bag ball molds

[chaffinl]

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.

[Capt. Jas.]

I would spend the extra bucks and get a Rapine.

[Two Steps]

Ditto what Capt Jas said....
Al

[pathfinder]

double ditto on the Rapine

[Bigsmoke]

Unanimous so far.

[chaffinl]

why rapine and not the others?

[Bigsmoke]

In a word, I guess it would be quality.

[Capt. Jas.]

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.

[Sir Michael]

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.

[Three Hawks]

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/

Best of luck,

Three Hawks

[Bigsmoke]

I sure agree to the quality of Jeff Tanner moulds.  And at a price that is sure user friendly.  But hardly a bag mould.

[Three Hawks]

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

[MedicineSoldier]

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