Lee round ball mold

[Hungry Horse]

 I was given some Lee round ball molds, all seem to be pretty straight forward as to what caliber muzzleloader they were designed for, except one. The mold in question is a single cavity round ball mold with Lee's parts number 90413. The number, and measurement seem to indicate that this mold throws a .413 round ball. I can't imagine what modern muzzleloader was produced in large enough quantities in .42 caliber for Lee to put such a mold into production. It might also be the reason the mold look unused.

 Hungry Horse

[P.W.Berkuta]

I think it maybe for some of the .44 cal front stuffers of years past. Look at a ball diameter and a patch thickness of 0.015" which total 0.413" + 0.015" X 2 =0.443". I got an old flint pistol that takes a 0.430" to 0.435" ball depending on patch thickness. There must have been some call for it or Lee would not have made it  .

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Just cast a ball from it and measure the ball.  At least you'll know precisely what ball it throws...what the ball is for is another issue.

[longcruise]

Look Gain carefully.  There is a 90415 (.350) and a 90418 (.360).

Either easily mistaken for 413

[Fyrstyk]

The old Numrich Arms .45 caliber guns shot a much smaller ball than .440.  Maybe this mold was for those guns.

[smylee grouch]

I was told by one of the muzzleloading suppliers at the NMLRA Western shoot that Lee would make any size you wanted if you order enough of them. But I think the imported guns from 50 years ago would probably use such a size. My guess anyway.

[Kermit]

I was told by one of the muzzleloading suppliers at the NMLRA Western shoot that Lee would make any size you wanted if you order enough of them. But I think the imported guns from 50 years ago would probably use such a size. My guess anyway.

True, in the past.

[markwi]

Ask Lee, they should have some idea.

[B.Habermehl]

I have one and use it on my grand children's smoothe bore .45 cal trade gun. It works and loads nicely with a sensible patch combo. A more conventional .440 is a bit too tight for the kids to load themselves with out a short starter and a crew wacker mallet. BJH

[mtlonghunter]

H and Harald used to make a .425 cal. It my fit that ?

[mtlonghunter]

That's H and H.

[Dennis Glazener]

Guys, I hate to keep harping on this but discussion of non sidelock muzzleloaders is not allowed anywhere on this forum. Please read the rules and please comply: http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=42270.0

There are many other forums that allow more modern firearms to be discussed.

Thanks
Dennis Glazener
ALR Admin