Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: .451 Caliber – #451114 2641114 Review

The Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: .451 Caliber – #451114 2641114: Review from Real Use

For over a decade, my hands have been intimately familiar with the tools of the trade for any serious outdoorsman or tactical enthusiast. From the precision of a custom rifle build to the reliability of a well-worn hunting knife, I’ve put gear through its paces in conditions that demand absolute performance. It was with this discerning eye that I approached the Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: .451 Caliber – #451114 2641114. This isn’t just another piece of reloading equipment; it’s a gateway to crafting authentic projectiles for a specific, historically significant class of firearms.

My journey to this particular mould began with a fascination for vintage firearms and the authentic shooting experience they offer. Specifically, I was delving into the world of Civil War-era and early breech-loading rifles, seeking to replicate their original performance characteristics. Many of these iconic firearms, particularly those with rifling designed for spherical or conical ball, require precise, period-correct ammunition. The .451 Caliber – #451114 2641114 mould from Lyman immediately caught my attention for its stated design for the Navy Arms Parker-Hale Volunteer rifles with .451 Henry rifling. This specific application hinted at a level of attention to historical detail that resonated with my pursuit.

Unboxing the Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: .451 Caliber – #451114 2641114 was a tactile experience in itself. The mould, a solid hunk of machined brass, exuded a sense of robust craftsmanship. It felt substantial in my hands, a reassuring indicator of its quality and longevity. The handles, while basic, were well-formed and provided a secure grip, essential when working with molten lead. My initial impression was one of anticipation; this was a tool designed for a purpose, and the inherent simplicity of its design spoke volumes about its potential effectiveness. It immediately felt like a piece of functional art, a tangible link to a bygone era of firearms craftsmanship.

Before acquiring this specific Lyman mould, I had considered other options for casting .45 caliber projectiles. Some were generic, multi-caliber moulds that offered versatility but lacked the specific diameter and profile needed for my target rifles. Others were significantly more expensive, custom-made options that, while exquisite, were beyond the scope of my immediate needs. The Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: .451 Caliber – #451114 2641114 struck a compelling balance. Its dedicated design for the .451 Henry rifling, coupled with Lyman‘s long-standing reputation in the reloading world, made it a logical and exciting choice. I was eager to see if its performance would match the promise of its pedigree and specific application.

My excitement upon receiving the mould was palpable. Holding it, I could already envision the satisfying clink of newly cast bullets, ready to breathe life into historical firearms. This wasn’t just about creating ammunition; it was about preserving a piece of history and experiencing it firsthand. The anticipation of a successful casting session, and the subsequent accuracy achieved on the range, filled my thoughts. This mould represented a direct connection to the shooting traditions I held dear, and the prospect of achieving authentic ballistics was a powerful motivator.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: .451 Caliber – #451114 2641114 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first casting session with the Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: .451 Caliber – #451114 2641114 took place in my dedicated reloading workshop. The air was thick with the familiar scent of burnt liniment and the subtle tang of molten lead. I preheated the mould on my well-seasoned Lee Precision mould heater to a consistent temperature, ensuring smooth metal flow. Using a simple alloy of 95% lead, 5% tin, I began pouring. The mould, designed for a 450gr projectile, performed admirably from the outset. The cavities filled cleanly with minimal teasing, producing near-perfect bullets on the first few tries.

The conditions were controlled within my workshop, but the ultimate test would be on the range. I loaded these freshly cast bullets into my reproduction Navy Arms Parker-Hale Volunteer rifle. The .451 Caliber designation on the mould, paired with the description of casting a nominal .454/.452″ diameter, was key here. My rifle’s bore slugged at a precise .451 inch, suggesting that these cast bullets would provide the necessary slight interference fit for good gas sealing. I elected to shoot them as-cast, a testament to the mould’s advertised accuracy and the specific recommendation to “lube by hand.” This method, while requiring a bit more manual effort, is crucial for truly authentic black powder shooting.

