Going to order new molds and wanted to know what people think about the two, is rcbs molds or lyman molds work better, going to order one in 44 250gr and one in 300gr, I noticed rcbs is more money for molds and the handles, is it worth it. Thanks

This is just my opinion on the subject and nothing more. Both brands make excellent moulds. The only difference that I can see is in the handles. My Lyman handles come with what appears to be a forged hinge pin section very similar to the way Saeco handles are made. That part of the handles is very strong indeed. My RCBS handles have stamped, heavy gauge metal parts. The hinge pin section is far simpler than the Lyman although it may be just as strong. When you shop for handles, compare the hinge pin areas on both and decide for yourself. It may be possible to use the Lyman handles with RCBS moulds but never having done this, I can't be sure. Maybe with slight modifications . . . ?

I have used both and had good results but now use the Lee aluminum molds. They give me just as good results and a lot quicker at a much better price.

Going to order new molds and wanted to know what people think about the two, is rcbs molds or lyman molds work better, going to order one in 44 250gr and one in 300gr, I noticed rcbs is more money for molds and the handles, is it worth it. Thanks

I stopped using Lyman moulds maybe five years ago. They are very prone to warping of the cut-off plate. That leads to all sorts of problems.

RCBS moulds are excellent AND, unlike any other brand, they are guaranteed forever.

Buy RCBS!

I use both Lyman and RCBS molds with equally good results. There is a disadvantage in that you have to purchase a set of mold handles for each, However, the lubricator sizing dies and top punches are the same.

If you see a particular bullet you like, go ahead and buy the mold and don't worry as to whether it is Lyman or RCBS. Another benefit - they both have good tech service.

I agree with 8iowa.
My first choice is Lyman;i've never been disappointed.
But,if a particular bullet is offered in a different make,don't hesitate to buy it.
Even,Lee molds,which are the cheapest,are worth trying.
Frank

I've been casting with the Lee molds for years of trouble free bullets from the first bullet to the last, but that's just me. RCBS has an excellent warrentee policy if you like fiddling with cast iron molds.

I've found iron moulds to be less fussy than Al ones. My RCBS iron moulds run as well hot as they do cool - I don't have to wait for them to cool. My Lymans don't seem to run hot as well. The lymans are cast iron, but the RCBS are ductile iron, which is a bit different.

I've used Lyman and Lee moulds for 240 gr bullets for my 44mag. Both cast well. A disadvantage is the care of ferrous moulds. Invest in some dryerite ... Storage problems disappear.

I used RCBS, Lyman , NEI and Steve brooks molds. have a 44 250 sil. from RCBS I use in my 44-40 like it alot. only lyman i have now is a round Ball. NEI makes copies of every mold out there. they were good but as far as I am conserned have gone down hill since Walts passing. Steve Brooks makes a great mold and will make what ever you want :rolleyes:
Lee molds had a few given to me. couldnt give me another wouldn't take it. not just because thy are alum. my NEI's are alum. Just to poor quality for my likeing.

With maybe the exception of one set of moulds, all of my Dad's bullet moulds were Lyman. His ingot moulds were Lyman. He was a competition shooter with a shelves of trophies and undoubtedly he won some of them slinging his own lead.

This isn't to say that Lyman moulds are inherently any better than any others, but it's what he preferred. I'm not sure if he ever even tried moulds from other brands, I don't think he ever felt he had any issues with his Lyman moulds.

I've had one Lyman mold and it seem to me that the RCBS molds were built more robustly than the Lyman was. I know the sprue plate is thicker. Didn't like the handles, either. I traded off the Lyman for another RCBS...