Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457643 2640643 Review

The Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457643 2640643: First Use to Final Thoughts

For those of us who truly appreciate the art and science of reloading, the pursuit of the perfect cast bullet is a lifelong journey. It’s about control, economy, and the deep satisfaction of crafting ammunition precisely to your needs. For years, my focus has been on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with my firearms, and that often leads back to the fundamental building block: the bullet. This led me to the Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457643 2640643. This particular mould, with its robust design and pedigree, promises to deliver substantial projectiles for those seeking serious performance, especially in lever-action platforms like the venerable .45-70.

My quest for a heavier, well-designed bullet for my .45-70 lever-action rifle brought me to this mould. I was looking for something that would perform admirably at longer ranges and provide excellent energy transfer for hunting applications. The allure of a 400-grain projectile specifically designed by Don Shay, a name synonymous with quality cast bullet design, was too strong to ignore. I needed a mould that could consistently produce accurate, heavy bullets without fuss, and the specifications for the #457643 seemed to fit the bill perfectly.

Upon receiving the Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457643 2640643, the initial impression was one of solid craftsmanship. It possesses that reassuring heft that speaks of durable materials and precise machining. The mould halves fit together with a satisfyingly tight tolerance, hinting at well-aligned sprue plates and clean parting lines. The overall feel is substantial, suggesting it’s built to withstand the rigors of frequent use and the heat of the casting pot for years to come.

Before making the purchase, I did consider alternatives. While brands like RCBS and Lee Precision offer excellent casting solutions, the specific design of the #457643, with its intended application for lever-action rifles and its particular profile, set it apart. The mention of its suitability for the 1886 and 1895 lever actions was a significant draw, as these are the exact rifles I often employ. This particular Lyman mould appeared to be the most direct path to achieving the desired bullet characteristics for these classic firearms.

My excitement was palpable. Holding a quality mould like this, knowing the potential it holds for creating precise ammunition, is a feeling familiar to many serious handloaders. The promise of a 400-grain bullet, engineered for specific rifle actions, filled me with anticipation for the range sessions and hunting trips that lay ahead. It felt like unlocking a new level of performance for my beloved .45-70.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457643 2640643 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first casting session with the Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457643 2640643 took place in my dedicated reloading workshop, a controlled environment where I could meticulously manage temperature and alloy. The mould warmed up efficiently, and the 400gr bullet profile began to emerge with remarkable consistency. I used a standard 50/50 lead-tin alloy, heated to the recommended casting temperature for Lyman moulds.

The casting process itself was remarkably smooth. The mould vented excess alloy cleanly, and the bullets dropped free from the cavities with minimal effort. The precision in the mould’s construction meant that sprue removal was straightforward, and the resulting bullets required minimal finishing. I was particularly impressed with the detail of the bullet’s nose profile, which is crucial for feeding reliability in lever-action firearms.

I tested these newly cast bullets in my Winchester 1895 in .45-70 Government. Initial accuracy at 50 yards was extremely promising, with tight groups forming consistently. The bullets fed flawlessly through the action, a testament to the design and the mould’s consistent output. I loaded them with a moderate charge of IMR 4198, and the results far exceeded my initial expectations for a cast bullet.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several months, the Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457643 2640643 has become a staple in my reloading efforts for the .45-70. I have cast hundreds, if not thousands, of bullets with it, and its performance has remained stellar. The 400gr projectiles consistently measure within a few tenths of a grain of each other, a level of uniformity that directly translates to predictable ballistics.

Durability has been exceptional. Despite repeated heating and cooling cycles, the mould’s precision has not degraded. There are no visible signs of wear on the mould halves or the sprue plate, a testament to the quality of Lyman’s materials and manufacturing. This mould feels as solid and accurate as it did on day one.

Maintenance has been minimal. A quick wipe-down with a soft cloth after each casting session, and an occasional light oiling for storage, is all that’s needed. Compared to some older, less precise moulds I’ve used, the Lyman #457643 is a dream to maintain, requiring no special tools or techniques to keep it in optimal condition.

Breaking Down the Features of Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457643 2640643

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Lyman
• Projectile Caliber: .45 Caliber
• Bullet Weight: 400 grain
• Bullet #: 457643
• Top Punch: 191
• Single Cavity #: 2640643

These specifications are the heart of why this mould excels. The 400gr weight is substantial, ideal for applications demanding deep penetration and significant energy retention. The .45 Caliber designation ensures compatibility with a wide range of .45-70 rifles, while the specific design of the #457643, a Don Shay design, is tailored for lever-action feeding. The included Top Punch #191 is also a critical component, designed to properly seat and align the bullet during the casting process, contributing to uniformity.

