I've got the lyman mould and have to say I'm disapointed with it. Very hard to get good bullets to cast. This is only my second iron mould, the first, a Ripine hollow base did great. I've never had a big problem with big bullets, including 510 grainers. All my other moulds are aluminum.
What about Buffalo Arms mould http://www.buffaloarms.com/browse.cfm/4,7077.html
It's suposed to be made from saco blanks and is an iron mould.
I use the Lyman #457122 and a Hoch custom mold that emulates the original Lyman mold that was for the 45-75. I use an alloy of 20:1 and of the two the Hoch casts near perfect each and every time. I coat my molds with that stuff that I got from Rapine and it really helps. I got it when I got a mold from them a few years back for my .33 Winchester. Hoch molds are spendy but are very well worth the wait and the bucks--at least as far as I am concerned. They are "nose pour" type molds.
I have noticed that iron moulds seem to need a longer break-in period. Aluminium also needs to get up to speed. I think it is the preservative on the metal. I try to clean thoroughly with alcohol, but the real remedy is to get them casting at a fairly good temperature until you get good bullets. After that, store them in a dry place and the next time they are used they get warmed up and cast well after only a few bullets. It seems that every time I use a mould it works better.
If you are used to aluminium, you might have to get used to the different heat characteristics of each type of mould.
If that mould is one of the special order 457192s, I'll buy it from you!
BTW; My mould is the 457122, "Gould hollow point"
I use a pair of the old original Winchester molds. :)
I am presently using the Magma 350 gr mould........... bevel base but have ordered a flat base mould from BAOC that is especially designed for the coorect COL for the 76 actoin. I can't say I am impressed with the accuracy of the Magma but then I have some other ongoing issues shooting BP.
Mc
Thanks, I've been looking at Hoch mould, I may have to break down and get one. I'll work with the lyman mould some more and see what can be done. You may be rite on the extended break in time. Seem I cursed the Rapine mould for a while but now get great bullets out of it.
My new Lyman mold 457192 of the special run maked great bullets almost from the get go. The mold and metal do need to be hot, but dang, it casts much better than the Lee mold or the Lyman HP mold.
I guess I shoulda signed up for the 192 mould! Will Lyman ever make it a regular offering?
I just cast some boolits with my new Buffalo Arms 350 gr 0.459 diameter mould. It has a flat bottom and three big grease gooves. The COL will work in the action, but the Uberti case neck is a bit short. We'll see how she shoots and report back.
Mc ;D
Sir Charles - you might want to send Lou Sellman an email ... louis sellman [customcastbullets@yahoo.com]
Email from him back in August ...
I ALSO HAVE THEM SETTING UP THE 457192 RUN AGAIN. HEARD FROM A COUPLE OF THE FELLOWS WHO WANT IT AND SOME THOUGH I HAD THEM ON HAND. I DID HAVE TWO LEFT BUT THEY ARE GONE NOW.
My money order is in the mail!
I picked up one of Lou's molds. It throws excellent bullets! You should be very pleased.
Cheers
Icebox
The other bullet that shoots good in the '76 is the Lee 457-340 ...
(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd220/Meadowmucker/Targets/PDRM2893.jpg)