Which is the best round ball mold?

[taylorh]

Hello Ya'll,
I was thinking about running my own ball. So I've been investigating round ball molds. I see lee molds are about $20.00 and lyman molds run about $50.00. Which is best? Do either of them have a built in spruce detacher? Are either of these politically correct for the early 19th century? Where can I buy more tradional looking ball molds? Any and all help appreciated.
Taylor in Texas :v

 

[Swampman]

Balls from the Lee are just as good as those from the Lyman. Both have sprue cutters and neither are period correct. Rapine is the only company that I'm aware of that makes a mold that is close to being period correct.

 

[jtmattison]

A period correct mold will not have a sprue cutter like you picture on a Lee or Lyman mold. Most have a cutter but you have to remove the sprue after the ball is out of the mold. Check out the bag molds from rapine.

Huntin

 

Ya can buy three Lee's to one Lyman, and they work just as well, and aluminum don't rust. The rapine is period correct, but if you are going to do any volume, they are not what you want. You will need something to cover the iron handles, if it's at molding temp, the handles will be also, sprue cutting is seperate, and can be hard to do right, and it's very slow to make ball. Bill

 

[rebuse]

been looking for rapine on-line, and coming up with nothing when it comes to round ball moulds. Is there a website?

Preacher

 

Preacher, no web site, just a phone...215-679-5413
for Rapine molds Bill

 

[gmww]

Hello Ya'll,
I was thinking about running my own ball. So I've been investigating round ball molds. I see lee molds are about $20.00 and lyman molds run about $50.00.

Gads that's expensive. Check ebay for them.

 

[bpollock_sr]

I have been using lee molds for years and they are still going strong. I cast ball for 7 different calibers and 3 different minnies plus lee reals in 4 cals.from 45 to 58. In my opinion you can't beat them for the price. I have yet to wear one out.

 

[BS]

I like steel molds, but the Lee's do a fine job, if you are careful with them....and don't lend them to your "friends" they will last a very long time!

 

[flint62]

I have used Lee molds for my 50 and also for my 45-70 trapdoor(one of those new fangled cartridge guns...it'll never catch on) They are excellent molds. Never had a problem.
On the other hand I use a Lyamn for my smoothie and my musket they are equally as good.
Rapine also makes great molds.
Confused yet? The point is either will work reliably.
Just my 2 cents, Kevin :hatsoff:

 

[RiverRat]

I would take a look at Jeff Tanner molds. His contact information is in the ML Links section.
I already have a .600 rb mold and will be ordering
either a .530 or .535 mold. I will be getting my new rifle in Janurary and I have to see which ball it likes :thumbsup:

 

[chuck-ia]

lee molds are fine, but do wear out. lyman , on the other hand, will probably outlast you if taken care of. I have not owned a rapine mold, but, am tempted by their bag molds. course the bag mold has no sprue cutter, will not turn out as many ball as a square mold, but would be more period correct. rapine also makes the more modern square molds with wood handles. I guess if I want to be period correct and make a few balls at a time it would be the bag mold, if I want to make balls all day it would be the square blocks with wood handles. All I have is Lyman molds. To me, it is worth the extra money. flinch

 

[mmahlock]

You might also want to check out Smilling Fox Forge. They have a nice looking brass period bag mould. For small calibers Dixie also has one as well.

My preference is for steel ball moulds. Modern design for makeing balls for shooting. I make several hundred at a time. The aluminum moulds just don't hold the heat.

 

[Cruzatte]

I would take a look at Jeff Tanner molds. His contact information is in the ML Links section.
I already have a .600 rb mold and will be ordering
either a .530 or .535 mold. I will be getting my new rifle in Janurary and I have to see which ball it likes :thumbsup:

Hey Rat, would you mind posting a review of your Jeff Tanner mold when you've had a chance to use it? They look good, and the price is right. Let us know, OK?
Cruzatte

 

Texan, I've used Lee molds and Lyman molds and Rapine bag molds over the years and see no difference in the quality of ball throwed from any of these molds. I like my Lee molds best for expediency. They throw the best balls quicker and when I'm casting I don't mess around. I have had no problem with the Lee losing heat. In fact I have to slow down sometimes. If you follow the directions in the box and take care of your Lee molds they'll last ya. This is not meant to be argumentative. Just a summary of my own personal experience. :hatsoff: