I've a bunch of questions about some old molds that I picked up.

First is the "Cramer" mold. I have three #24A, #45, #56. #24 looks like a .38 pistol bullet(SWC), #45 looks like a .270 rifle bullet, and #56 looks to be of 6m/m. The molds have no other markings

Next is a "Hensley & Gibbs. One is a #50, the other a A2199. Both look like they cast .38 calibre. The former W.C., the latter SWC's.

Is anyone familiar with these items? Any and all help would be appreciated.

packrat

The moulds that you picked up are all quality. The H/G are some of the best that have been made. The Cramers are equilly excellent. I have an old H/G catalog, but I'm to lazy to waddle to the basement to dig it out. I do not have anything on the Cramers.

Packrat,

I have a #50 like yours. Mine is a 10 cavity and I paid, I think, $95 for it used. It requires an electric side burner to pre-heat it because its so massive. Simply casting bullets with it will not produce good results. This mould drops 148 grain +/- slugs using wheel weights for bullet metal.

Make sure your moulds are like surgically clean before you cast so that your castings will fill out completely and so that they won't stick to the cavities once you open the mould. Be really careful to not round-over the edges of the cavities that give the castings their shape.

Balisticast now makes the H&G style moulds. You could go to their website for more information. That old green H&G catalogue has some wonderful information relative to the breaking-in of new moulds. Let me know if you need a copy.

Paul