I started using that very old leather mallet in about 1970 when I first started casting with a single cavity mold and a Coleman single burner stove. At that time the old mallet was already old. I snagged it from my father's tool drawer. It has to be close to 80 years old.
So I figured I could afford a brand new Made in USA leather mallet at the princely sum of $28 via Amazon. Its larger and quite a bit heavier but in practice its way nicer than the old mallet. Why did I wait so long? I didn't want to spend $28 for a new leather mallet, that's why! Fact is the new heavier mallet works much better when you have to smack the hinge pin to dislodge stubborn bullets. The heavier weight is also much better for knocking the sprue plate free. All in all something I shoulda done decades ago.
Left--NOE version of 429421 drops at .432" sized .431" for .44 Special Ruger Flattop.
Middle--Lee custom group buy HG68 clone drops at .454" sized to .452 for .45 AutoRim and .45 acp.
Right-- NOE version 323471 drops at .326" sized .325" for 8x57 Mauser.