Lyman/Ideal mould question

[Scotsman1886]

I know very little about casting bullets. I ended up with a few old Lyman/Ideal moulds in a deal. In the process of selling one for 357 a question of "square lube grooves" came up. I know this particular mould isn't in the lyman catalog anymore so are the "square non square" grooves an issue? Was it an improvement when they switched? I would like to know for my own sake

[Graybeard]

Some folks seem to care, personally I don't. It's just never seemed to be an issue with any bullet I've cast in their moulds. I don't even bother checking to see which it is. If I like the overall shape/design of the bullet I buy the mould, if I don't like it I don't. I personally think folks are kidding mostly themselves regarding which type lube groove it has.

[Bitterroot Bob]

Well,
Theoretically the square bottom groove is evenly compressed under the propellant gas pressure and squeezes the lube against the barrel. I guess. I have two Lyman #429421 moulds. One has square and the other is round. Both shoot equally well.
The square groove would have more surface area and lube would not be as prone to fall out during handling. That would be an advantage over the round groove.
Be sure to find a first or second edition of the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook. They are great resources for identifying obsolete mould numbers.

Bitterroot

[crabo]

Is the Lyman  a good quality mold to buy for a beginning or experienced castor?

Thanks,

Crabo

[John Traveler]

Lyman and the old Ideal bullet mold company are the great-great-grandaddy of bullet mold makers.  The boast well over 130 years of experience in the manufacturing of bullet casting equipment.  YES, it is a good brand of bullet mold for both beginner and experts.