any recommendations on what size round ball mould and brand I should buy for a factory 45,50 and 54 cal. TC for target shooting? Thanks
TC 45,50,54 mould
- Thread starter old iron
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longcruise
70 Cal.
On my tc 45 and 50 it's 445 and 495. For my GM 54 drop in it's 535. However, I have also shot 440, 490 and 530 with equally good results. It's about the patch, IMO.
Thanks fellows what’s the best way to measure, telescoping gage and then mic?
If it is even number lands you can use calipers.
I've use a lead ball flattened just enough it won't drop in with a hole drilled in it that I put a wood screw in it. Press it in just enough to get lands imprint then measure.
Thanks Bang
brewer12345
40 Cal
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As for molds, the Lee are serviceable. I really like the Lyman/Ideal iron molds. If you can find a 4 cavity iron Lyman or Ideal in your preferred size you can bang out a LOT of balls in a short period of time.
Bighorserider
40 Cal
Every gun is different. I only have a 50. It doesn't like 495s at all. It likes 490s with a thick patch. Buy a variety of balls and try them before getting molds.
Thanks for your help
Old Hawkeye
50 Cal.
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Bighorserider got it right. Try different ball diameter, patch thickness, & lube combinations to see what your particular barrel likes the best BEFORE buying a mold. You can measure all you want, but the proof is in the "shootin".
hanshi
Cannon
I have iron molds from Lyman, Saeco, RCBS and a couple more; but I bought them long ago when I didn't have to sell my car to be able to afford one. Maybe just me but the prices on them are staggering nowadays. So for years I've been getting mostly Lee molds and they are good. I have a T/C mold, JT bronze mold and some other misc. molds, and use them only on occasion. The Lee molds give yeoman service.