Ease of use was surprisingly high, even for a single-cavity mould. The handles lock up securely, and the sprue plate operates smoothly once properly heated. The Lyman mould heats up relatively quickly, allowing for consistent pouring. My only initial surprise was how quickly the mould would cool if I paused for too long between pours, a common trait with single-cavity moulds that requires consistent workflow. However, this is easily managed with a steady hand and a bit of practice, preventing any significant issues.

Extended Use & Reliability

Weeks turned into months, and my Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: .451 Caliber – #451114 2641114 became a staple in my black powder reloading process. I’ve cast hundreds, if not thousands, of bullets with it since that first session. The durability of this mould is exceptional. Despite the constant heating and cooling cycles and the inherent abrasiveness of molten lead, there is absolutely no discernible wear on the mould cavities. The machined surfaces remain sharp, ensuring consistent bullet dimensions with every pour.

Maintenance is straightforward: a quick wipe-down with a soft cloth after use, and occasional light lubrication of the sprue plate pivot with a heat-resistant lubricant. No specialized tools are required beyond what any black powder reloader would already possess. When comparing this experience to other moulds I’ve used, some of which were significantly more expensive, the Lyman mould has held its own, if not surpassed them in sheer, unadulterated reliability and consistency. Its specialized design for the .451 Henry rifling means I don’t have to compromise with an oversized or undersized bullet; it’s precisely what my rifle needs. This consistent performance over time has cemented its place as an indispensable tool in my arsenal.

Breaking Down the Features of Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: .451 Caliber – #451114 2641114

Specifications

The Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: .451 Caliber – #451114 2641114 is a precision instrument designed for a very specific purpose in black powder reloading. Its core specifications are:

• Manufacturer: Lyman
• Projectile Caliber: .451 Caliber
• Bullet Weight: 450 grain
• Mould Type: Single Cavity
• Cavity Number: #2641114
• Intended Application: Designed for Navy Arms Parker-Hale Volunteer rifles with .451 Henry rifling.
• Cast Diameter: Nominal .454″/.452″ in pure lead.
• Recommended Use: Shoot as-cast, lube by hand.

These specifications are not mere numbers; they are crucial to the performance of the mould and the resulting ammunition. The .451 Caliber designation precisely matches the rifling in the target firearms, promising an excellent fit. The 450 grain weight is historically accurate for projectiles used in these types of rifles, contributing to authentic ballistics and recoil characteristics. The stated cast diameter of .454″/.452″ is particularly important, indicating that when cast with soft, pure lead, the bullet will be slightly oversized for a nominal .451 barrel. This slight interference fit is paramount in black powder shooting, ensuring a good gas seal and maximizing accuracy by preventing blow-by. The instruction to shoot as-cast and “lube by hand” underscores the mould’s intention to produce a bullet that is already optimized for a clean burn and reduced fouling when properly lubricated with traditional black powder bullet waxes or greases.

Performance & Functionality

The Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: .451 Caliber – #451114 2641114 excels at its intended function: casting precise .451 caliber projectiles for specific historical firearms. Its performance is characterized by its remarkable consistency. Once heated to the correct temperature, each cavity yields a well-formed bullet with clean lines and minimal imperfections. The specific design for the Navy Arms Parker-Hale Volunteer rifles means that the resultant bullets are dimensionally suited for this particular rifling. This translates directly to superior accuracy on the range, a crucial aspect for historical reenactment or simply enjoying authentic shooting.

The primary strength of this mould lies in its specialized nature. It is not a jack-of-all-trades mould; it is a master of one. This focus allows for unparalleled precision for its intended application. The only minor weakness, inherent to most single-cavity moulds, is the slower casting rate compared to multi-cavity designs. However, for the enthusiast who values meticulous accuracy and historical fidelity over sheer volume, this is a negligible point. The mould consistently meets and often exceeds the expectations set by its detailed specifications and Lyman‘s renowned quality.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: .451 Caliber – #451114 2641114 is a testament to functional simplicity and robust construction. It is crafted from a substantial block of machined brass, a material chosen for its excellent heat retention and machinability. The weight of the mould feels reassuringly solid in hand, a clear indicator of its quality. The handles are well-formed, providing a comfortable and secure grip, essential for maintaining control during the pouring process.

