Traditional Muzzleloading Association
Shooting Traditional Firearms and Weapons => General Interest => Topic started by: chaffinl on May 24, 2009, 03:50:35 PM
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I'm looking for a bag ball mold for my .54. I know that Track of the Wolf has them and smiling fox and rapine sells them. has any used any of these. any one that I should stay away from.
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I would spend the extra bucks and get a Rapine.
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Ditto what Capt Jas said....
Al
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double ditto on the Rapine
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Unanimous so far.
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why rapine and not the others?
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In a word, I guess it would be quality.
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In a word, I guess it would be quality.
Yep, if one wants to actually use the mould and shoot it's produce, then the dollar difference is more than worth it.
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I have to agree. I have four in different sizes one for each weapon. A number of years ago I got a similar brass mould from Dixie for my .610s and it's not bad but when I went looking for some others they only make them in much smaller sizes now. I use it mostly for set dressing. The Rapine Bag Mould make very acceptable balls.
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If you're looking for a mold to set off your equipment while capable of making good roundballs a few at a time, a bag mold by Rapine is your mold.
If you're looking for a mold to make balls with in quantity, I'd suggest a Lee mold.
If you're having trouble finding a mold in an otherwise unavailable size you want, Jeff Tanner in England will make nearly any size you want for about $35.00 delivered. His molds are beyond excellent, but do not have provision for cutting the sprue. I use a plier type toenail clipper which looks for all the world like a chrome plated diagonal cutter.
http://www.jt-bullet-moulds.co.uk/ (http://www.jt-bullet-moulds.co.uk/)
Best of luck,
Three Hawks
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I sure agree to the quality of Jeff Tanner moulds. And at a price that is sure user friendly. But hardly a bag mould.
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I sure agree to the quality of Jeff Tanner moulds. And at a price that is sure user friendly. But hardly a bag mould.
Absolutely not a bag mold, but if you need a diameter not otherwise available or just a good mold that won't break the bank, Jeff's your man. I have one of his molds in .480". It cost less than $35 shipped and got here in about a week. They do require that you supply your own handles. Lyman small work like they were made for Jeff's molds, as do Lee's six banger handles.
I've also got a Dixie Italian brass mold in .490" that I bought twenty years ago or more. It drops a ball as round as my Lyman .440 or my Lee .490 and .390 molds. So if Dixie has your diameter, I can only say good things about them from my experience.
Three Hawks
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Regarding a bag mold I would have to agree on the Rapine for the best quality. If your looking to save a bit of money I will share that I have had good luck with one from Track of the Wolf. It seems to produce a pretty good round ball as long as I do my part in cutting the sprue. The brass Dixies that I have gotten over the years have been a mix of good to questionable. I have had no experience with any from Smiling Fox but if I remember correctly they do state that they may not cast a true "round" ball.
Medicine Soldier