Hollow point conversion of one or multiple cavities of most Lyman, Ideal, RCBS, Saeco, and other steel, brass, cast iron, or high quality aluminum bullet molds.

Inset-Bar hollow point conversion

$50.00 per altered cavity Inset-Bar conversion examples

Sturdier than Cramer-style conversions and just as fast, if not faster! Nearly any mold of any caliber or number of cavities can be converted to hollow point using this system. Including newer large-block single-cavity Lyman, RCBS and other similar bullet molds. Inset-Bar assemblies are fitted to slide freely.

H&G 4 cavity molds can have up to 3 cavities converted with my Inset-Bar system. LBT and similar molds can have any and all cavities converted with this system.

Note: Small-block size single-cavity molds such as the old Lyman and Ideal are not suitable for this conversion.

Additional Inset-Bar Assemblies

$20.00 per cavity

Additional Inset-Bar assemblies, fitted at time of modification. Number of cavities must match primary Inset-Bar assembly.

Inset-Bar Extractor linkage option

$20.00 per mold Inset-Bar extractor option example

Inset-Bar Extractor linkage eases casting by pulling the inset-bar with hollow point pins out of the cavities as the handles are opened.

Mold guide users please note: Extractor link is not compatible with most mold guides.

Cramer style conversions

$45.00 per altered cavity Cramer style mold conversion examples

Makes for very fast casting! Cramer style conversion cavities are carefully centered and aligned, drilled undersize, and finish reamed to size. Precisely matched sets of hollow point pins are manufactured, tips polished, then fitted with sliding cross pins. Cramer pins are fitted to slide easily in the mold without binding or drag. (Nose profiles are limited to performance proven taper and depths to ensure easy bullet release from pin.)

This conversion is available for many of the two, four, or six cavity molds. (semi-captive HP pins, mutiple cavities of a mold can be altered) Conversion is not available for single cavity molds or for bullet molds less than .32 caliber. I need a minimum of .550" of solid block area beyond the altered nose of the bullet cavity for this conversion. RCBS molds are an excellent choice for this conversion.

Note: Only one cavity of two cavity molds by NEI and Mountain Molds can be modified to the Cramer style system as the handle mount screw holes are too close to one of the cavities. Some molds have an alignment pin or other hole or interference to prevent conversion of certain cavities. End cavities on Saeco 4 cavity molds can not be converted due to the block alignment pins.

New (March 2010) Many of these can be converted with the Inset-Bar Hollow Point conversion.

Additional Cramer conversion alternate profile pins

$20.00 each

Additional Cramer style alternate profile pins fitted at time of modification.

Post conversion replacements $25.00 each

Fitted replacement pins for original Cramer hollow point molds

$35.00 each Cramer replacement pin example

Available for original hollow point molds manufactured by the Cramer mold company. I need the original mold to properly fit the pin.

Cramer and Inset-Bar Note: Bullets with larger cavities cast before mold reaches full temperature may tend to stick somewhat to the hollow point pin tip. For best results, start with a pre-heated mold and alloy approximately 850° F. Once mold is at temperature (about a dozen casts) and bullets are falling freely from pins alloy temperature can be reduced to around 750° F. As the mold and pins build up an oxide layer from repeated use, bullet release will become easier. Pins should slide freely; tapping on sliding pins is not recommended for any mold! Tap lightly on handle-pivot while opening mold block if the castings are sticking in the cavity.

Standard hollow point modifications

$35.00 each Standard hollow-point conversion examples

Standard hollow point modifications are carefully centered and aligned, drilled undersize, and finish reamed to provide a properly centered slip fit of the precision pin and knob assembly.

Includes: knob assembly fitted with one pin profile of your choice. (Standard pin sizes up to .250". Larger pin sizes and more radical alterations available at additional cost.)

Extra standard hollow point handle with pin

$25.00 each Replacement pins with handles

Complete standard hollow point handle with pin fitted to the mold I modified in your choice of flat point, cup point, or various hollow point profiles.

Extra / Alternate single tip pin for use in Standard hollow point knob assembly

$7.50 each

Extra / Alternate pins to fit the standard handle assembly for a different cavity size or profile, cup point, or for casting with a flat point as if unmodified. For sizes up to .250" diameter. (Not applicable for original Lyman / Ideal style pins.)

Replacement pins for factory hollow-pointed molds

Hollow point mold Replacement pin examples

Original HP pin bore can be corrected for a worn, tapered, or out of round pin bore. Original style replacement pin assemblies are one piece and do not have interchangeable pin tips. Factory hollow pointed mold must be provided for the fitting of replacement pin.

Alignment of an off-center mold hollow point pin bore is not included in listed prices (correction is available).

Original style molds may be altered instead to the standard hollow point conversion, enabling interchangeable pin tip styles (standard hollow point conversion fee applies).

Lyman or Ideal factory original hollow point molds (current or vintage production)

$35.00 each

Hensley & Gibbs factory-style replacement hollow point pins.

$35.00 each

Repairs and alterations available

$15.00 to $25.00 per repair Mold with Lightly milled sprue side

Gas check shank or bevel base removal and other repair or alterations such as:

  • Repairs of stripped screw holes.
  • Broken off screws or taps.
  • Sprue side resurfacing by milling machine.
  • Correction of damage to mold.
  • Replacement of missing parts. screws and parts
  • Correction of damage from improper alterations
  • TIG micro-welding available. Contact for quote weld repair example

Gas check or bevel base removal and/or rear drive band enlargement

$15.00 setup per mold + $5.00 per cavity.

Alteration performed with a simple boring head and boring bar with a manual Bridgeport milling machine, or if more appropriate with a Bridgeport CNC mill.

Drive band enlargement of multiple bands

$25.00 setup fee per mold + $5.00 per drive band enlarged. Lyman recut bands (and more examples)

All work performed starting with careful measurements of castings and mold dimensions. Machining performed on a Bridgeport CNC mill with special purpose cutters. A nose band can be added to a bullet with an undersized nose to fit it to the bore.

REQUIRED: send a few unsized castings from the mold along for measurement reference.

I won't do all the bands on a Loverin design mold!

  • Before you ship:
  • Shipping available to the USA.
  • All prices in US Dollars.
  • RCBS and Saeco molds will NOT fit in the small flat rate box.
  • Do not send handles and boxes because it costs more to ship and they are not required for conversion.
  • Please send the plastic RCBS mold box for modification to fit your Cramer-style conversion of RCBS molds.
  • Firmly secure the mold blocks to each other with tape, zip ties, or heavy rubber bands. This will help prevent damage during transit.
  • USPS priority mail (small box) $6.00
  • (up to 4) Lyman / Ideal 1 or 2 HP cavity (or similar small molds without boxes)
  • (up to 2) four cavity Lyman molds (HP conversion or other repairs)
  • (up to 2) larger frame molds, such as RCBS or Saeco double cavity with conversions.
  • Extras, such as plastic mold boxes may increase shipping fee.
  • USPS priority mail (medium box) $12.00
  • (2 or more) RCBS, Saeco, NEI or other larger framed molds.
  • other large orders.
  • USPS Shipping Insurance see the USPS price chart

Workmanship guaranteed

My workmanship is guaranteed, limited to a full refund of fees and exchange with a comparable current production mold.

Extra molds?

I always consider purchasing or trades for Lyman, Ideal, RCBS, Saeco, or other single or double cavity rifle and pistol molds. Contact me about extra molds you have available to sell or trade.