using a mold with a separate base

[bones92]

I have a mold that has a separate base plug with wooden handle.  How is this meant to be held in place while casting bullets?  There is a washer-like piece on the base plug... does that get tucked under the screw on the bottom of the mold?

Thanks. 

[JBJ]

Yes it does. All of the baseplugs you describe that I have used have a d-ring snap ring as the "washer". The gap in the d-ring passes the screw in the base of the mold and then the plug is given a slight twist which allows the d-ring to pass under the head of the screw. This results in the baseplug being held in the mold.
J.B.

[wet willy]

It might be a mold for a hollow-base bullet. I have several for 58cal Minie. In use, the "base" with the ring fits a groove in the mold block. Insert the base in the mold, close it thus locking the base in place, pour, let cool for a few seconds, open and remove the base, then drop the hollow-based bullet from the mold.

[bones92]

It is a Parker Hale mould for .575 Minie bullets.

[wet willy]

You have a treasure! Parker-Hale made some of the finest molds, especially for their CW muskets.

[bones92]

Ok. I will try this mould out sometime soon.

[Daryl]

In the 1853 3-band rifle, 1858 2 band rifle and 1861 Musketoons - whether Parker Hale or Italian made, I've found cloth-patched round balls out-shoot Minnie 'balls'. All my testing with 2 and 3 band

rifles was with Parker Hale made rifles.

The muzzles do need some smoothing to allow loading a decently patched ball.

Friend Neil uses 50gr. 3F in his PH Musketoon which shoots well indeed and will put a patched .575" round ball all the way through a whitetail deer.

My Italian made 1861 Musketoon prefers 75 to 85gr. 2F GOEX & .562" balls with .022" patch. 75gr. chronoed1,308fps, equivalent about to Lyman's 110/115gr.2F load level.

[bones92]

Yes, I would like to try PRB in an 1853.  My 1853 is a Parker Hale,  as well.

[Daryl]

Couple times I've owned Zouave, Italian made rifles. They also shot extremely well with patched round balls.  I used .575" balls and .018" to .020" denim and of course, they were smoothly re-crowned using emery or paper in 320 grit.  Put a cloth plug down the bore about an inch, to catch the stone and steel 'grindings'.  Hook it and pull it out and ALL of the $#@* comes with it.

I get old "hooks" from my Dentist's assistants. They come in very handy for odd jobs.  With a bent end broken off then the end sharpened, they make very good awls and leather punches. MANY USES.