Lyman 50 Caliber Maxi Bullet Mould – #504617 Review

What to Expect from the Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: 50 Caliber Maxi – #504617 2640617

The Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: 50 Caliber Maxi – #504617 2640617 promises to deliver consistent, accurate maxi-balls for muzzleloading enthusiasts. Manufactured by Lyman, a name synonymous with quality reloading equipment, this single-cavity mould casts a 370-grain, .50 caliber maxi-ball, designed for rifles with a 1/48″ twist rate and nominal .500″ bore. It’s a seemingly simple tool, yet it unlocks a deeper level of involvement and customization for the black powder shooter, allowing for the creation of ammunition tailored to specific rifles and shooting conditions.

My journey to this particular bullet mould began with a quest for greater accuracy and consistency in my muzzleloading. I was tired of relying solely on commercially available projectiles, which often proved less than ideal in my Lyman Deerstalker. The allure of crafting my own projectiles, perfectly suited to my rifle’s bore and preferred powder charge, was too strong to resist.

Upon unboxing, the Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: 50 Caliber Maxi – #504617 2640617 exuded a feeling of robustness. The steel blocks felt substantial in hand, with precise machining evident in the mould cavity. The handles, while requiring a separate purchase, attached securely, inspiring confidence in the mould’s long-term durability.

Compared to some cheaper, mass-produced bullet moulds I’ve encountered, the Lyman stood out immediately. Its quality was more consistent with that of a Lee Precision mould. I chose the Lyman over similar offerings from other brands primarily because of Lyman’s reputation for precision and the specific design of the maxi-ball, which seemed ideal for my rifle’s twist rate.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to begin casting my own bullets, but also aware that achieving consistent results would require careful attention to detail and a bit of a learning curve. The promise of superior accuracy and the satisfaction of crafting my own ammunition, however, made the effort seem well worthwhile.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: 50 Caliber Maxi – #504617 2640617 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first testing session with the Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: 50 Caliber Maxi – #504617 2640617 took place at my local shooting range. The goal was to cast a batch of bullets and then test their accuracy in my Lyman Deerstalker. I set up my casting station, carefully heating the mould and lead alloy to the appropriate temperatures.

The casting process itself was relatively straightforward, albeit a bit messy as expected. The mould filled easily, and the resulting maxi-balls dropped cleanly from the cavity after a brief cooling period. The biggest challenge was maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the casting session, which required careful monitoring and adjustments to my lead pot.

I experienced a few minor issues during my first casting session. I initially had a bit of trouble with incomplete fill-out of the maxi-ball bases. Adjusting my lead temperature slightly and ensuring the mould was preheated sufficiently resolved this issue.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: 50 Caliber Maxi – #504617 2640617 has proven to be a reliable and durable tool. The mould shows no signs of warping or deformation, even after repeated use at high temperatures. The maxi-balls consistently drop from the mould with clean, sharp details, indicating the continued integrity of the cavity.

Durability has been exceptional. I clean the mould after each use with a dedicated mould cleaner and lubricate it with a high-temperature anti-seize compound. This routine maintenance helps prevent lead build-up and ensures smooth operation.

Compared to my previous experience with lower-quality moulds, the Lyman has been a significant upgrade. The consistent bullet weights and dimensions translate directly into improved accuracy and reduced fouling in my rifle. The Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: 50 Caliber Maxi – #504617 2640617 has completely exceeded my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: 50 Caliber Maxi – #504617 2640617

Specifications

The Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: 50 Caliber Maxi – #504617 2640617 is designed for .50 caliber muzzleloading rifles. It casts a single, 370-grain maxi-ball. The bullet type is specifically a maxi-ball, featuring grooves for lubrication and easy loading.

The mould is constructed from steel blocks. Its single-cavity design prioritizes precision over mass production. This is a manual mould, meaning it requires handles (sold separately) for operation.

These specifications are critical for achieving optimal performance with a .50 caliber muzzleloader. The 370-grain maxi-ball provides a good balance of velocity and stopping power. The groove design ensures proper lubrication, which reduces fouling and improves accuracy.

Performance & Functionality

The Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: 50 Caliber Maxi – #504617 2640617 performs exceptionally well in casting consistent and accurate maxi-balls. The mould fills easily and releases the bullets cleanly, resulting in minimal defects. The resulting maxi-balls are remarkably uniform in weight and dimensions.

The mould’s greatest strength is its precision. The bullets it casts are consistently within a very tight weight range. A minor weakness is its single-cavity design, which makes it slow for high-volume casting.

The Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: 50 Caliber Maxi – #504617 2640617 meets and exceeds my expectations for a quality bullet mould. The Lyman Deerstalker now performs as good as new. The consistency of the cast bullets has noticeably improved my accuracy at the range.

Design & Ergonomics

The Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: 50 Caliber Maxi – #504617 2640617 features a robust steel construction. The mould feels solid and well-made in hand. The design is simple and functional, with a tight fit between the mould halves.

The mould is generally user-friendly, but requires some basic knowledge of bullet casting. There is a slight learning curve involved in mastering the casting process. The instructions are straightforward.

Durability & Maintenance

The Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: 50 Caliber Maxi – #504617 2640617 is built to last. Its steel construction ensures it can withstand repeated use at high temperatures. With proper care, it should provide many years of reliable service.

Maintenance is relatively simple. Regular cleaning with a mould cleaner and lubrication with a high-temperature anti-seize compound is all that’s needed. There are few parts to wear out or break.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: 50 Caliber Maxi – #504617 2640617 does not come with any accessories beyond the mould itself. It requires handles for operation, which must be purchased separately. There are no specific customization options for the mould itself.

However, the user can customize the lead alloy used for casting. This allows for fine-tuning the bullet’s hardness and weight. The mould is compatible with standard bullet casting equipment, such as lead pots, ladles, and ingot moulds.

Pros and Cons of Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: 50 Caliber Maxi – #504617 2640617

Who Should Buy Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: 50 Caliber Maxi – #504617 2640617?

The Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: 50 Caliber Maxi – #504617 2640617 is perfect for muzzleloading enthusiasts seeking greater accuracy and control over their ammunition. It’s also a great fit for hunters who want to develop a custom load for their specific rifle. Reloading buffs will also find use of this mould.

Those who primarily shoot for casual plinking and do not care about optimizing accuracy may not find this product worth the investment. Likewise, those who need to produce large quantities of bullets quickly should consider a multi-cavity mould instead. A lead melting pot is a must-have accessory.

Conclusion on Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: 50 Caliber Maxi – #504617 2640617

The Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: 50 Caliber Maxi – #504617 2640617 is a high-quality tool that delivers on its promise of consistent and accurate maxi-balls. While the single-cavity design limits casting speed, the precision and durability of this mould make it a worthwhile investment for serious muzzleloading enthusiasts. The current price of $109.99 is justified by the improved accuracy and overall shooting experience it provides.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Lyman Black Powder Bullet Mould: 50 Caliber Maxi – #504617 2640617 to anyone looking to take their muzzleloading to the next level. If you are a true muzzleloader, you have to buy this mould! The improved accuracy and the satisfaction of crafting your own ammunition are well worth the effort and investment.