How Many Moulds Is Enough?

[Daekar]

I usually strive for a relatively minimalist approach to guns these days, and have drastically downsized my collection in the last year, but darn if I am having a hard time keeping it going with bullet moulds.

Right now I just have a Lee 358-158RF, but I have been agonizing for weeks over what else to get next. 180gr? 200? 215? 230? 250? There seem compelling reasons for each, and I don't see it ending after one purchase...

How many moulds do you have, and how many is "enough" for you?

[Cargo]

I've been slow getting started with casting. I currently have twenty-one and have two or three left on the list to buy.

Enough is having a minimum of one for each caliber and or application.

[OS OK]

I had the same idea, just get what I need for what I have. Then the experimenting started with profiles I was curious about, tried to locate used single cavity moulds at first but one leads to another and I still tried to keep it simple.

Now I have prolly 30 moulds and have not lusted for any more. The steels are my favorites.

[metricmonkeywrench]

No real answer from me as I may have overbought in .38 moulds to feed my .38 and .357 (7 or so so far).

To stay minimalist a nice 148g wadcutter and a 170g semi-wadcutter will round out the stable to cover every need with your existing round nose. If your looking to go high end a gas check design may add a new dimension.

The fun answer is every mould you can get your hands on....

[nvbirdman]

I seem to have at least two for each caliber and I reload for many calibers.

[Walks]

All of them.

[Winger Ed.]

I've had several come and go.

I've ended up keeping two for each caliber I shoot.
A basic target/WC mold and a second one for more 'robust'/longer range loads.

And two others, my favorites for .45ACP & .45-70.
All the rest have been put back in circulation.

[Mk42gunner]

Just one more. Or maybe two.

Well, you can see where this is going.

Robert

[vagrantviking]

All of them.

And when you still don't have one that is just what you are thinking of you start getting custom designs made up....

[ryanmattes]

I've been buying several for each caliber, casting and loading tests, and then selling the ones I don't want to keep. Plus a couple classics I just won't sell, like the old Keith molds for .357, .44, and .45.

For calibers I've already tested, I have 1-3 different profiles that work and I might want to load.

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[stubshaft]

I have many different calibers that I load for and love to experiment with different boolits. That being said, I have over one hundred molds, and soon I will have enough.

[44Blam]

I recently went through my molds.

I put them in a sealed plastic box with three layer of cardboard. First layer was molds that I could part with. Second layer was molds I don't use often but I want. And at the top are molds I use a lot.

I also wrote everything down on paper what I have. The other thing that went into the box was a damprid cartridge. :)

BTW, turns out that I have 21 molds and my most used mold is an Accurate mold that has 2 cavities 43-240A and 2 cavities 43-240AG...

[Conditor22]

I'm reconning a light, a medium, and a heavyweight boolit for each caliber you shoot + WC for wheel guns and FN for tube-fed.

overtime molds just seem to multiply without conscious buying ie buy a casting pot --- get some molds, buy reloading gear -- get some molds, buy 1 mold you want --- comes with more molds. trade with someone getting out of casting --- get many molds you don't have guns for.

You can't really accurately determine the number of molds needed until you finish load development/experimenting with ALL your guns :groner:[smilie=b:[smilie=b:

[trapper9260]

I'm reconning a light, a medium, and a heavyweight boolit for each caliber you shoot + WC for wheel guns and FN for tube-fed.

overtime molds just seem to multiply without conscious buying ie buy a casting pot --- get some molds, buy reloading gear -- get some molds, buy 1 mold you want --- comes with more molds. trade with someone getting out of casting --- get many molds you don't have guns for.

You can't really accurately determine the number of molds needed until you finish load development/experimenting with ALL your guns :groner:[smilie=b:[smilie=b:

You right on that . There is some molds you get for one cal. and then before you know it you find use for another. Like the 32 cal molds you end up use some for the 30 cal. for a lite load or molds for 38spl/ 357mag you end up use them for your 9mm. There is no number of molds you should have or not have. I load for different cartridges .

[GregLaROCHE]

I haven’t counted, but I must have over twenty, no make that thirty. At least one for each caliber I shoot and some for my friends’ calibers. I buy molds for my friends’ calibers, because I enjoy casting and have a good supply of lead. I give my friends boolits and they give me brass.

[smithnframe]

Like firearms.......I’m one mould short of having enough!