Performance & Functionality

The performance of the Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457643 2640643 is nothing short of excellent. The bullets it produces are consistently sized, which is paramount for accuracy. I have found that when properly sized and lubricated, these 400-grain projectiles are capable of sub-MOA accuracy at 100 yards from my Model 1895.

The primary strength lies in its consistent output and the superb feeding characteristics of the resulting bullet. The nose profile is perfectly suited for lever-action feeding, minimizing jams and ensuring reliable cycling. A minor area for consideration, though not a true weakness, is the typical need for careful alloy selection and casting temperatures to achieve optimal results, which is standard for any high-performance mould.

This mould not only meets but often exceeds expectations for cast bullet performance. It allows for the creation of ammunition that rivals jacketed bullets in many performance metrics, at a fraction of the cost and with the added benefit of customizability. The 400gr weight, in particular, is a sweet spot for many .45-70 applications.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this Lyman mould is classic and functional. It’s a single cavity mould, which, while slower than multi-cavity options, ensures maximum attention to detail and consistency for each bullet cast. The handles are ergonomically designed for a comfortable grip during the casting process, although they are typically sold separately and must be purchased to operate the mould.

The mould itself is made from high-quality, heat-treated iron, which ensures excellent heat retention and durability. This material choice is critical for consistent bullet casting, as it prevents rapid temperature fluctuations that can lead to inconsistent bullets. The parting lines are exceptionally clean, minimizing the need for extensive post-casting cleanup.

The overall user-friendliness is high, especially once you’re familiar with the basic principles of casting. The mould heats evenly and the bullet design promotes easy ejection. While there’s no inherent “learning curve” to the mould itself, mastering cast bullet techniques is always beneficial for maximizing its potential.

Durability & Maintenance

As previously mentioned, the durability of the Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457643 2640643 is outstanding. Made from robust iron, it’s designed to last a lifetime with proper care. I expect this mould to continue producing high-quality bullets for decades to come.

Maintenance is straightforward and involves simple cleaning and proper storage. After each casting session, I clean out any residual lead or flux and apply a thin coat of Lee Liquid Alox or another similar mold release agent to prevent lead build-up and corrosion. Storing it in its original packaging or a protective case is recommended.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457643 2640643 itself is the core component, but to use it, you will need a few essential accessories. These include mould handles (often sold separately by Lyman), a lead pot or furnace, a ladle, a sizing die and luber, and of course, the necessary lead alloy and flux.

While this mould is a single cavity, the resulting bullets are highly customizable through the reloading process. You can experiment with different powder charges, primers, and bullet lubricants to tailor the ammunition to your specific rifle and intended use. The 400gr weight also offers a good platform for exploring different velocities and their impact on performance. This mould is designed to produce a bullet that, once sized, will work with standard reloading dies from Lyman, RCBS, and other reputable manufacturers.

Pros and Cons of Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457643 2640643

Who Should Buy Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457643 2640643?

This mould is absolutely perfect for serious handloaders and enthusiasts of classic lever-action rifles, particularly those chambered in .45-70 Government. Hunters who rely on the deep-penetrating power of a heavy cast bullet will find this mould invaluable. Shooters who appreciate the economy and control offered by casting their own ammunition will also benefit immensely.

Those looking for high-volume production of simple plinking bullets might find a multi-cavity mould more efficient. Beginners to casting may want to start with a simpler, less specialized mould before investing in a mould like this, which is geared towards specific performance goals.

Essential accessories include mould handles, a lead furnace, ladle, sizing/lubricator die, and appropriate lead alloy and flux. For optimal performance, a lead hardness tester can be a very useful addition for dialing in your alloy.

Conclusion on Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457643 2640643

The Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457643 2640643 is, without question, a top-tier mould for anyone serious about casting heavy bullets for .45 Caliber lever-action rifles. Its 400 grain design, coupled with Lyman‘s renowned build quality, makes it an indispensable tool for achieving exceptional accuracy and terminal performance. The investment in this mould, while requiring additional accessories, is justified by the quality of the bullets it produces and the long-term cost savings of hand-casting.

For those who understand the nuances of cast bullet reloading and seek to maximize the potential of their .45-70 or similar firearms, I wholeheartedly recommend this mould. It’s a tool that embodies the spirit of precision and performance, enabling you to craft ammunition that is both powerful and economical. If you’re looking to elevate your reloading game for these classic platforms, look no further than the Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457643 2640643.