mold recommendations

[fast ronnie]

I just ordered a .50 cal flintlock kit and am looking for suggestions for a round ball mold. It seems to me that I need a .490 or a .495 mold. twist is 1 in 56 with a 44 inch barrel from Colrain. I know this will depend on patching material vs ball size, also.

Looking for a maker or for a used one. Lee has both sizes, but I've stayed away from aluminum molds so far. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I know there are several makers listed on this site including NOE. (who has a very good reputation)

[Maven]

Those are very common RB diameters, which should theoretically still be available on your favorite auction site. However, it would be simpler to buy boxes of Hornady or Speer RB's in .490" and .495", test them, and then decide which size mould you need. Btw, I've had no trouble with Lee or Thompson/Center aluminum moulds, which cast as well as the "iron" Lyman or RCBS ones. They're lighter too, so they're less tiresome to use.