Ancient Bullet Molds (IM))

KHornet

Well-Known Member
I recently bought two old Ideal molds.They are marked308251(154), and 3022(165). These are one piece mold and handle, single cav, plain base, and appear to be well used, but well cared for. I can find no reference material among my collection of bullet discriptions for either of these two bullet molds and would appreciate any information on same. As soon as I have another chance to cast I will see what they will produce. Am most curious about the one marker 154 (presume wt). I am also presumeing that these a among some of the first Ideal molds made, and were for Black powder loading.

Paul
 
Last edited:

Pistolero

Well-Known Member
I have no idea when they went from integral handles to separate handles, but certainly a
very long time ago. Just a guess, but pre 1900?

Some interesting info, but may be even earlier than your molds.

www.castpics.net/subsite/HistMolds/Ideal_barlow.pdf

Mentions 308223 added in 1902 Handbook. 1904 Handbook added 308256,7 and 9, so after your
number. As naval gunners say, "We have him bracketed." So, seems about 1902 or 3 for that
number first showing up. Still no idea when they stopped integral handles.

Bill
 
Last edited:

RicinYakima

High Steppes of Eastern Washington
Please check first one: 308241 154 grains was the standard Krag target bullets for many years. Mould number two may be 3082 for the .32 Remington for the Hepburn.

Detachable handles were not made until Lyman bought the remains of the Ideal/Marlin/Phelps in 1927. Detachable handles were invented by Modern Bond company of Delaware in about 1922. Old left over tools that had moulds on them, were machined off flat to use separate mould blocks beginning about 1928 and continued until they ran out of old stock.
 

358156 hp

At large, whereabouts unknown.
There's also an ancient 30822 listed. My stuff shows cherry #251 as a .429 caliber.