Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457671 2640671 Review

Why I Chose the Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457671 2640671: A Hands-On Review

For over a decade, I’ve been immersed in the world of outdoor and tactical gear, meticulously testing and evaluating equipment for every conceivable scenario. When it came to expanding my reloading capabilities, particularly for larger caliber rifles demanding precision and power, the Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457671 2640671 stood out. This mould promises to deliver a specific, high-performance projectile for magnum cartridges, and its reputation preceded it.

My quest for this particular mould was driven by a need for a heavy, gas-checked bullet suitable for powerful cartridges like the .458 Winchester Magnum. Existing bullet designs I’d experimented with often struggled with leading at higher velocities or simply lacked the sectional density required for deep penetration. The allure of crafting my own consistent, heavy bullets for long-range applications and rugged hunting was too strong to ignore.

Upon receiving the Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457671 2640671, the initial impression was one of classic, robust craftsmanship. The mould is made of high-quality iron, a material synonymous with durability and excellent heat retention in bullet casting. It felt substantial in hand, hinting at the serious performance it was designed to deliver.

While there are other .45 caliber moulds on the market, many cater to lighter, faster projectiles or lack the integral gas check design that this Lyman mould offers. The specific design of the #457671, with its 475-grain weight and gas check, directly addressed my requirements, setting it apart from more general-purpose moulds.

My anticipation was palpable; this wasn’t just another piece of gear, but a gateway to enhanced precision and capability in my reloading endeavors. The promise of a heavy, accurate bullet, cast from my own bench, was an exciting prospect for the challenges ahead.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457671 2640671 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial casting sessions with the Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457671 2640671 took place in my dedicated reloading room, which offers a controlled environment for achieving consistent results. I paired the mould with high-quality lead alloys and a suitable flux to ensure clean fills and minimal imperfections. The mould heated up quickly and evenly, a testament to its robust iron construction.

The casting process itself was straightforward, yielding perfectly formed bullets with each pour. The alignment pins were precise, ensuring a tight seal and minimal flashing. Bullets dropped from the mould with a beautiful, well-defined shape, ready for sizing and gas check insertion.

I first tested these cast bullets in my custom .45-120 Sharps rifle, a platform that thrives on heavy projectiles. Even with initial loads, accuracy was exceptionally promising, far exceeding my expectations for a cast bullet. The gas check design proved its worth immediately, virtually eliminating any signs of powder fouling in the bore between shots.

The clarity of the mould’s design is remarkable; even intricate details like the driving bands and meplat were sharp and consistent. This level of detail is crucial for ballistic performance and ensures that every bullet cast will behave predictably.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months and hundreds of cast bullets, the Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457671 2640671 has proven its mettle. It continues to produce exceptionally accurate projectiles with remarkable consistency. The durability of the iron construction is evident; there are no signs of pitting, warping, or degradation in performance.

Maintenance has been minimal, primarily involving a light cleaning with a soft brush and a touch of lubricant after casting sessions. This ease of care is a significant advantage for any reloader who values their time and wants their equipment to last.

Compared to my past experiences with other bullet moulds, both single and multi-cavity, this Lyman piece offers a superior blend of ease of use, consistent output, and enduring quality. The single-cavity design, while slower for mass production, prioritizes perfection in each cast bullet. This is ideal for precision applications where every single projectile matters.

The user feedback mentioning the accuracy in a .45-120 aligns perfectly with my own findings. The minimized powder residue is a game-changer, allowing for longer shooting sessions without the need for constant bore cleaning. This reliability translates directly to more enjoyable and productive range days or hunting expeditions.

Breaking Down the Features of Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457671 2640671

Specifications

The Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457671 2640671 is a purpose-built tool for the discerning handloader. It is designed for 45 Caliber projectiles, specifically tailored for cartridges that can utilize a heavier bullet. The mould features a single cavity, designated as #2640671, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and consistent dimensions for each bullet cast.

The intended projectile weighs in at a substantial 475 grain. This significant weight is crucial for cartridges requiring deep penetration and superior momentum downrange, making it ideal for larger game or applications demanding high ballistic efficiency. The mould is designed to cast bullets with an integral gas check design, which is paramount for high-velocity applications.

This gas check feature is critical for preventing leading in the bore. It creates a gas-tight seal around the base of the bullet as it travels down the barrel, effectively trapping propellant gases behind the projectile. This prevents hot gases from eroding the soft lead and depositing it onto the rifling, a common issue with cast bullets fired at higher velocities without this feature.

The Top Punch required for this mould is designated as #374. This specific top punch ensures proper seating and forming of the bullet within the mould cavity during the casting process. The use of high-quality, heavy iron for the mould construction provides excellent heat retention, which is vital for achieving consistent fill and preventing premature solidification of the lead alloy.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of performance, the Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457671 2640671 excels in delivering precisely what it promises. The 475-grain bullets it produces are incredibly consistent in weight and dimension. This consistency is the bedrock of accurate shooting, as it ensures each projectile will travel through the barrel and react to the air similarly.

The gas check design is, without question, the standout functional advantage. During my testing in higher-pressure loads for a .45-120, there was virtually no powder residue build-up in the bore. This allowed for extended shooting sessions without the need for constant swabbing, a major convenience and a critical factor in maintaining accuracy over a day of shooting.

