Need a New .45 ACP Mold

[nicholst55]

I used to own a very nice 2-cavity Lyman 452460 mold; made the mistake of loaning it to a 'friend' who warped it beyond repair. That taught me a valuable lesson - never loan a bullet mold that you value to anyone. That bullet worked so well for me in numerous 1911s (including box-stock USGI pistols) that I never felt the need to search for another one for that cartridge.

Now I figure it's time to search for a replacement, and I'm looking for a bit more capacity than a 2-cavity Lyman. Lee offers this (http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=336035) design in a 6-cavity mold, and I'm thinking that it's a likely suspect. This (http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=187705) design from RCBS also looks interesting, although I've only seen 2-cavity molds from them. Of course, a 4-cavity Lyman 452460 would probably work as well.

Has anybody used either of those first two bullets in .45 ACP? I'm interested in any first-hand experience.

[RobS]

The Lee 45-200-SWC mold is similar to HG#68 design but not exact by any means. It has a bevel base to it which can cause issues when lubing if you are using a RCBS, Lyman, or Saeco style lubricator. It has worked for many with 1911's but it can be a bit picky about COAL with many seating a touch longer. It is nice to see a 6 cavity mold vs a two cavity for sure and the price is also nice in comparison to a Lyman 4 cavity. It appears since you are looking at a bullet with a shoulder you may be planning on using it for paper punching. If the 452460 is what you truely liked back when then it maybe a better option as you know it will work for your application.

If you are not concerned solely about paper punching then the Lee 45-230-TC bullet works well, but the bevel base can make for a pain when lubing as well. Another one, the Lee 45-230-1R is also a decent bullet that will feed well in the 1911 and I had good accuracy with it too. It is a true PB bullet design.

[101VooDoo]

Here's one you might want to consider:

http://www.mp-molds.com/shopping/pgm-more_information.php?id=4&=SID

Miha makes some excellent moulds.

Jim

[miestro_jerry]

I have always stuck to the RN 230 grain molds, I use the RCBS 2c mold, which I think is on sale at Midway at the moment.

Some where in my casting stuff is a Lyman mold 2c, it works well also. These days I am buy 4c and 6c molds, it's faster than the 2c molds for me.

Jerry

[RobS]

Here's one you might want to consider:

http://www.mp-molds.com/shopping/pgm-more_information.php?id=4&=SID

Miha makes some excellent moulds.

Jim

A very good option for 1911 shooters :Fire:

[timbuck]

Have you looked at this one?

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=76889

[Dale53]

I agree 100% with 101VooDoo. You absolutely cannot do better than the MiHec six cavity clone of the H&G #68 bullet mould. I have one of these and operating it is just like "shelling corn" (being raised on a farm, I sometimes fall into the vernacular:mrgreen:). I can easily cast 20 lbs of finished bullets in an hour with this bullet mould. That's about 700 bullets an hour.

I'm an experienced bullet caster but I am not rushing to get this performance level. Just a steady pace without pausing for an hour.

The design of the original H&G bullet was made so the loading ramp strike on a 1911 is the same place as the original 230 hardball military load. As a result, it feeds better than any other SWC on the market. That isn't so important in my 1911's as they are throated to FEED (they'll feed empty cases). However, for many, that is a critical characteristic. In addition to feeding, it is also a very accurate bullet and will shoot up to the potential of the pistol it is fired from.

As a for instance, in my two accurized 1911's and my two S&W 625's as well as my Ruger Bisley convertible single action my loads will shoot under an inch at 25 yards in all of those pistols and revolvers mentioned.

By the way, MiHec offered these in both beveled base and flat base. I am a flat base man, myself.

Enough said...

Dale53

[BD]

PM sent on a Lyman 452460

[Moonie]

I like the Lee 230 TC with standard GG's, I have the 2c of this mold, wish I had gotten the 6c. I also like the 200gr HP by Mihec in my 1911's.

[Dale53]

Moonie;
The Lee 230 gr TC (with regular lube groove) is an excellent bullet mould. If you need the 230 gr bullet that is the bullet I would suggest.

However, in my guns, the MiHec #68 is a bit more accurate (about 3/4" at 25 yards compared to 1 1/4" with the 230 TC).

Further, the #68 cuts a clean, full caliber hole in the target making for easier scoring and "maybe" a couple of extra points.

The #68 also gives noticeably less recoil at a given velocity.

The Mihec #68 is only sold in a six cavity mould of considerably better quality than the Lee mould.

The Lee Six cavity mould is considerably better than the Lee two cavity mould in design, material, and production.

FWIW
Dale53

[casterofboolits]

I'd go with the Lyman four cavity 452460 or 452630.

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

I have the MiHec #68 clone!

[smilie=s: