I found a secondhand Lyman 358429 mould recently, and it is a newer "revised" version of the bullet with the thinner front driving band compared to the other version with the thicker appearing band. Why did Lyman change that band? I have had good accuracy with both, I am just curious as to what was the point of changing it.

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Vaya con Dios

To allow the loaded cartridge to chamber in different guns. Are you asking about them shortening the front driving band, or their reduction in diameter. They did both. The reduction in front (driving) band diameter was to allow easier chambering in revolvers with tighter cylinder throats. Early Colt DA revolvers often had .355 to .356 throats, and bullets with a .358 driving band were difficult to chamber. And even worse once the chamber fouled a bit. The shortened and reduced driving band made chambering easier under these circumstances.

I agree with 358156hp it was for easier chambering , but narrowing the band I don`t know unless the difference was to shorten AOL of the boolit.

David , if ya do some searching on Castboolits.com I think there`s a long thread on this subject of the 358429.

All I can say is thank goodness for NOE Bullet Moulds !!!!