, IMHO.
That's good to know. Thanks.

[wv109323]

I bought a NOE 158 SWC that is a 5 cavity. It is accurate and not that expensive.

[MT Gianni]

I've got a 4C RCBS mold.


You could look for a H&G or check Accurate.

I would love to see a picture, to the best of my knowledge they never cataloged a 4 cavity.

[Leadmelter]

Watch Evil Bay. I fond a vintage Lyman 4 cavity 150 gr with the sharp not rounded meplat.
I have the 150gr 358 RCBS and it is a great mold but a two cavity is a pain in the buttocks to make production (1K or more)
I have shot thousands of these bullets both slow and fast and they are they are the best for me.
Leadmelter
MI

[KVO]

Arsenal molds may make an RCBS multi cavity clone, seems they have been steadily adding to their catalog.

[Mr Peabody]

I like RCBS too, I find using two double cavity molds at the same time more comfortable and still puts out a good amount.

[TexasGrunt]

I would love to see a picture, to the best of my knowledge they never cataloged a 4 cavity.

They didn't. This is one that someone did a bubba job on.

201513

[MT Gianni]

Wow, just when you think you have seen it all. They have some great designs but i am not sure I would go that far for a 4c. Nice find.

[white eagle]

I like iron molds to and 2 cav mold is not heavy for the amount of casting I do
brass is a close second to iron as far as mold material aluminum is last
Accurate will make blocks from iron for you and most will use brass
if you have something particular in mind check out Dan @ mountain Molds he
has a design system that you can get exactly what you want and he and his molds are top notch :Fire:

[SSGOldfart]

Watch EBay or flea-bay as it's getting know as,once in a while you'll find a H&G mold in 4 to 10 cavities come along,#50 or #51(I think) you'll see the written word in the listing.good luck

[Artful]

Lachmiller was the name of the production line that RCBS bought as their Mold making arm
I have seen 3 cavity but not 4 cavity some marked RCBS some Lachmiller but that was probably from when
they first were bought out back in the mid/late '70's about the same time RCBS bought out Ohaus who also made molds.

So Texas Grunt do you cast with that mold?