Uncovering the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 9mm – #356242 2660242: Real Review
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 9mm – #356242 2660242 promises reloaders the ability to craft their own 120-grain 9mm projectiles. This double-cavity mould, from the reputable Lyman brand, aims to deliver consistent and accurate bullets for 9mm pistols. It boasts a design focused on ease of use and is intended to produce bullets suitable for target shooting or plinking.
Years of reloading have taught me the value of a good mould. I needed a mould that would reliably produce consistent 9mm bullets in the 120-grain range for a specific load I was developing. The advertised 120-grain weight and the double-cavity design drew me to the Lyman mould.
Unboxing the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 9mm – #356242 2660242, the first impression was of solid construction. The mould halves aligned well, and the sprue plate moved smoothly. However, the mould handles (sold separately) felt a bit light-duty for extended casting sessions.
Compared to my Lee Precision 6-cavity mould, this Lyman mould appeared simpler. I chose the Lyman for its reported accuracy with this specific bullet design and its potential for producing a more consistent bullet weight compared to the Lee. My experience with Lyman products has generally been positive, which influenced my decision.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic about the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 9mm – #356242 2660242. The design looked promising, but the true test would be in the casting process. I hoped this mould would deliver accurate and consistent bullets, making my reloading efforts more efficient.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 9mm – #356242 2660242 to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 9mm – #356242 2660242 in my garage reloading setup. The ambient temperature was around 70°F, and I used a lead alloy composed of approximately 92% lead, 6% antimony, and 2% tin. This alloy has consistently provided good results in other pistol bullets.
The mould performed well after reaching the optimal temperature. Bullets dropped easily from the mould with a sharp rap of the hinge. The first few casts produced slightly wrinkled bullets, but the quality improved significantly as the mould heated up.
Using the Lyman mould required a bit of a learning curve to find the ideal cadence. I experienced some minor lead splashing initially, requiring adjustment to my pouring technique. Ultimately, the bullets dropped from the mould cleanly, with well-defined edges and consistent weight.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of casting with the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 9mm – #356242 2660242, it has proven to be a reliable tool. The mould consistently produces bullets within a narrow weight range, which is critical for accurate loads. Cleaning becomes essential after 200 or so castings to ensure smooth operation.
After roughly 1,000 bullets cast, there are no noticeable signs of wear on the mould faces. The sprue plate still moves smoothly, and the alignment remains perfect. Regular cleaning with a brass brush and mould release agent is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and prolonging the mould’s life.
Maintaining the mould is relatively simple. I thoroughly clean it after each casting session and apply a light coat of mould release agent. The Lyman mould, in my opinion, outperforms my older single-cavity mould in terms of consistency and casting speed.
Breaking Down the Features of Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 9mm – #356242 2660242
Specifications
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 9mm – #356242 2660242 is a double-cavity mould designed for casting 9mm pistol bullets. It produces a 120-grain round nose (RN) bullet. The required top punch is #311.
This mould is designed for use with double cavity handles (sold separately). Acceptable sizing die dimensions are .354, .355, and .356 inches. These specifications are vital because they define the bullet’s shape, weight, and compatibility with various 9mm firearms, directly influencing accuracy and reliable feeding.
Performance & Functionality
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 9mm – #356242 2660242 performs its job admirably by producing consistent and uniform bullets. I found the bullet weight to consistently fall between 120.0 and 120.5 grains with my alloy. One improvement would be to have mould handles included, but the mould excels at its primary function: casting accurate bullets.
This mould delivers on its promise of a heavier 120-grain bullet for 9mm. The resulting bullets have proven accurate in my Glock 19 and Sig Sauer P320. It meets my expectations for a reliable and easy-to-use bullet mould.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 9mm – #356242 2660242 is constructed from durable iron blocks. The mould halves align precisely, resulting in minimal flashing on the cast bullets. The weight of the mould is substantial, contributing to its overall stability during casting.
The mould is user-friendly, although purchasing separate handles adds to the initial cost. Once the mould reaches the optimal temperature, casting is relatively straightforward. The only learning curve involves mastering the pouring technique to minimize splashing.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its robust construction, the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 9mm – #356242 2660242 should last for many years with proper care. The iron mould blocks are resistant to warping and cracking under normal use. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential for maintaining its performance and longevity.
Maintaining the mould is simple. Cleaning with a brass brush and applying a mould release agent after each use prevent lead buildup. Occasional lubrication of the sprue plate hinge ensures smooth operation.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 9mm – #356242 2660242 itself doesn’t come with accessories, requiring separate purchase of mould handles. However, the bullets cast from this mould are compatible with various bullet sizing dies and lubricating compounds. The #311 top punch is essential for seating the bullets properly during the reloading process.
Bullets produced with this mould can be used with a wide range of 9mm reloading components. This includes different powders, primers, and cases. Furthermore, the bullets can be coated with various lubricants to improve performance.
Pros and Cons of Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 9mm – #356242 2660242
Pros
- Consistent Bullet Weight: Produces bullets within a very tight weight range, resulting in more accurate loads.
- Durable Construction: The iron mould blocks are built to last, ensuring years of reliable use.
- Easy to Use: Simple design and straightforward casting process make it suitable for both beginners and experienced reloaders.
- Accurate Bullet Design: The 120-grain round nose bullet is known for its accuracy in 9mm pistols.
- Double Cavity: Allows for faster casting compared to single-cavity moulds, increasing efficiency.
Cons
- Mould Handles Sold Separately: Adds to the overall cost and inconvenience of purchasing the mould.
- Requires Optimal Temperature: Can be finicky until the mould reaches the right temperature for consistent bullet casting.
Who Should Buy Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 9mm – #356242 2660242?
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 9mm – #356242 2660242 is perfect for reloaders seeking consistent and accurate 9mm bullets. It is ideal for target shooters, plinkers, and those who enjoy customizing their loads. It benefits those wanting a reliable mould for producing 120-grain round nose bullets.
This mould is not ideal for high-volume reloaders who need a faster casting process. Those individuals would be better served with a 6-cavity mould. New reloaders might find the separate purchase of handles and the learning curve slightly challenging.
Essential accessories include Lyman mould handles, a #311 top punch, and bullet sizing dies. Bullet lubricant is helpful, too. Modifications aren’t typically necessary, as the mould performs well in its stock configuration.
Conclusion on Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 9mm – #356242 2660242
The Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 9mm – #356242 2660242 delivers on its promise of consistent, accurate bullets for 9mm pistols. Its durable construction and straightforward design make it a reliable tool for any reloader. The necessity of purchasing handles separately is a minor drawback, but the performance justifies the additional cost.
At $109.99, the price is reasonable for a high-quality, double-cavity mould. The value lies in the consistent bullet weight and accuracy. It allows for tailored loads, saving money in the long run.
I would recommend the Lyman Pistol Bullet Mould: 9mm – #356242 2660242 to anyone looking to cast their own 120-grain 9mm bullets. It’s a solid investment for improving reloading capabilities. Get yours today and start crafting your own accurate and reliable ammunition!
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