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Hot Topic (More than 10 Replies) any Mold handle recommendations? (Read 1655 times)
bohemianway
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any Mold handle recommendations?
Dec 3rd, 2022 at 12:38pm
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I just picked up a new Saeco 640 DC (370gr, 40 cal) mold from the LGS and never realized that all of my dozens of molds are all Single cavities. So I do not own a set of magnum handles. My plans are to get a couple of KAL molds once I make contact (I still have not gotten a reply from them) and Accurate molds. 

So what are the best options? I know of the clamp type from BACO and Lee 6 cavity handles but am wondering if any of the makers have better choices (or if someone has a DIY design that is the Bee's Knees).

Thank you for your continued advice and patience,
Charles
  
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mes
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Re: any Mold handle recommendations?
Reply #1 - Dec 3rd, 2022 at 1:24pm
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LEE
  

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JLouis
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Re: any Mold handle recommendations?
Reply #2 - Dec 3rd, 2022 at 4:01pm
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In my own opinion if they the handles are not extremely comfortable to us.
Try modifying what you have until the actually do.
  

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JLouis
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Re: any Mold handle recommendations?
Reply #3 - Dec 3rd, 2022 at 4:12pm
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Just me but I am a firm believer that we can learn allot more from each of our own personal experiences by far allot more than anything that we can read.
Why because this is all taking place right now as we all.contine to share and not what might have taken place in the past.
Those days and times are now all.long gone and now they belong to all of yourselves.
  

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Ranch13
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Re: any Mold handle recommendations?
Reply #4 - Dec 3rd, 2022 at 6:26pm
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KAL handles are great, but I don't think they'll handle the double cavity blocks.
Might try a set of the locking mold handles they sell on Shiloh's web page.
  
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bohemianway
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Re: any Mold handle recommendations?
Reply #5 - Dec 3rd, 2022 at 6:33pm
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I did find a new set of Lee 6 cavity handles in the pile so I will drill new holes to match the Saeco pin size and move them in closer to the pivot to improve clamping force. Eventually I would like to try the aluminum locking ones. I am afraid that the steel ones would simply be to heavy as I find my big 50 caliber fatiguing after awhile. The KAL handles look nice for only 50% more than the lee's if he ever gets back to me.
  
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oneatatime
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Re: any Mold handle recommendations?
Reply #6 - Dec 3rd, 2022 at 7:49pm
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I have Hoch (Saeco?)
Jones
Saeco
RCBS
Lee
CabinTree (original and MVA aluminum)
Hensley and Gibbs
Lyman
Of course the most comfortable to use are the old Lymans. They feel good in the hand and don't put the mold so far out that it feels unbalanced. The newer Lymans come next but are not as comfortable. The Lees are good but not every mold fits. The RCBS and Saeco are similar but, again, not every mold fits. The H&G is a 6 gang so out of the discussion. If the arms of the handles are a loose fit in the mold slot they can be fussy in realigning the mold halves on closing. The Cabin Trees can be unhandy because of their length but they do ensure a standard mold closing. The aluminum ones are less tiring in use. I like the Cabin Tree on my heavier match bullet twin cavity molds.
« Last Edit: Dec 3rd, 2022 at 7:56pm by oneatatime »  
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BudHyett
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Re: any Mold handle recommendations?
Reply #7 - Dec 3rd, 2022 at 9:35pm
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The NOE mold handles fit many molds. They are quality. the hinge bolt lasts and they will accommodate two-cavity molds. If they are loose by being too thin, I add a piece of brass shim stock to tighten them.

And they are $41.50 in comparison to other handles. 

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marlinguy
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Re: any Mold handle recommendations?
Reply #8 - Dec 4th, 2022 at 1:10pm
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Why not just get Saeco handles for their molds? In my opinion the Saeco handles I own are some of the finest made. They're longer than most others, so it takes less grip strength too keep them tightly closed. Not cheap, but worth the extra cost.
  

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ISS
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Re: any Mold handle recommendations?
Reply #9 - Dec 6th, 2022 at 11:21pm
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I have Jones handles on every one of his molds I own.  Other than that, most of the ones I have bought the NOE are very good.  I think I have about twenty of Swede's molds (NOE) and they are well made.

Rich
  
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JLouis
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Re: any Mold handle recommendations?
Reply #10 - Dec 7th, 2022 at 12:47pm
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These are Hoch handles that I modified for my own use. 
I drilled and tapped it for the four adjustment screws that are being shown.
These are used to perfectly align each of the mould halves on closing.
They also eliminate any swiveling effects and miss alignment of the alignment pins. 
They are also very well balanced and extremely comfortable to use. 
They can also be used for a wide variety of different moulds. 

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Joe_S
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Re: any Mold handle recommendations?
Reply #11 - Dec 10th, 2022 at 8:26pm
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I have the Lee handles on all my molds and am 100% satisfied. However, I do like the locking mold handles which are made by at least two makers. I use the locking handles for my benchrest "match" bullets. 
I dont think you will be disappointed with the Lee handles. 

Joe S
  
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JLouis
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Re: any Mold handle recommendations?
Reply #12 - Dec 11th, 2022 at 4:35pm
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I have a friend who has several of those locking handles.
The blocks are so extremely sloppy on when mounted on them in regards to easily being re-aligned on closing the moulds have quickly been destroyed. 
Closed is actually completely closed and it easily done by hand and there is absolutely no need for what I would consider to be Vise Grip handles.
  

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uscra112
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Re: any Mold handle recommendations?
Reply #13 - Dec 11th, 2022 at 5:42pm
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I bought a set of toggle handles several years ago.  No problems with block alignment that I've detected.  I've used it with 2-cavity moulds from NOE, Lyman, Accurate, and Arsenal, and probably others. 

As my hands got weaker the toggle became more and more appreciated.  Despite being heavier, I get less tired than with ordinary types.  Only problem was that the main handle was slick, so I wrapped it in tennis players' grip tape.  

As the toggle assembly gets hotter the force needed to close it  goes up.  About halfway through a 20 lb. pot I have to stop and readjust. 
« Last Edit: Dec 13th, 2022 at 5:22pm by uscra112 »  

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bohemianway
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Re: any Mold handle recommendations?
Reply #14 - Dec 13th, 2022 at 5:19pm
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Well I decided to stop in at Trackofthewolf and picked up 4 of the Lee handles to start with. At some point I will most likely try the Aluminum lockers. Almost cost me more for the Lee's since the local constabulary decided to pull me over ( the one time I actually drove like an older responsible driver). He must of seen something suspicious about the car because he said I was stopped because it was drizzling and I did not have my headlights on. Anyway, he let me go without a warning. And thy showed that they were out of 56-50 Spencer brass but they actually had a few so I picked up ten to see if they will easily make 50 Remington pistol since I only have 20 pcs. of the BR&C brass.
  
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