Enfield 1853 mould

[GregLaRoche]

I just bought a Parker-Hale Enfield 1853. I am new to rifled muzzle loaders and appreciate all the help available to get me up to speed with this gun.
I am looking at moulds and it seems they are all .575, so there is no decision making there. There seems to be a difference in shapes and weights. I’ve been looking at the Lee 500 grain with a conical ogive. There are others with a flat nose. I have had good luck with Lee moulds, the price is right and they’re available. Any reason I shouldn’t buy one of the Lee moulds, at least to start?
Also, I collect range scrap and it is normally harder than plain lead. I am worried it may not work well, because it will be harder for the bullet to expand. Do I need soft pure lead?
Thanks

 

[bisleyjohn]

I just bought a Parker-Hale Enfield 1853. I am new to rifled muzzle loaders and appreciate all the help available to get me up to speed with this gun.
I am looking at moulds and it seems they are all .575, so there is no decision making there. There seems to be a difference in shapes and weights. I’ve been looking at the Lee 500 grain with a conical ogive. There are others with a flat nose. I have had good luck with Lee moulds, the price is right and they’re available. Any reason I shouldn’t buy one of the Lee moulds, at least to start?
Also, I collect range scrap and it is normally harder than plain lead. I am worried it may not work well, because it will be harder for the bullet to expand. Do I need soft pure lead?
Thanks

I started this thread last year and learned a lot.

https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/threads/getting-the-best-from-my-parker-hale.117086/
purest lead you can get works best.

Enjoy your Enfield

 

[Trot]

There are actually many different sizes of moulds and the right size is crucial. You will need to measure your bore and be sure to get the right size. Pure lead is also necessary.