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How to Identify a Bullet Mold

Those unfamiliar with firearms often are confused over what a bullet actually is. A cartridge for a firearm is actually a collection of several parts, including the brass case that holds the gun powder, and the bullet that sits in the case and is fired out the barrel. It wasn't until the mid-1850s that premade bullets were generally available. Until then, most gun owners made their own bullets by casting lead in molds. Finding a unidentified mold without the manufacturer or caliber markings and wanting to know what type of bullet it makes calls for careful measurements and a study of reference books.

Things You'll Need

Caliper
Reference books

Instructions

- 1
  Examine the mold carefully with a magnifying glass to find any manufacturer's marks and caliber size. Custom bullet molds and many antique models do not have them.
- 2
  Measure the width and length of the mold with calipers. Place the fixed jaw of the caliper on the outside of the mold for the bullet and adjust the other jaw to measure the distance. Depending upon the mold, the width might be smaller than a 1/4 inch and almost as wide as an inch. The height of the bullet can also vary.
- 3
  Note the shape of the bullet nose. It can be round, conical, flat-tipped or hollow.
- 4
  Check the size of the bullet and the shape of the nose against caliber references in books such as the Handloader's Digest or the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook. Current editions usually have up-to-date caliber information, but if it is an older or antique bullet mold, an edition of either book from 30 to 40 years ago might have better information.

Gun Collecting