Aluminium molds vs iron?

[points]

Hi guys. I have always used iron molds for bullets. Is there any pros or cons to the aluminium molds?
It seems that that is all a lot of places stock these days.
Thanks

 

[Spawn-Inc]

heats quicker, but looses heat quicker too
lighter for multi cavity blocks which means longer casting sessions.
easier to machine for the mold makers.
no rusting issues.

i only have brass and aluminum molds, i've never used a steel mold but am told they are two completely different casting style and takes some time to get used to.

 

[H4831]

As far as I'm concerned, Lyman steel molds are top of the line. Much superior to aluminum.

 

[buckbrush]

Lyman's quality has really gone down hill, and never was as good as RCBS=Lacmiller, and not even close to the quality of Saeco, Cramer, and most of all , H&G.

There are now a bunch of custom mould makers, all using CNC mills or lathes, that are making super moulds. Most are made of Aluminum because it is the cheapest material to use. Brass is used at greater cost, and a few offer cast iron for even mote cost. One pre WW2 mould maker supposedly used Nickel for their blocks.

 

[yomomma]

Never mind.....remember kids, don't post when your half asleep.

 

[Andy]

There is aluminium and then there is aluminum. NOE and others use an excellent aluminum alloy that makes for excellent molds - light, no rusting, and quick to heat up.

 

[ciphery]

I personally don't like aluminum as it scratches too easy when cleaning or opening and closing spru cutters, but they do heat fast......the one redeeming quality

 

[LUTNIT]

Lee aluminum moulds are hit or miss. Somethings you get a good one and other times you get a poor one.
I have used Lyman steel and NOE and Accurate Molds aluminum and they all produce great bullets. Lyman steel are higher maintenance due to having to oil them after use and clean them before (my garage is a little damp) but are otherwise great.

 

[ted_dent]

I have gone pretty much exclusively to Lee 6 cavity moulds when they have the bullet design I want. Casting is vastly faster than two cavity moulds. They weigh much less so are not as tiring to use. I have also used Lyman, RCBS and Saeco moulds (all steel) and have noticed no real difference in bullet quality. Aluminum moulds do cool quicker but I find that by using two moulds and filling them alternately the moulds stay at an optimal temperature indefinitely. Yes, aluminum moulds do wear faster and mark easier than steel. However, they are substantially cheaper so you can afford to replace them more often. For example, a 6 cavity Lee mould costs about (all prices in US $) $40 compared to a 2 cavity Saeco at about $100 or a 4 cavity Lyman at $80. Despite casting thousands of bullets I have never worn out a Lee mould and have only had to replace a spruce plate and a few washers, something I also had to do with some of my Lyman moulds. What that means is that with 45 lead bullets going for $80-90/1000, once I have cast 500 or so bullets the mould is paid for and after that I'm basically getting lead bullets for the cost of the wheelweights I use to cast them.

I'm not knocking the other brands of moulds but as long as you don't unduly abuse them it's pretty hard to beat Lee moulds for price vs. quality. About my only complaint is that their selection of 6 cavity moulds is not that extensive but for the old standbys like 124 gr. RN 9mm, 148 gr. 38 Spec DEWC, 158 gr. 38 Spec. SWC and 200 gr. 45 ACP SWC you can't go too far wrong with the Lee moulds.

 

[points]

Thanks guys. Lots to learn here. I used to cast pistol bullets with steel molds and now the only thing I am casting is .577 ball for my smooth bore Snider Enfield. Again a steel mold. I want to try cast in .303 and locally only aluminium is available. I may just give it a try.

 

[Spawn-Inc]

Thanks guys. Lots to learn here. I used to cast pistol bullets with steel molds and now the only thing I am casting is .577 ball for my smooth bore Snider Enfield. Again a steel mold. I want to try cast in .303 and locally only aluminium is available. I may just give it a try.

if it's a lee and it's a dud, don't let that sour your taste for aluminum or lee's molds.

 

[Tinman204]

I have about 4 or 5 lee molds here. They all work well and they all make good bullets.

I've cast about 3000 .312 303 bullets in my double cavity lee mold and I've yet to wear it out or damage it in any way.

But all of that being said, aluminum molds heat quick but cool quicker. After lots of use I can keep my mold the perfect temp without issues.