Bullet Moulds

[Huntermb]

I was just wondering what everyone's favourite mould was for casting for the the 45-70, 38-55 and 30-30. Anyone have any recommendations for casting for the 40-72?

[shooter]

I am very satisfied with the Lee 405 gr. mold for the 45-70. It's the only one I've used, but it groups so well it hasn't given me reason to try anything else. Can't speak for any of the other calibers though. Lee also makes a 325 gr.?, it may be a 350, and a 450 gr. mold that is the same design as the 405.

[Griff]

For the .45-70 I use the RCBS 325 gr. For the .30-30 I like the Saeco mold 316, 150grain GC.

[Marvin S]

Do check out Ranch Dog Molds. He is back in operation and looks to make molds suitable for lever action rifles. I am going to get a 323-170 from him when they come in for my 32-40s. The problem with some or most is the nose area is too large in diameter and wants to engrave the rifleing and make the action hard to close. I have had good luck with the RCBS 325gr which comes out closer to 350gr in my 1886. For the 38-55 the lyman 375248 works well in my 94 Win. I dont see a need for a gas check for these. Im still on the fence for the 30-30.

[.45]

+1 on the Ranch Dog moulds. I use them in 45/70,375 Win,444 Marlin, and 33-30. Accurate and hard hitting,can't ask for any more than that. He also offers great customer service.
Check them out here http://www.ranchdogmolds.com/

[TedH]

I've got several Ranch Dog molds and love every one of them! But, the most accurate bullet in my Marlin 45-70 is the RCBS 45-405-FN. You'll end up with several, if not dozens of molds, so just get a good variety right off the bat and be done with it!

I shoot the Ranch Dog bullet in my Marlin 375 Win. It outperforms every jacketed bullet I've tried. And this is at full power levels too! I'm actually pushing it faster than what I could get with a jacketed bullet.

[Chuck 100 yd]

For the .30-30 I like the Lyman 311041 best with the Ranch Dog 160 close behind.

[Don McDowell]

I was just wondering what everyone's favourite mould was for casting for the the 45-70, 38-55 and 30-30. Anyone have any recommendations for casting for the 40-72?

I guess it depends on what your going to do with it, but in the 45-70 I like the lyman postell and the rcbs 82084 mould for long range heavy bullets. For midrange off hand loads the lyman 385 gr rndnose works well to 350 yds. But my all round favorite mold is the Old West .444 adjustable paper patch mould.
The 38-55 I used the lyman 335 postell bullet, it worked well to 1000 yds.
30-30 the lyman 311291
For the 4072 you might want to look at the 40 cal bullets from Buffalo Arms. I have a 360 gr patched mould that has shown some real promise in the 405. Also the 300 gr gc bullet mould they offer is a super accurate bullet in the 405.

[Huntermb]

I was just wondering what everyone's favourite mould was for casting for the the 45-70, 38-55 and 30-30. Anyone have any recommendations for casting for the 40-72?

I guess it depends on what your going to do with it, but in the 45-70 I like the lyman postell and the rcbs 82084 mould for long range heavy bullets. For midrange off hand loads the lyman 385 gr rndnose works well to 350 yds. But my all round favorite mold is the Old West .444 adjustable paper patch mould.
The 38-55 I used the lyman 335 postell bullet, it worked well to 1000 yds.
30-30 the lyman 311291
For the 4072 you might want to look at the 40 cal bullets from Buffalo Arms. I have a 360 gr patched mould that has shown some real promise in the 405. Also the 300 gr gc bullet mould they offer is a super accurate bullet in the 405.

I am looking for using them for all purpose, regular plinking and hunting etc. Thanks for all the great info guys, I'm looking into them all right now.