Minie molds

[MacCoy]

I have 3-band Enfield repro made by Euroarms. I bought Lee´s .575 minie mold for casting my own bullets. Those bullets were too small (dropped right down the barrel), I have also Lee´s .578 mold. Bullets from that mold are a bit too big, I rolled them between pieces of wood to make them fit. I have not measured the bore diameter, but I think it´s .577 now because .578 is too big for it.
I´m planning to buy RCBS .576 mold, does anybody have any experience about that mold?

[RaiderANV]

You'd be best off having your bore gauged somewhere to make sure the proper size. Your .578 mold may very well be casting a .579 or bigger. About any machine shop could check it for you and I doubt they charge you.

[David Disher 12143]

Hopefully this tip may help you. Get your exact bore diameter. Cast your bullets slightly larger than the diameter, and get a sizing die, which will size the bullet the same diameter every time. Use a 1/2 ton arbor press and push the bullet through the sizing die, lube and load.

Miami Valley Sutler sells sizing dies.

Regards,

David Disher
110th OVI

[Walt Magee]

By the time you buy an arbor press, even from Harbor Freight, you could have bought a Lyman Lubersizer and be set for life.

[pastore]

By the time you buy an arbor press, even from Harbor Freight, you could have bought a Lyman Lubersizer and be set for life.



Proably not. A one ton arbor press from Harbor Freight is $49. Dealer price for a Lyman lubrisizer is $114.99.

[snapcap14]

Or get the 7/8" thd sizer for your reloading press

[paul w/McGregor's 385V]

Mac,
Most moulds throw two sizes, one when cold and one at proper temperature.

Your musket bore is most likely .577, as you have tried a .575 and it is way too small and the .578 is a hair too large.

A .576 mould when at temperature will cast a .576-.577 bullet depending on how fast you are casting. There are several variables.

You are on the correct track for size, just going about it the costly method.

Have your bore gauged and then buy a mould .001" under the measured size. If you can not find a mould immediately, then buy a proper sizer, .001 " under the measured bore from one of the Sutlers listed on the home page.

Jerry Stone or the North East Trader carry a decent selection. Or contact Jerry Harmon.

Bullet should be .001-.002" smaller than bore for best ease of loading and will give best performance.

Refer all LUBE questions to Lefty.

Take care and be safe
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