[Stephen Cohen]

I have 5 in .458, 3 in .452, 5 in .357, 1 in .44, 2 in.375 , 7 in .308, 1 for 32/20 1 for 25/20 and 1 in .225 and I still find a need for others at times. I enjoy casting but my health will slow me down soon. It is not about the number you have, but the journey getting there. Regards Stephen

[Garyshome]

Almost enough to cover all the calibers that i use

[rancher1913]

i have no idea, but I think I'm getting close to the 4 digit mark.

[Bazoo]

I've got 4 for 44 special/mag, 4 for 30 caliber, and I need another for each bore diameter. For my favorite guns and or cartridges I like to have a few choices. I'm content with only one for guns that are just tools, or aren't my favorite.

[Ky-Dave]

I have 20 with one more on order. Most came in a package deal when I stated casting late last year. I have a few duplicates and some triplicates. I’ve thought of selling some of the ones that I don’t load for or even have a gun to shoot them, but I probably won’t.
I have to many guns still on my wish list.
David

[GregLaROCHE]

Be careful before you start selling some. If you have doubles it may be because the first one had problems, requiring a second one to be bought.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

when I was in my accumulating phase, I was buying several molds each month. Then about 5 years ago, I had a downsizing auction and sold many unloaders and related stuff. Now, it seems one or two molds per gun is all I want, except for 41 mag...I can't seem to acquire enough molds in 41 cal.

[Bazoo]

when I was in my accumulating phase, I was buying several molds each month. Then about 5 years ago, I had a downsizing auction and sold many unloaders and related stuff. Now, it seems one or two molds per gun is all I want, except for 41 mag...I can't seem to acquire enough molds in 41 cal.

Sounds like you have a 41 that's special to you.

[Bazoo]

My first thought when I heard multiple moulds, was tandem casting.

[Huskerguy]

Have a friend who cast bullets for pistol and rifle several years ago so a lot of his stuff is older. He has many molds that just sit around. I only cast for 9, 38/357, 40, and 45. I don't want multiple molds sitting around, I want those that work and get them perfected. It's like having lots of guns that are not accurate sitting around, what's the point? I have an RCBS for my 38/158 grain SWC needs and picked up an Arsenal version of the same mold. Also a Saeco WC for that caliber. For the 9 I use a NOE that I can size for lighter 38's and medium 9's. Works great. A couple Lee's for my 40 and 45 and I have all I need.

[Mal Paso]

At least 8 molds in each caliber minimum.

When explaining to someone of the female persuasion, say "They are like shoes".

[rintinglen]

How many molds are enough? "A lot."

[mvozz]

I have all of the moulds I will ever need, unless I see another one that tickles my fancy!! Kind of like yesterday.

[white eagle]

How Many Moulds Is Enough?


they way you talk !!
I don't think that there is a enough
when I get a new cartridge its always what mold do I get

[waksupi]

Beware, obviously a trick question!

[Dunross]

I have no idea how many molds are enough. I'm still buying them. More than I presently have anyway.

Did my wife tell you to ask this?

[John Boy]

Having enough molds is totally dependent on the number of owned firearms, different calibers and bullet weights needed for each caliber shooting distance. Bang paper at 25 yds with the only owned firearm .... answer is none, just buy the bullets

[bangerjim]

Acquire what ever you can find and afford these days! I have a ton of them for most weight classes and designs in the 7 cals I load for.

Right now is not the opportune time to go out mold searching, due to the extreme shortages and ridiculous prices out there. Hand onto your $$ and wait it out, keeping an eye out for the rare bargain that may pop up.

[Daekar]

You guys are a bad influence, I just pulled the trigger on a new mould from Accurate... a nice 4-cavity 245gr NLG for for subsonic 357 loads. If I can get them to shoot straight, I will need a suppressor to go with the mould, and if you're doing the paperwork anyway you might as well SBR the frame of your Encore...

[DHDeal]

Well, I just don't know. A good example would be I made a promise to myself I wouldn't get into casting for autos for myself and have kept that promise. My shooting partner wanted a 230 grain for a 45 so I got one. As it wasn't for me and I will only use them in a 45 Colt I am still good.

[gwpercle]

I've always been a mould accumulator ... I see one and think it looks interesting and buy it .
Yard sales , Estate Sales and Flea Markets ... I will buy any mould that's priced right ( under $10.00).
E-Bay ... Oh My God ... I had to stop going to that evil place ... it makes buying old boolit moulds way too easy... especially when you know your wife's Pay-Pal account number... that was an addiction I had to break ... but fun while it lasted !
Gary

[robg]

when i find a boolit mold i like and shoots well i keep it . cast for 223/308/357/45-70 .still on the hunt.only 8 at the moment.

[rcslotcar]

I had only 5 or 6 for a long time. My local shop bought out several estates and acquired several molds. He sold like new molds for $30 to $60 and now I have about 30 molds from H&G, Ideal, Saeco, RCBS, Cramer, and others. I like buying a mold cleaning it and then casting about a thousand of that design. I only buy molds that the design appeals to me. Still keeping my eyes open for others.

[plainsman456]

I got about 15 molds in a trade years ago.

That said i have found several molds that i think might be better so i got them.

Lately i have been on a N.O.E mold buying spree.

It has given me options in pistol and in rifles that now can't do without.

Maybe one day there won't be one or two that peak mt interest.

But always on the lookout for that one special one.

Keeps it interesting.

[jaysouth]

Just one more

[shooterg]

All of them.

I was gonna say that !

[Elmer Fudd]

I have pondered this for 48 hours. Cargo hit it just about right in the #2 post. I postulate that you need at least one mould in each bullet shape you want. I have some "duplicates," meaning one PB and one GC in the same boolit. I have some mixed bag cavities, GC and PB in the same mould. Useful, but not the most handy except the 5 banger with 3 and 2, respectively.
I like to load to levels my kids can comfortably shoot so they fall in love with heavies in mid-bores, like the NOE 310 in a Whelen. My 11 year old is on his way to a love affair with the Whelen, and earlier than I started shooting centerfires, let alone mid-bores! That luxury comes because of my mould collection. If this were about efficiency or minimalism, I'd have a couple rifles and a handgun and a mould for each, or one mould and guns all in the same caliber. Thankfully, that's not the case.

[Burnt Fingers]

I haven't counted lately but I'd guess around 150.

[rockrat]

When I joined this board, I had about 8 moulds, but now, thanks to the enablers here, a whole lot more!!!:)

[charlie b]

Not very many. But, for the most part, I know what bullet type I want for each caliber I shoot.

9mm, 105SWC and 147TC
.357, 140SWC
.45acp, 200SWC

.50 muzzle loader, 450gn SWC

It is my .308 that has several because of different purposes. 165gn PB, 170gn GC, 210gn GC.

I do not see me buying any more. Actually may end up selling a couple.

PS I also do not have many guns anymore. Downsized a while ago to the ones I shoot/carry a lot.

[ascast]

I need at least one workable projectile for every rod I own. Some have multiples, like 45 rifle, or pistol, 38 rifle, 30 cal rifle etc, you get the idea. I still have a couple holes in the line up, with no or only one workable but not first choice mold. I have a few hundred. Hope that helps. ha ha

[bedbugbilly]

"Enough" is when you have molds for a specific caliber that work well in your firearm and that you regularly cast in . . . . .

"Too many is when you have a "collection" of molds to use for a specific caliber but which you only used the molds that you regularly shoot and the rest sit on the shelf - sometimes for years - and never get used . . . .
I've been casting for over 55 years . . don't ask how I know the difference . . . :-)

[dverna]

I am in the same boat with Jon and Charlie. Started downsizing years ago and still shedding stuff I do not need or want anymore. I am still in the buying mode on molds due to the acquisition of a Master Caster, but that means my other molds will likely be sold.

With what is going on with component supply and pricing, I will be shooting less CF so I have started to factory that in as well. When I reach for a few boxes of pistol ammunition for a range session, I do not want to wonder, "What gun is this for?".

Current plan is Magma molds:
122 gr TC 9mm...with one load for all the 9's
130 gr RNFP .38....bought for CAS but may sell it
158 gr SWC .38/.357....nickel cases for light loads and brass cases for heavy loads
180 gr FP .40...one load for all the .40's

I have a MiHec .223 NATO mold and for the .30 calibers three molds.

For the shotguns, Lyman slug mold and Lee buckshot mold.

I might try casting for the .22 PCP gun if I want to punish and humble myself...LOL

[sirgknight]

Mr. Potterfield at Midway USA has the answer to your question......

[reddhawkk]

How many molds is enough? I just bought one for a caliber I don't have, yet!

[Mal Paso]

How many molds is enough? I just bought one for a caliber I don't have, yet!

That's a common excuse for buying another gun. No extra points here. Maybe some at home? LOL

[Butcher45]

Well, I was given 250+pieces of brass for a cartridge that I don't have.

So you all know what that means.......

[Idaho Sharpshooter]

last count, less than 100. About 50 for rifle, 30 for handguns, and three for shotguns.
I just bought another Shiloh Sharps Montana Rough Rider in, ready for this: 30-40 Krag. The good news; I have 9 or 10 .30 caliber molds, so there is a whole summer's worth of experimenting ahead of me.

thanks for asking,

Rich

[Cosmic_Charlie]

I only cast for four calibers. .44, .38, 9mm and .30. I have three .44 molds, three .38 molds, two 9mm molds and three .30 molds. I have a mold in each caliber that I do not use much but I keep them around because they might work well in a new gun. I may add a heavier boolit .44 mold for my new Henry single shot. I really do need to try some hp molds though.

[kbstenberg]

There is only one answer. 1 mold to fill each purpose for a firearm.

[David2011]

“Enough” is one for every boolit you want to cast. Anything more is excess that can lead to purchasing additional firearms.

[Hanzy4200]

I know its time to slow down when you start accidentally buying duplicates because you forget what you own.

[farmbif]

when you have to build a new building to hold all your stuff, you might be real close to having enough.

[MostlyLeverGuns]

A lightweight 'plinking' mold, a flat point hunting mold and a 'pointy' long range mold is necessary for each caliber. In some cases, another one or two mold might be needed in some calibers to properly fit a throat for accuracy or accommodate certain calibers like a .316 for the P14 .303 British or whatever. A high volume mold for the 9mm, 40, and 45 is good. When I buy a firearm, if it is a new caliber, a mold is added, even for calibers where lead bullets normally are not considered like the .243 and 6.5 Creedmoor. Properly kept molds won't spoil and take little room.

Oh yeah, I did put a new building for my stuff.

[MrWolf]

I had zero when I joined. Now I have to keep an inventory because I have been known to buy a duplicate. Surprising how fast they multiply.

[AndyC]

What is this "enough" of which you speak?

[stevo1911]

Get as many as you like. Happy casting....

[dondiego]

I'll have "enough" molds as soon as I get "enough" money!

[Thin Man]

How many is enough , you ask? Just one more, I say. It never fails that I read about someone else's experiments with a different mold pattern than I have, or I see a diagram of one I didn't know about, or just see a mold pattern that suits my thoughts for a specific caliber. Maybe this is how I got up to having 205 individual molds (including a few duplicates). It's an addiction. Please don't ask me to sell any of them, they are my children.

[gun toting monkeyboy]

I don't really NEED any more bullet molds. But prior to the current panic, I would cruise Ebay looking at the used molds to see what was available. I picked up some interesting ones over the years. I don't know how useful some of them are. But considering that I rarely paid more than $20 for them, even the weird ones weren't a huge loss if they turned out to be less than amazing. I don't think I have more than 20 molds, not counting buckshot molds, or round ball molds for specific projects. And some of them rarely get used. But they are still fun to have. Nor do they take up a lot of room.

-Mb

[jimb16]

How many is enough? I don't know. I haven't gotten there yet. How many do I have? I don't know. I can't count that high.

[Tar Heel]

Your magic number is different than their magic number. You only live once. Enjoy yourself.

[Dunross]

Just bought another one. I still don't have enough.

I'll be sure to let you know when I do! (laughing)

[Soundguy]

I try to have at least 1 mold per caliber I shoot. I like 357 so.. of course.. i have about 4 .358 molds.... but... ;)

[John in WYO]

when you have to build a new building to hold all your stuff, you might be real close to having enough.
Yeah, but how BIG a building......mine was 40x80x16.:shock:

[Soundguy]

How come every time I say I'm done with getting new calibers...i end up with another.

[Daekar]

How come every time I say I'm done with getting new calibers...i end up with another.

This... this is the real problem. Realistically, there are only so many different weights and nose profiles one can justify purchasing for the same caliber. If I stick to .358 bullets and make future purchases with that in mind, even if I get a 357 Max, 35 Rem, 35 Whelen, etc, they can all use the same moulds. Once you start expanding to other calibers though it's like Pokemon, you've gotta catch them all...

[ryanmattes]

Recently I had the opposite problem: hhhmmm I don't have anything in .45acp to load for, guess I need one. Oops, now I need several different molds for .452.

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[Soundguy]

This... this is the real problem. Realistically, there are only so many different weights and nose profiles one can justify purchasing for the same caliber. If I stick to .358 bullets and make future purchases with that in mind, even if I get a 357 Max, 35 Rem, 35 Whelen, etc, they can all use the same moulds. Once you start expanding to other calibers though it's like Pokemon, you've gotta catch them all...

yup.. i'm bad about .358 stuff. I must have 5-6 molds for .358 noses.. profiles.. bullet styles.. a couple gas checked.. etc..

