358429 Ideal

[358156 hp]

I finally got to take pics of my new 358429 Ideal Keith mould. I'm guesstimating that it's from the early '30s. The pics are a little deceiving online, that's not rust on the blocks, it's dried oil, and the mould is that really cool dark blue I've seen on other moulds from the early thirties, my early 429422 had the same type finish. I originally bought this mould because it looked like an ealry mould in "beater" condition. I was going to hollowpoint it, but that's not happening now. The stamping of the mould identification appears to be done by hand with individual number stamps. I haven't test cast with it yet, my hope is that it's a 173 gr mould, even though it has a rounded grease groove. Now I need to find time to test cast with it.

 

[S Mac]

Very nice, I've got a soft spot for Ideal moulds. And when you get a rhythm going you can make a nice pile in short order with a single cavity.

 

[Ben]

Very nice, I've got a soft spot for Ideal moulds.

That's 2 of us !

Ben

 

[KHornet]

Make that 3 of us!

Have a double of that mold. Shoots very well out of my 94 Win 357
and my Blackhawk. Is to long for my old colt, but loaded in P+ loads in special brass
shoots just great in the colt and the wifes German made revolver with colt length
cylinder. The old Kieth 429 is one of my favorites to both cast and load. Sort of feel
a kinship with old Elmer and his bullets.

Paul

 

[358156 hp]

I feel the most interesting aspect of Keiths legacy has been that while some of his findings have been supplanted by newer developments, none of his findings are bad choices to this day. Some of his designs are almost 100 years old, and are still as effective as many of the newer developments. Keith was cranky, opinionated, set in his ways, and in most cases right.

I too get all excited over the discovery of a desirable old Ideal mould, regardless of the design. The unvented moulds are especially fascinating when I find them.