I'm a long time reloader, but have only gotten into casting in the last year. I've learned so much from castboolits and can't thank all the members enough for what they've taught me.
I just wanted to write this because there was a time when Lyman molds weren't up to par. I went lee for my first couple molds. Price, the bad taste I always read about the size/weight lyman bullets drop left on people etc.
Out of those two Lee molds, the first 2, one never casted a good boolit. Tried scrubbing, a hot plate, variations in temperatures, etc. Don't have it anymore. But while i was struggling with the lee mold, I read sixguns. I bought a brand new lyman 358429 mold on amazon (go figure) and it cast the most beautiful bullet I'd ever casted. Since then I have added all my favorites, and all have had great results.
358429 (manufactured 2019 casts at 358.5 drops at 171)
358311 (manufactured 2019 casts at 358/.5 depending on alloy drops at 161)
358156 (manufactured 2015 casts at 358 drops at 160)
358439 HP (manufactured 2019 casts at 359 drops at 155 exactly)
314299 (manufactured 2019 casts at 314/315 drops at 201)
356637 HP (manufactured 2020 casts at 360 drops at exactly 125 with lyman #2, 117 with lead/WW)
Note that i mostly cast with lyman #2 and Missouri Bullet's magic. I am experimenting with straight lead with my HP but am no means an expert)
I did also learn to oil them after using. With the Lee molds i didn't do this and my 358156 mold showed rust after a week in the garage)
I just wanted to let new casters out there, and maybe old ones alike- don't be afraid if you find a lyman mold at a local shop. Maybe in the past couple years QC has been stepped up. I do have a couple of lee molds that work great (albeit they take longer for a good cast and they overheat faster; for me- how i cast)
I always read about how no one will buy a new Lyman mold yet I have been so happy with mine.
Thats all folks.