[oger]

Too many, If I gave you a number you would call me a liar.

[Nueces]

I have made an expression that works for me: N + 3, where N is how many I now have. That has worked for a long time.

[Gundogx2]

I’m just getting started so not enough


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[rcslotcar]

Ok, I was cleaning and oiling my molds yesterday. It turns out I only have 51 with handles. I have another 8 with out handles. I'm always on Ebay searching for more.

[Shuz]

You have enuf when you can't remember which ones you have!

[AnthonyB]

Shuz; that is why Excel spreadsheets are for record keeping!
Tony

[kevin c]

There is only one answer. 1 mold to fill each purpose for a firearm.
^^^

For me that ends up being one per caliber that I own plus several in the caliber I shoot the most (both multiples and various weights, nose profiles, lube grooved or not, etc.).

[Shuz]

Shuz; that is why Excel spreadsheets are for record keeping!
Tony

Tony
I do have them on an Excel spredsheet, it's just that I fail to keep it updated when I buy and sell!
Ray

[fixit]

ENOUGH? Wash your mouth out with soap. The very concept is pure heresy!

[gwpercle]

Tony
I do have them on an Excel spredsheet, it's just that I fail to keep it updated when I buy and sell!
Ray

My number one rule ... Never Sell a Mould .
Rule #2 ... Never Lend a Mould .

I don't understand this concept of " Too Many Moulds " ...
it's like a politician ... having too many votes ?
It is an incomprehensible situation !
Gary

[Dunross]

Just added another. I'm closing in on "enough molds", I'm sure of it!

[405grain]

463. The average boolit caster usually doesn't need more than 463 molds. Exceptional boolit casters on the other hand may require more. :p

[Soundguy]

^^^

For me that ends up being one per caliber that I own plus several in the caliber I shoot the most (both multiples and various weights, nose profiles, lube grooved or not, etc.).

Exactly. I want one for every caliber..and then many in my most used. For me that is .358. Hollow point, flat nose round nose swc gas check, micro and regular groove... Love it.

[Thumbcocker]

Just a few more.

[Conditor22]

Last week I was offered 2 brass SAECO molds in really good shape. (1) 2 cavity .310-118 with handles and (1) 4 cavity .358-158 SWC ------ I couldn't say "NO" [smilie=b:

OK I already had 6 .358 - 158 molds but no SAECO 4 cavity, and
30 cal mold in 75, 93, 100, 120 grain but no SAECO 118 [that casts purdy little boolits :) ]

he offered me a 1 cavity 358-147 WC BU I already have a 1X, 2X, and 6X so I passed on that one --- maybe I need to see a Dr. [smilie=s:

[gwpercle]

Just added another. I'm closing in on "enough molds", I'm sure of it!

Just One More ...Then I'll Have Enough !

I Got It :castmine:
Gary

[Rapier]

I have a few molds, all iron, that I have been buying and trading other things for since 64. I have never sold a mold.
:Luvcastboolits:

[USSR]

Will let you know when I get there.

Don

[blackthorn]

Whatever I have plus one!

[samari46]

You can never have too many firearms, lead alloys, powder, primers ( at this time too many primers may be an oxymoron) brass, projectiles and especially too many molds. Frank

[brass410]

kinda like girlfriends, there's always room for another pony at the stable

[DonH]

How far is west?

[Soundguy]

I have a few molds, all iron, that I have been buying and trading other things for since 64. I have never sold a mold.
:Luvcastboolits:

I've traded a dupe mold.. but don't sell.

I had slowly been trying to cast for everytrhing i shoot.. and during covid that got harder.. but i'm 98% there..

[Beagle333]

I'm gonna say about 280. I can't think of many more that I need/want.

[gwpercle]

How about when the camera crew shows up to do a show for Hoarders ... you might have enough!

I knew a long time ago I was going to get moulds for every firearm I own ... even a buckshot mould ...
but I also have moulds and reloading dies for calibers I've never owned ... just in case someone gives me a firearm in one of those calibers .

I had a set of 9mm Luger Dies and two moulds for decades with no gun ... then 6 years ago my Dad hands me a Walther P38 and tells me "here you take thus , I don't need it any more ." and just like that ...I have a 9mm Luger and I was ready Teddy !
Gary

[GRid.1569]

You’re asking the wrong people... only SWMBO knows the true answer... and that is..

“That’s enough moulds, stop” :razz: