Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 45 Colt – #454190 2660190 Review

It’s Time to Talk About the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 45 Colt – #454190 2660190

For over a century, Lyman has been a name synonymous with quality reloading equipment, and their Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 45 Colt – #454190 2660190 is a testament to that enduring legacy. This isn’t just a tool; it’s an invitation to delve deeper into the art of bullet casting, promising precision and reliability for the discerning handloader. Crafted with specific attention to the venerable .45 Colt cartridge, this mould aims to deliver consistently sized and weighted projectiles, crucial for accurate shooting.

My journey to this particular mould began with a growing desire to achieve greater consistency and cost-effectiveness in my .45 Colt reloads. While commercially cast bullets are readily available, there’s an unmatched satisfaction in producing your own ammunition, tailored precisely to your firearm and intended use. I was seeking a mould that offered a good balance of ease of use, durability, and the ability to produce bullets of a weight and design well-suited for the classic .45 Colt.

Upon receiving the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 45 Colt – #454190 2660190, my initial impression was one of solid, no-nonsense craftsmanship. The mould feels substantial in the hand, a characteristic of the extra-special steels Lyman uses, designed for longevity. There was no mistaking its heritage; it exuded a sense of robust engineering that has been honed over decades.

In my search, I considered other mould manufacturers, but Lyman consistently surfaced as the benchmark for quality and accuracy in cast bullet moulds. The reputation for their square-ground reamers ensuring a precise fit and preventing sprue plate contact with gas ports was a significant factor. While other brands offer options, the specific design and the trusted Lyman name made the choice clear for this particular .45 Colt application.

My first impression was one of confident anticipation. Holding this mould, I could already envision the satisfying thud of perfectly cast bullets dropping into my ingot tray. It felt like I was holding a piece of reloading history, ready to contribute to my own shooting adventures.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 45 Colt – #454190 2660190 to the Test

First Use Experience

My maiden voyage with the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 45 Colt – #454190 2660190 took place at my dedicated reloading bench, followed by a trip to the local outdoor range. The initial casting session was straightforward, with the mould heating evenly and quickly on my pot. The sprue cut cleanly with minimal effort, and the bullets released with a satisfying pop after a brief cooling period.

The conditions were ideal – a calm, dry day at the range, allowing for focused shooting. The bullets I cast, with my tried-and-true lead alloy, dropped from the mould at an impressive 0.455 to 0.456 inches, precisely as the user feedback hinted at. This caliber is crucial for the .45 Colt, ensuring a snug fit in the rifling for optimal accuracy.

Ease of use was surprisingly high, even for a first-time user with this specific mould. The design is intuitive, and Lyman’s reputation for quality manufacturing certainly shone through. The initial break-in period was indeed short, as suggested by others, requiring only a few minor adjustments and a bit of flux.

The only minor surprise after the first use was the slight sharpness on the sprue plate edges, which is a common characteristic of many moulds. A quick touch-up with a fine file smoothed these down, and the sprue cut even more cleanly thereafter. This is a minor tweak that many experienced casters perform as standard practice.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent casting and hundreds of rounds fired through my .45 Colt revolvers, the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 45 Colt – #454190 2660190 has proven to be an exceptionally reliable piece of equipment. It has endured daily use without any degradation in performance or casting quality. The extra-special steels Lyman touts are clearly living up to their billing.

Durability is clearly a strong suit; there are no signs of pitting, warping, or premature wear, even with repeated heating and cooling cycles. This mould feels like it’s built to last for generations, a common trait of well-made Lyman products.

Maintenance has been minimal. A quick wipe-down with a soft cloth after each casting session, along with occasional cleaning of the cavities with a bore brush and mineral spirits, keeps it in pristine condition. The sprue plate moves smoothly, and the alignment of the mould halves remains perfect.

Compared to my past experiences with older, sometimes temperamental moulds, this Lyman piece is a breath of fresh air. It consistently delivers the goods, significantly reducing the time spent sorting through sub-par castings and maximizing my time spent at the range.

Breaking Down the Features of Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 45 Colt – #454190 2660190

Specifications

The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 45 Colt – #454190 2660190 is a finely tuned instrument for casting bullets specifically for the iconic .45 Colt cartridge. It features a single cavity design, producing a 250-grain bullet, a weight that has long been a staple for this caliber. The mould itself is constructed from extra-special steels, a hallmark of Lyman‘s commitment to durability and consistent heat retention.

The square-ground reamers are a critical design element, ensuring the sprue plate maintains perfect alignment and doesn’t interfere with the casting cavities or gas ports. This precision engineering directly translates to cleaner, more consistent bullets with every pour. The bullet profile is a hollow-based design, which is particularly effective in revolvers, as it allows the bullet to expand upon firing, ensuring a good seal in the bore for improved accuracy.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of performance, the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 45 Colt – #454190 2660190 excels at its intended purpose: delivering accurate, consistent bullets for the .45 Colt. The 250-grain weight is ideal for a wide range of .45 Colt loads, from cowboy action shooting to more potent hunting applications. The hollow-based design has proven particularly effective, expanding reliably to seal the bore and minimize gas leakage, leading to tighter shot groups.

A significant strength is the consistent sizing of the bullets; when cast with a proper alloy and at the correct temperature, they consistently measure between .455 and .456 inches. This uniformity is paramount for reliable feeding and chambering in revolvers. The main weakness, if it can be called that, is the single-cavity design. While perfect for precision and quality control, it’s not the fastest mould for high-volume casting.

This mould exceeds expectations for anyone seeking reliable .45 Colt projectiles. The precision inherent in its design translates directly to better performance downrange, making every shot count.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 45 Colt – #454190 2660190 is a classic, utilitarian approach that prioritizes function above all else. The all-steel construction gives it a reassuring heft and excellent heat retention, crucial for consistent casting. The handles (sold separately, but a standard size) provide a comfortable grip, allowing for safe and controlled manipulation during the casting process.

Its user-friendliness is high, especially for those familiar with bullet casting. The well-defined cavities and the clear sprue cutting plane make the process straightforward. The mould halves align perfectly, ensuring no lead flash or misalignment.

Durability & Maintenance

The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 45 Colt – #454190 2660190 is built for the long haul. Lyman‘s use of extra-special steels means this mould is incredibly resistant to the stresses of repeated heating and cooling. It’s designed to withstand thousands upon thousands of casting cycles without significant wear.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A light application of a mould release agent or even a simple pre-cast bullet from a separate pour helps keep the cavities clean. A quick wipe with a soft cloth after each use, and occasional cleaning with a bore brush and a suitable solvent, are all that’s needed to keep this mould performing at its peak for years to come.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 45 Colt – #454190 2660190 comes as a standalone mould block and sprue plate assembly. Mould handles are sold separately, which allows users to choose their preferred style and material for a comfortable grip. While this mould is designed for a specific purpose and caliber, the true “customization” comes in the casting process itself.

You can experiment with different lead alloy compositions to achieve varying bullet hardness, which is critical for matching your bullet to your chosen powder charge and intended application. Furthermore, post-casting sizing with a lubrisizer allows for further refinement of the bullet diameter to perfectly match your firearm’s bore. This mould is compatible with standard bullet casting practices and equipment, making it easy to integrate into an existing setup.

Pros and Cons of Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 45 Colt – #454190 2660190

Who Should Buy Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 45 Colt – #454190 2660190?

This mould is an absolute must-have for any handgun enthusiast who owns and shoots a .45 Colt firearm and has an interest in reloading. It’s perfect for shooters seeking to achieve greater accuracy and control over their ammunition, whether for recreational shooting, competitive cowboy action, or even hunting with a large-bore revolver. Those who appreciate the historical significance and distinct feel of the .45 Colt will find this mould a perfect complement to their reloading endeavors.

• Beginner casters looking for a high-quality, forgiving mould to start their casting journey would benefit immensely.
• Experienced reloaders seeking to perfect their .45 Colt loads will appreciate the consistency and precision this mould offers.
• Collectors of historical firearms who own classic Colt revolvers or modern reproductions will find this mould produces ammunition that honors the heritage of the cartridge.

Anyone looking for extremely high-volume casting might consider a multi-cavity mould. However, for consistent quality and authentic performance in the .45 Colt, this Lyman mould is hard to beat. Must-have accessories would include a good lead pot, casting handles, ingot molds, and a suitable alloy.

Conclusion on Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 45 Colt – #454190 2660190

The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 45 Colt – #454190 2660190 is more than just a bullet mould; it’s an investment in quality and an gateway to achieving the best possible performance from your .45 Colt firearms. For a price point of $107.99, you are acquiring a tool that embodies decades of Lyman’s expertise in bullet casting. The durability, precision, and the consistent, accurate projectiles it produces make this a truly exceptional value.

I can unequivocally recommend this mould to any .45 Colt shooter who wants to take their reloading to the next level. It’s a testament to Lyman’s unwavering commitment to quality, providing a tangible connection to the tradition of handloading and the satisfaction of shooting with perfectly crafted ammunition. If you own a .45 Colt, this mould belongs on your bench.