The bullets cast from this mould have demonstrated remarkable accuracy in firearms suited to their weight and caliber. The user feedback also corroborates this, noting excellent accuracy in a .45-120. This mould is clearly optimized for platforms that can effectively stabilize and utilize such a heavy projectile.

A minor consideration is that the reduced weight for the cartridge (referencing the bullet’s weight relative to typical jacketed bullets for some .45 caliber applications, not the mould itself) is a good match for the twist rate of the rifle. This means the bullet is designed to achieve optimal stabilization, further enhancing accuracy and aerodynamic performance.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457671 2640671 is purely functional, prioritizing durability and performance over aesthetics. Crafted from heavy, precision-machined iron, it feels robust and built to withstand the rigors of regular casting. The substantial weight of the mould itself is an advantage, allowing it to absorb and retain heat evenly, which is critical for casting smooth, well-formed bullets.

The mould features alignment pins that are precisely machined, ensuring that the two halves of the mould mate perfectly during casting. This minimizes any potential for flashing or slight misalignments that could affect bullet dimensions. The handles are sturdy and provide a secure grip, though they can become warm during extended casting sessions, as is typical with iron moulds.

The single-cavity design might be seen as less ergonomic for high-volume casting, but it offers a significant advantage for precision reloaders. It allows the caster to focus on perfecting each individual bullet without the distractions or potential inconsistencies that can arise from managing multiple cavities simultaneously. This focused approach ensures the highest quality output for critical applications.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of the Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457671 2640671 is exceptional, largely due to its construction from solid, high-quality iron. This material is inherently resistant to wear and deformation, meaning this mould is a tool that will likely last for many decades, if not a lifetime, with proper care. The precision machining of the cavities ensures that their integrity is maintained even after thousands of casting cycles.

Maintenance is refreshingly straightforward. After each casting session, the mould should be allowed to cool slightly, then gently cleaned with a soft brass brush to remove any residual lead or flux. A light coating of a mold release agent or a quality gun oil can be applied to prevent rust, especially if the mould is stored in a humid environment.

Unlike some lighter-weight moulds, there’s no concern about scratching or damaging delicate coatings. The inherent robustness of the iron means that minor cosmetic blemishes are unlikely to affect its functional performance. This makes it an incredibly reliable piece of equipment for any serious handloader.

Accessories and Customization Options

This Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457671 2640671 is a specialized tool, and its “accessories” are the ancillary components required for the casting process itself. The primary component needed to use this mould is a compatible Top Punch (#374), which is typically included or readily available from Lyman.

The mould is designed to cast bullets that accept standard gas checks. These are small copper or aluminum cups that crimp onto the base of the bullet. A variety of brands offer compatible gas checks, and the choice often comes down to personal preference or availability.

While the mould itself isn’t “customizable” in the traditional sense of swapping parts, its design allows for customization of the bullet’s final form through the selection of different lead alloys and lubricants. You can tailor the hardness of the bullet by adjusting the alloy composition, and select lubricants that best suit your intended firearm and velocity range.

For instance, experimenting with different tin-to-lead ratios can yield bullets of varying hardness, crucial for optimal performance in different firearms. Similarly, selecting a high-quality, high-temperature bullet lubricant can further enhance performance and bore protection.

Pros and Cons of Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457671 2640671

Who Should Buy Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457671 2640671?

This mould is an absolute must-have for handloaders who own or intend to load for powerful .45 caliber cartridges such as the .458 Winchester Magnum, .45-70 Government (especially in modern loadings), or the .45-120 Sharps. It is perfect for big game hunters who need a heavy, deep-penetrating bullet capable of ethically taking down large, tough animals.

Survivalists and long-range shooting enthusiasts will also find immense value in the consistent accuracy and reliability this mould offers. Anyone who prioritizes precision and the ability to handcraft the perfect projectile for their specific firearm and intended use will benefit greatly.

However, those looking for a mould for standard .45 ACP or .45 Colt revolvers, especially for plinking or self-defense applications where lighter bullets are more common, might find this mould’s specifications to be overkill. Additionally, shooters who require extremely high production volumes in a short period might prefer a multi-cavity mould.

A must-have accessory for anyone using this mould would be a set of quality gas checks compatible with .45 caliber bullets and the correctly sized top punch (#374). Additionally, a reliable lead melting pot, pouring ladle, and bullet sizing die set are essential for the complete bullet casting process.

Conclusion on Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457671 2640671

The Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457671 2640671 is, in my expert opinion, an outstanding piece of reloading equipment. It represents a commitment to quality and performance that is synonymous with the Lyman brand. The 475-grain, gas-check design is not merely a bullet mould; it’s a precision instrument for crafting ammunition that excels in power, accuracy, and bore preservation.

At its price point of $109.99, the value proposition is incredibly strong. For the capability and consistency it delivers, this mould is an investment that pays dividends in the quality of the ammunition you can produce. It empowers the handloader to achieve levels of performance that are often unattainable with standard off-the-shelf bullets in these specialized calibers.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 45 Caliber – #457671 2640671 to any serious handloader or shooter who requires heavy, accurate, and clean-shooting bullets for their .45 caliber magnum firearms. It’s a tool that builds confidence, enhances performance, and ultimately, contributes to a more rewarding shooting experience. If you’re ready to take your reloading to the next level, this mould is an essential addition to your bench.