.257 mold ??

[jdsingleshot]

I have a couple of .25-20 WCFs to load for and can't find plain base molds. I'd like to use about 87gr bullets. Lyman seems to only make one .257 mold and it's a 65 gr gas check version. Lee can't be bothered to make any .257 molds.

I have bought two vintage Winchester 25-20 molds, but both turned out to be beyond restoration.

I don't want to buy from N.O.E. or another small mold maker because of the price issue. Anybody know of a source that is more in line with Lee's prices?

jd

[skeettx]

I like Lyman 257420

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/10...iWC&pid=427712

BUT if you want heavier,

http://arsenalmolds.com/index.php?ro...&product_id=55

[Rapier]

RCBS and Saeco made 100 grain flat nose 257 GC moulds. A fairly common practice was to mill off the base of the bottom pour mould to make a lighter and shorter bullet for the 256 WM guns by eliminating the GC cut portion of the mould, re-install the sprue plate screw and you are in business.

The Saeco bullet is a bore rider.

With an iron mould and a mill, it is a fairly simple process.

[Rich/WIS]

A NOE double cavity mold is comparable in price to the Midway on sale price for Lyman double cavity mold and considerably lower than a double cavity RCBS. In fact a 4 or 5 cavity NOE is in the same price range as the RCBS double cavity. NOE also has a good selection of molds in the weight range you are looking for and also the correct top punches cut for their designs. Have a number of NOE molds and they are top quality and have never failed to produce good bullets.

[405grain]

jdsingleshot; I'm sorry to have to put this out there but the old saying "buy once, cry once" seems to apply to what you're asking. Unless you find a bargain in a used set of molds you might have to "bite the bullet" and purchase what you want at the higher price. A quality set of molds can produce a lifetime of equally high quality bullets, so you'll have to balance that against saving up for the mold.

[Harter66]

Dumb luck at a gun show is the only to get stuff not Lee for Lee prices .
I got an 8 cavity H&G for $35 once . I got a 4 cavity 257412 once but it was in an all or nothing $50 box .... 2 big ol 58 cal SWC HB muzzleloader moulds brand new in Ohaus boxes and 2-3 22 cal singles and a couple of other not something I'd use moulds .

NOE is probably the best value for moulds around . They're top quality, prep per instructions you get good casts from the start. Sure a 2 cav costs what a 6 c Lee does but it's worth it .

I started with Lee and like them as a tool for a job that does the job .
I needed a 7mm bullet . I shopped like a mad man because they just weren't available I finally found one that was what I needed. $86 and $22 more for shipping.... Hold on what the chicken scratch? So I caved and checked out NOE . For $10 more with shipping I got a 5 cavity mould . 5 is more than 2 so I get more bullets per pour . It has a meplat, weighs 158 gr vs the 130 from Lee that at the time wasn't available, may still not be . I have 8 NOE moulds . None of them cast heavy and light per pour . Unless it's mixed w/w/o gas checks I can't identify a cavity pattern in them . On is a 3 cavity 460-543 I have a single 45-500 RCBS and a 458193 and I could cast more accurate , consistent bullets with them being singles but <.7gr in moulds dropping 415 , 530 ,and 535 gr is a hard number to be upset with .

I do have a Mountain Mould and I'm very sad I don't have more , he closed up about 6 months after i got mine . It was $110 for the double 453-350 , any difference in the cavities is only visible as unique tool marks if there are any .

I have an M-P aside from operator issues of the only brass mould I will ever own it is a fine mould as well. It is a 462-420 with plain and HB pins in a nose pour mould I get 2 bullets at .460-417 gr or HB at 380gr or 1 of each . Last check they were $120 US in brass or iron .

Starting with Lee and getting good results gave me little desire to want a "better" mould but I'll tell you straight up . I used an RCBS that I got a deal on and then I bought the NOE . You can drive cross country in a rally sport 2 door on low profile tires and track tuned suspension getting 28-29 mph with a 15 gallon tank or you can set the cruise in a Cadillac sled with over stuffed seats getting 26 mpg with a 25 gallon tank . I mean sure you'll get point to point but by the 3rd fuel stop you're done and have little desire to drive more without a bed . 2000 mile days just aren't happening after 35 or so . So it goes with bullet moulds . Once you make a 15,20,30# , 250 pour run and keep 75% in a single core pile with 1% weight variation you're not going to want to drive the RS cross country anymore.

[Texas by God]

I was fortunate enough to get this NEI .257-86 plain base six cavity mould from a friend.
Good luck in your search.
If Lee made .243 and .257 size moulds, they’d sell well, I think.


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[Deltadart 106]

Take a look at MP molds, I have the .258 3 cavity brass, I like it very well. When you go to the web site type in 258 in the search bar.
https://www.mp-molds.com/product/mp-...mold-gc-or-pb/

[jdsingleshot]

I broke down and bought a NOS Lyman 257420 for $90 including shipping. I expect to like it. Thanks to all for giving me lots of things to consider.

[Texas by God]

I broke down and bought a NOS Lyman 257420 for $90 including shipping. I expect to like it. Thanks to all for giving me lots of things to consider.

I have some gas checks for that bullet if you need some.


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