Lyman Mold numbers meaning ?

[Etienne Brule]

Basic Question:

What is the meaning of the numbers, v.g. ..... ? 452424

452 = cal

424 = ? ? ?

Thank you

[klausg]

Etienne-
Floodgate is the resident expert on Lyman numbers, and will probably chime in with a more complete designation. However, I'll give you the down and dirty version. The first three are the nominal bullet diameter, the last three identify the cherry used. They don't tell you very much unless you have them memorized or a list of Lyman moulds handy. Here's a link that may help you out:

http://www.castpics.net/RandD/Lyman_...man_moulds.htm

Again, floodgate is THE EXPERT on this stuff, if you want more information, shoot him a PM. Hope this helps.

-Klaus

[floodgate]

Etienne:

klausg has given you the basics; to add a little detail:

The first three numbers are the nominal bullet diameter after sizing - anywhere from standard barrel groove diameter to a few thousandths over. BUT, due to wear of the "cherries" used to cut the moulds, alloys used, and casting temperature and technique, the actual as-cast diameter may vary quite a bit. Also, "fashions" in sizing, and changes in barrel specifications. In the case cited, the Lyman bullet was originally designated #454424 when introduced in about 1929, but was relabelled #452424 in 1969; the original .45 Colt barrels for which it was designed had nominal groove diameters of 0.454", but for economy, to reduce factory tooling costs, the handgun makers then began cutting .45 Colt barrels on the same machinery as used for the .45 ACP, with 0.452" grooves.

The second number is an identifier for the cherry used; it goes back to the original Ideal Manufacturing Company - to which Lyman is the present successor - who listed them by number for tool-room inventory purposes. The first 150 numbers were assigned - more or less at random - for the 1897 Ninth Edition of the original Ideal Catalog / Handbook (you can see these on CASTPICS at <www.castpics.net> by clicking "Research and Data" and then the Ideal Handbook No. 9 pages), and continued more or less chronologically from then down to today; they are currently up to #500680, for the .500 S&W. BUT, again, older cherry numbers were often re-used with new calibers, as the original designs were dropped from production - AND, in a few cases, cherry numbers were picked from the "discontinued" list to match nominal bullet weight; #358156 and #429244 are examples - and the old #68569 Minie Ball must have been chosen to match the .69 caliber of the re-rifled muskets of the Civil War era.

Other makers have other numbering systems I won't go into now; some of them no-one has really figured out!

Hope this helps.

Doug Elliot

[carpetman]

Etienne Brule---"what is the meaning of the numbers,v.g....?452424. Klausg gave you the basics and Floodgate has given you every possible minute detail you would ever want to know. There is absolutely nothing that could be added. Doug knows his stuff and is a real treasure for sure. Now there is one little bit. This is most technical. You ready for it? Well the v.g aren't numbers---they are letters.

[Swagerman]

Everyone knows v.g. stands for ****** gages...well, doesn't it?

Dial calipers work for that.

Jim

[Etienne Brule]

Hello to everyone.

I am very glad to be part of your GREAT forum.

Klausg,

Thank you for the basics.


Floddgate,

Thank you for the detail.


Carpetman and Swagerman,

I am V ery G rateful for all those answers.


Those answers are V ery G ood.


Etienne Brûlé.................................... the first "coureur des bois" .... At that time, there was no need for those blue pills. Just great reloading... LOL LOL