Lyman/ Idea mold

[DCB]

Are they the same in design and do the handles interchange?

[Mk42gunner]

Lyman molds were originally Ideal molds. Lyman bought the ideal company around 1925, IIRC. They still marked the molds Ideal for decades.

Some of the very early ones had integral handles, I think this ended in the 1920's, but I am not sure.

The old small single cavity handles look very similar to the double cavity handles, but don't really fit, and they are not marked. The handles can be made to fit, but it is on a case by case basis in my experience.

Four cavity handles are totally different.

I guess the smart alec answer is: Yes, no, maybe.

Realistically, most of the handles you find will be for the double cavity molds, and will interchange.

Good luck,

Robert

[DCB]

Thanks, yes no maybe... The old reloading cast bullets made some reference to them and that was about it.
Thanks again.

[smithnframe]

In my casting shop they do!

[DCB]

Smithn frame Did you have to modify the handles for them to fit.
Thanks

[MT Gianni]

Older single cavity Ideal molds took single cavity handles. Double cavity took the more common handles. Newer Lyman single cavity molds took dc handles. I believe the older sc large cavity molds, 45 cal rifle took dc handles. Lee handles fit dc molds but not older Ideal sc molds.

[Evoken]

I have an older ideal single 429421. The new lyman single/double handles fit, but I had to sand down the wood on the insides to make them close enough.

[smithnframe]

No modifications needed DCB!