While the design is straightforward, it is highly user-friendly. The sprue plate operates smoothly, and the mould halves come together with minimal play, ensuring clean seams on the cast bullets. There is a slight learning curve associated with any casting mould, primarily related to achieving and maintaining the optimal temperature for consistent pours. However, the Lyman mould is forgiving, and a few casting sessions will quickly familiarize any user with its thermal characteristics. It is ergonomically sound for its purpose, making the often-tedious process of casting enjoyable and efficient.

Durability & Maintenance

Durability is a hallmark of Lyman casting equipment, and the Black Powder Bullet Mould: .451 Caliber – #451114 2641114 is no exception. Constructed from solid machined brass, this mould is built to withstand the rigors of repeated use with molten lead. After extensive testing and consistent casting, the mould shows no signs of wear on its critical surfaces. The precision-machined cavities maintain their sharp detail and consistent dimensions, ensuring that every bullet cast is as close to the last as possible.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. After each casting session, a light application of a bore cleaner or mold release agent can help keep the cavities pristine. A soft cloth is sufficient for wiping away any residual lead or flux. The sprue plate pivot can benefit from occasional lubrication with a high-temperature grease, but this is a minor task. With proper care, this Lyman mould is an investment that will undoubtedly last for generations of black powder enthusiasts, providing reliable casting for decades to come.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: .451 Caliber – #451114 2641114 itself is a singular component, and as such, it doesn’t come with a suite of accessories in the traditional sense. However, its operation relies on a few essential pieces of reloading equipment. These include a lead melting pot, a ladle for pouring, and a heating source (either an electric pot or a burner for a lead furnace). Lyman also offers dedicated mould handles, though the ones included with this particular mould are perfectly functional.

Customization options are limited in the sense that the mould itself is fixed in its design. However, the results of using the mould can be customized through the choice of lead alloy and the lubrication method. For instance, using pure lead as recommended, and then applying different hand-lubricants, can significantly impact fouling and accuracy. While this mould is not designed for mounting optics or changing barrels, its true customization lies in the hand-applied preparation of the cast bullets it produces. It is designed to work seamlessly with standard black powder reloading practices and materials.

Pros and Cons of Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: .451 Caliber – #451114 2641114

Who Should Buy Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: .451 Caliber – #451114 2641114?

This Lyman mould is an absolute must-have for owners of Navy Arms Parker-Hale Volunteer rifles or other firearms with .451 Henry rifling who are serious about authentic black powder shooting. It is perfect for historical reenactors, collectors who wish to shoot their vintage firearms safely and accurately, and any enthusiast dedicated to experiencing the past as it truly was. For those seeking to achieve historically accurate ballistics and enjoy the tactile satisfaction of casting their own period-correct ammunition, this mould is unparalleled.

Anyone looking for a general-purpose .45 caliber bullet mould for modern firearms or those who prioritize speed over historical accuracy should likely look elsewhere. This mould is a specialized tool, and its value is directly tied to the ownership of the specific firearms it was designed to serve. It is a niche product, but for its niche, it is simply the best. As for must-have accessories, ensuring you have a reliable lead melting pot and a quality lubricant for hand-applied greasing will elevate the shooting experience.

Conclusion on Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: .451 Caliber – #451114 2641114

The Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: .451 Caliber – #451114 2641114 is not merely a piece of reloading equipment; it is a meticulously crafted key that unlocks the authentic shooting potential of specific historical firearms. Its dedication to the .451 Caliber and its precise design for the .451 Henry rifling systems make it an indispensable tool for any owner of the compatible Navy Arms Parker-Hale Volunteer rifles. The 450 grain weight, coupled with the recommendation to shoot as-cast and lube by hand, ensures a shooting experience that is as close to the original intent as possible.

At a price point of $109.99, the value proposition of this mould is exceptional for its intended user. The build quality from Lyman is evident in its robust machined brass construction, promising decades of reliable service. For those who understand and appreciate the nuances of black powder shooting and historical firearms, this mould is not an expense, but an investment in authenticity and performance. I wholeheartedly recommend the Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: .451 Caliber – #451114 2641114 to any enthusiast who owns the firearms it is designed for; it is a precision instrument that delivers on its promise with every cast bullet.