First Impressions of Lee Round Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity
The world of reloading can be a rabbit hole of specialized tools and endless tinkering. However, at its core, it’s about precision, repeatability, and crafting ammunition tailored to your specific needs. The Lee Round Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity promises to be a gateway into that world, offering a relatively affordable and simple way to cast your own rifle bullets. I’ve spent years fine-tuning my reloading setup, but I’ve always been intrigued by casting.
I was drawn to this particular mould because I wanted to experiment with casting projectiles for my .30-30 lever action. I specifically wanted to develop a load for reduced-recoil practice and small game hunting. The round nose design seemed like a good starting point for reliable feeding in a lever gun.
Upon unboxing the Lee Round Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity, my first impression was that it’s a no-frills piece of equipment. It’s lightweight thanks to the Aluminum construction and the handles, although functional, look like they are from a bygone era. The blocks are crimped together which hopefully results in repeatable casts.
Compared to some of the more premium mould brands I’ve seen, like Lyman or RCBS, the Lee Round Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity definitely has a more utilitarian feel. I considered those brands but opted for the Lee mould because of its lower price point and reputation for producing usable bullets. I also liked that it was a double cavity mould – for faster production.
My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. It wasn’t the prettiest piece of equipment I’ve ever handled, but I was eager to see if it could produce consistent, accurate bullets. The price point made it an attractive entry into casting, and I was hoping it would deliver on its promise of affordable bullet production.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Round Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity to the Test
First Use Experience
My first casting session with the Lee Round Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity took place in my garage, which I’ve converted into a reloading and casting area. I used a propane burner and a lead pot to melt down some reclaimed range lead. Ventilation is key!
The mould heated up quickly thanks to the Aluminum construction. It was surprisingly easy to start producing bullets after applying some mould release and getting the temperature dialed in. The bullets dropped relatively easily after each pour.
The process took a bit of getting used to. There was a learning curve involved in finding the right pouring speed and timing to get consistent fill-out. The handles got quite hot after a while, even with gloves, so I had to take breaks.
The initial results were a mix of good and bad. Some bullets were perfectly formed, while others had minor imperfections like slight wrinkles or incomplete fill-out. With each casting session, the number of perfect bullets increased.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Lee Round Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity, it’s proven to be a reliable, if somewhat basic, tool. The mould still heats up quickly and produces consistent bullets once you get the hang of it.
I have noticed some slight wear on the mould faces. This is to be expected with repeated use and the abrasive nature of molten lead. Regular cleaning with a lead removal cloth helps minimize the buildup and maintain the mould’s performance.
Maintenance is simple. I clean the mould after each casting session and apply a fresh coat of mould release. I also check the alignment of the mould halves periodically to ensure they’re crimped tightly. The bullets outperform factory loads in accuracy and reduce recoil when used with proper powder charge.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Round Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity
Specifications
The Lee Round Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity is designed for casting round nose bullets. This bullet shape is known for its reliable feeding characteristics in lever-action rifles and other firearms with tubular magazines.
The mould is constructed from Aluminum, which offers excellent heat transfer properties. This allows for faster heating and cooling, resulting in quicker bullet production compared to moulds made from steel or iron.
The mould features a double cavity design. This means it casts two bullets simultaneously, increasing your production rate compared to single-cavity moulds.
The included handles provide a comfortable grip and allow for easy manipulation of the mould during the casting process. However, the handles are not insulated, so gloves are highly recommended.
The mould is compatible with most standard bullet casting furnaces and accessories. This makes it easy to integrate into an existing reloading setup.
These specifications contribute to a relatively straightforward and efficient bullet casting experience. The Aluminum construction, double cavity design, and included handles make it easy to get started.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Round Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity performs its primary function – casting bullets – adequately. With some practice and attention to detail, it produces consistent and usable projectiles.
Its strength lies in its simplicity and affordability. It’s a great entry-level option for those new to bullet casting. The biggest weakness is the lack of insulation on the handles.
The Lee Round Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity meets expectations for a budget-friendly mould. While it may not have the refined features of higher-end options, it gets the job done.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Lee Round Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity is functional, but not exceptional. The Aluminum is lightweight and durable enough for its intended purpose.
The mould is relatively comfortable to handle, although the lack of insulation on the handles becomes noticeable during extended casting sessions. There’s a slight learning curve to mastering the pouring technique, but it’s generally user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Lee Round Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity should last for a reasonable amount of time. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to prevent lead buildup and maintain smooth operation.
The mould is easy to disassemble and clean. Replacement parts, such as handles, are readily available from Lee if needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Round Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity comes with handles. The handles are functional and easy to use.
There are no other included accessories or customization options for the mould itself. However, it’s compatible with standard bullet casting furnaces, lead pots, and mould release agents from various brands.
Pros and Cons of Lee Round Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity
Pros
- Affordable entry point into bullet casting. The Lee Round Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity allows one to begin casting without a huge investment.
- Aluminum construction allows rapid heating and cooling. This speeds up the casting process.
- Double cavity design increases bullet production rate. Two bullets are cast at a time.
- Easy to use with a minimal learning curve. New casters can start producing bullets relatively quickly.
- Compatible with standard casting equipment. This includes furnaces and accessories.
Cons
- Handles lack insulation. Gloves are essential for comfortable and safe operation.
- Build quality is basic. It may not be as durable as higher-end moulds.
- Requires practice to achieve consistent results. Getting the pouring technique right takes time.
Who Should Buy Lee Round Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity?
The Lee Round Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity is perfect for reloaders seeking an affordable way to cast their own rifle bullets. It is great for those experimenting with different bullet designs, or developing custom loads. It is especially good for those interested in crafting reduced-recoil loads for practice or small game hunting.
Those seeking premium quality or maximum durability should consider other options. Those who don’t want to deal with an initial learning curve may also be better off buying commercially cast bullets.
Must-have accessories include a lead pot, bullet casting furnace, mould release agent, and a good pair of heat-resistant gloves.
Conclusion on Lee Round Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity
The Lee Round Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity is a solid entry-level option for anyone looking to get into bullet casting. It’s affordable, easy to use, and produces usable bullets with a bit of practice.
The price is definitely justified for what you get. However, be prepared to invest in some essential accessories and put in the time to master the casting technique.
I would recommend it to anyone looking to dip their toes into bullet casting without breaking the bank. It is a good way to learn the basics and develop your skills. Give it a try and unlock a new level of customization and control over your ammunition!