Any ideas about this mold?

[jakharath]

Found this in the bottom of a box at a yard sale...

Any idea on the age or maker?

275300
275301
275302
275303
275304
275305
275306

[Bent Ramrod]

It’s the 1890 version of the Winchester bullet mould. Earlier versions didn’t have wooden handles.

Typically the caliber was stamped on the upper handle between the wood and the mould block. It would say something like “32-165,” For caliber and weight.

I recall that Winchester dropped their loading tools around 1914.

[StuBach]

Some WD40 Rust Remover would probably do that metal wonders. I’ve used it to restore vintage planes and it just dissolves rust without damaging metal.

[Bazoo]

Looks like the cavity might clean up with some TLC.

[Green Frog]

I would throw it in a bucket or pan of EvapoRust for at least a couple or three days and forget it. It should clean up nicely with bronze wool and a bronze “toothbrush” and be able to be used. As friend Bent Ramrod said, the marking was stamped into the steel between block and the wooden handle... it may show up after you clean them up. My calibrated eyeball says the cavity is for a 38 or 40 caliber rifle bullet, but it may need recalibration. ;-)

Froggie

[tomme boy]

Do an electrolysis to remove the rust. It will leave the patina and remove the rust. Evaporust will eat into the metal too much.

[HATCH]

Do an electrolysis to remove the rust. It will leave the patina and remove the rust. Evaporust will eat into the metal too much.

This is my suggestion as well.
I haven’t had much luck using Evaporust.

[Bazoo]

What did you give for it? If you don't mind sharing.

[Pressman]

I agree with Mr Frog Person, let it soak a couple of days in evaporust. It will come out clean, well you will have to brush off the black coating. I soaked a badly rusted press handle for three days last winter. It came out with a nice black coating that looks nice in this application. Light oil and back on the press.

Getting the cavity clean is priority, the rest will come together later. These were good moulds, so a shame to see it go to waste.

[slim1836]

I too would try the electrolysis method first as this method takes rust away from the mold without any harm. Repeat as necessary or until no further results can be obtained. If still not satisfied, try the next least abrasive method etc... YMMV

Keep us updated and good luck.

Slim

[Stephen Cohen]

I have 2 of those in 32/20 and 1 in 25/20 and they cast wonderful bullets, I load the 32/20 cast in my rimmed blackout. I also had the metal handled ones but gave them to a collector. I hope they clean up for you. Regards Stephen

[gwpercle]

I would enter it in the Grungy Mould Contest ...
you might have the Blue Ribbon Winner with that one .
Gary

[gbrown]

Evaporust works on the carbon, basically removes it. I was told this by a representative of the company when I called a few years back to inquire how it would work with cast iron cookware. Was warned not to leave it in the pot for 24 hours or so, it would remove the carbon. Probably some short soaks. (An hour or 2) and scrubbed with a brass brush. Rinse, return to soak, repeat. I just bought a fresh jug of it--use it all the time. I agree with the electrolysis, that's what I use with cast iron cookware. However, not everyone wants to take the time to set up an E tank.

[jakharath]

What did you give for it? If you don't mind sharing.

It was in the bottom of one of my garage sale finds. Bought the box so not sure how to tell what I paid for it.

[toallmy]

I have one a loaner in 38/40 but in much better shape and it cast nicely . The guy that loaned it to me doesn’t cast but he has his father-in-laws 38/40 . Every time I mentioned bringing it back he says hold on to it and cast me a few more boolits .

[Bazoo]

Well I have a soft spot for the old abused stuff for some reason.

[toallmy]

Well I have a soft spot for the old abused stuff for some reason.

Me 2 & thank goodness my wife as well

[ascast]

I found one similar in an old fallin in chicken house once. The outside was worse or near. I could barel make out 40-82. But, they had packed the cavity and top surface with grease, The cavity is like new and drops a nice bullet. I think I need to find an old worn out ugly in 40-82, have relined just to match the mold.