.54 maxi ball mold?

Ky Headhunter · 03-04-2009, 03:29 AM

Anyone know if there is still a .54 caliber, 430 grain maxi ball mold on the market? I'm looking for a spot-on copy of the T/C maxiball. I see Lyman has a .54 conical, but it's a hollow base, unlike the T/C.

I did see a website (NEI, I think) that listed a ~430 grain .54 maxiball, but shows no photos. Base & ogive measurements are listed as .539 & .546, which is about the average of the cast maxiballs I have now, purchased from a local gun store. Think this might be it, but would like to verify since they're pricey. Would hate for it to be slightly different & not shoot nearly as well from my rifle. If I'm going to "take a chance" on a mold, it would be the Lee REAL for $20.

gearheart · 03-04-2009, 02:26 PM

I have a Lee REAL on the way for my 54 Hawken. I'll let you know how it shoots them but it'll be a while. The mold is currently in Cleveland with my bro. I'll get it at Easter.

UncleNorby · 03-05-2009, 03:31 AM

This AM I saw a 50 cal maxiball mold and a 54 cal rb mold on e-bay, both Lyman brand. There are quite a few other molds as well for rb in 44 and 45 cal. Do a search in sporting goods on "bullet mold mould" and they should come up.

Ky Headhunter · 03-05-2009, 08:30 AM

Thanks for the replies. I've been checking ebay, gunbroker, etc. hoping one of the old TC molds will pop up.

NEI did reply to my inquiry, confirming that they have a .54 maxiball mold, but didn't say whether or not it is a replica of the TC.

UncleNorby · 03-05-2009, 12:44 PM

I saw this on e-bay. Not sure if still available.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Thompson-Center-Bullet-Mould-54-cal-Maxi-400grs-New_W0QQitemZ280317634590QQcategoryZ73979QQrdZ1QQs sPageNameZWINQ3aPOST0Q3aRECOQ3aBIDQQcmdZViewItem

Ky Headhunter · 03-05-2009, 01:45 PM

Thanks for the link Norby. It's got a little over a day left. Not sure whether or not to bid... it's definitely a TC maxiball pictured, but 400 grains. I would surely think it would still shoot well from my rifle, but who knows? May just have to go for it, can't find hide nor hair of a mould for the 430 grainers.

Saw that Saeco also has a .54 maxi mould, but they list theirs at 480 grains.

UncleNorby · 03-06-2009, 03:27 AM

Saeco is prety proud of their mold - $81 American!

Ky Headhunter · 03-06-2009, 06:23 AM

Proud indeed! NEI is about the same.

I think I've worked out a deal for a used T/C mould in good shape over at castboolits for $35 shipped. Great website for casting info.

Thanks again for the replies!

Screwbolts · 03-06-2009, 11:28 AM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Ky Headhunter

Proud indeed! NEI is about the same.

I think I've worked out a deal for a used T/C mould in good shape over at castboolits for $35 shipped. Great website for casting info.

Thanks again for the replies!

Yes It is, you done good getting the spelling right of the name of that sight, now we just need to work on mold.

Nothing like a good Cast Boolit