What's the difference?

[William]

What's the difference in RB moulds other than the price?  Lyman is very popular but most don't come with handles, getting both new will set you back over $100, while brands like Lee run under $40 and come with handles, what's the diff?  Are Lyman moulds that good or are the less expensive ones just junk?  Inquiring minds want to know. 

[david32cal]

i have never used a Lyman but i have three Lee moulds i use and have never had a problem

[Wild Ed]

I use Lee and like them.  Here is a link with good prices on Lee Molds
http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/deptsearch3x.asp?dept=%52%45%4C%4F%41%44%49%4E%47&dept2=%4C%45%41%44%20%42%55%4C%4C%45%54%20%43%41%53%54%49%4E%47&dept3=%4C%45%45%20%4D%4F%55%4C%44%53

[Red Badger]

I have the LEE R.E.A.L.  and love them.  Never had a problem with the mold.  I also have the LEE .530 Round ball mold on order,  I have been assured they should be in stock soon... ( I ordered it in April)

[bull frog]

Lyman blocks are made of steal and will last forever if you take care of them...(they can rust ).  Newer blocks all take the larger handles...some of the older blocks in the smaller sizes take small handles...Also last forever and cost a lot too!.  They are worth it if you shoot an awful lot of lead.  As costly as they are, there are several mold companies that sell their molds for more.  But if your lead consumption is more on the average man's budget, Lee molds are a good deal.  They are made of aluminium, not quit as durable, but come with handles and as you know are a whole lot cheeper.  I have a number of both and prefer the steel but as I have said, I own and use both.  The only real major problems have been in the very large sizes such as .710 or .735, or about anything above .58cal.  It is probably something I doing and not the mold.  I would not hesitate to get the Lee, after all, at that price I could afforde to replace it if I did damage it.

[jbullard1]

My thoughts also Bullfrog
I use both to varying degrees of success

[Ironwood]

I have both Lyman and Lee moulds.  I think the Lee aluminum moulds warms up faster.  However, I think the Lyman steel moulds hold the heat better.  If you do a lot of casting at one time.  The Lyman mould gets sort of heavy.  I have trouble with my hand starting to go numb with my Lyman .44 caliber mould. 

[kit_carson]

i have LEE molds, and i think nothing of pouring 150-200 round balls in an afternoon. and i dont know about that "they dont hold the heat" thing. i actually have to stop a few times and let mine cool off. and i have been real happy with the LEE moulds! for $20 i'll keep using them!

[Ironwood]

Good for you Crow Killer.

[William]

After looking at both they seemed very similar then looking at the price I could not understand why there is such a difference but it appears that they both function well.  Thanks for the advice.

[DandJofAZ]

Have both also.. when using lee moulds, I usually use 2 at a time..fill one and set it down, fill second, set it down..pickup first, dump and refill, etc.  Goes fast and don't have  to wait for balls to setup in mould...Always seem to need more than one size balls anytime I get around to casting anyhow.
Doug

[FrankG]

Lee, RCBS,Lyman ,Saeco, NEI and LBT are all good moulds and as has been noted the steel moulds are more durable for extended use and will last several lifetimes cared for properly. I have probably 20 or 25 moulds from Lee and they work great but if you dont pay attention to lubing as instructed in the little sheet that comes with them you can get it trouble. With a iron/steel mould and you get a smear of lead on the top of block and on spru plate you dont damage you mould and just need to clean it up . But if you get the smear buildup on the aluminum moulde spru plate and dont catch it you can end up damaging the top of block . That being said my first mould was a LEE 240 gr .429 RN bought in '74 that I have replaced the hinge pin on and still cast with and have cast thousands of bullets with .
I have a few Jeff Tanner moulds from England that are very reasonably priced and work very well although they havent niether spru plate or handles. They accept RCBS handles and you must snip off spru with side cutter pliers .

[sluefox]

Have both also.. when using lee moulds, I usually use 2 at a time..fill one and set it down, fill second, set it down..pickup first, dump and refill, etc.  Goes fast and don't have  to wait for balls to setup in mould...Always seem to need more than one size balls anytime I get around to casting anyhow.
Doug

Now that`s what I call " mass production"!

[Spitunia]

And then there's Lee's version of customer service.

"Satisfaction Guaranteed or your money back!"

[Red Badger]

FOUND MY LEE MOLD!

got one today from another vender still waiting on LEE to send me the one I ordered from them.... bought time for another e-mail to them!