Lee Round Nose Pistol Mould – 6 Cavity Review

First Impressions of Lee Round Nose Pistol Mould – 6 Cavity

The world of reloading can be daunting, a complex alchemy of brass, powder, and lead. For years, I’ve explored various bullet casting methods, from simple single-cavity molds to more complex setups. My latest acquisition, the Lee Round Nose Pistol Mould – 6 Cavity, promises increased efficiency without breaking the bank.

I was looking to streamline my bullet casting process for pistol calibers, specifically 9mm and .45 ACP, to reduce the time spent at the casting pot. The Lee Round Nose Pistol Mould – 6 Cavity stood out for its promise of producing six bullets at a time. This is a significant upgrade from my older single and double cavity molds.

Upon unboxing, the mold felt surprisingly lightweight, a hallmark of Lee‘s aluminum construction. The build quality seemed reasonable for the price point, with the block halves crimped together, promising consistent bullet dimensions. The absence of handles was immediately apparent, requiring a separate purchase, which is a common practice with Lee molds.

Compared to my RCBS two-cavity mold, the Lee feels less robust, but the potential for higher output is undeniable. I chose this mold over a similar Lyman product due to the Lee‘s lower price and the generally positive reviews regarding its ability to produce consistent bullets. My initial impression is cautiously optimistic; I’m hoping the increased output will outweigh any perceived compromises in build quality. It seems like a good value, though, at $69.99

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Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Round Nose Pistol Mould – 6 Cavity to the Test

First Use Experience

My first casting session with the Lee Round Nose Pistol Mould – 6 Cavity took place in my garage, which I’ve converted into a dedicated reloading space. I preheated the mold on a hot plate to ensure proper alloy flow, and I used my standard lead alloy, a blend of reclaimed range lead and tin. The mold heated up quickly, thanks to its aluminum construction.

Initially, I struggled with getting consistent fill-out, especially in all six cavities. This was quickly solved by increasing the alloy temperature slightly and ensuring a smooth, continuous pour. The bullets dropped easily from the mold once it reached the optimal temperature, with minimal sticking. I tested it in both .45 ACP and 9mm.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Lee Round Nose Pistol Mould – 6 Cavity has proven to be a reliable, albeit slightly finicky, performer. The aluminum construction, while lightweight, shows signs of minor wear around the sprue plate. However, with proper care, I expect it to last for a reasonable amount of time.

Maintaining the mold is straightforward. I clean it with a brass brush after each casting session to remove any lead residue. I also apply a light coat of mold release to prevent sticking. Compared to my older iron molds, the Lee is much easier to clean and maintain. This mold has significantly increased my bullet production compared to my previous single-cavity mold, though it does require some attention to maintain consistent quality.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Round Nose Pistol Mould – 6 Cavity

Specifications

The Lee Round Nose Pistol Mould – 6 Cavity is specifically designed for casting round nose bullets for pistol calibers. It is constructed from aluminum, which promotes rapid heating and cooling. The mold features six cavities, significantly increasing casting speed.

The mold does not include handles, requiring them to be purchased separately. It is designed to be used with Lee‘s standard mold handles. The crimped block halves ensure consistent bullet dimensions.

Performance & Functionality

The Lee Round Nose Pistol Mould – 6 Cavity performs admirably when properly heated and used. It produces consistent round nose bullets, ideal for target shooting and general plinking. The six-cavity design significantly speeds up the casting process, allowing for more efficient use of time and resources.

The mold’s main strength is its ability to produce a large number of bullets quickly and efficiently. The main weakness is its aluminum construction, which can be prone to wear and requires careful temperature management. Overall, it meets my expectations for a budget-friendly, high-output bullet mold.

Design & Ergonomics

The aluminum construction of the Lee Round Nose Pistol Mould – 6 Cavity makes it lightweight and easy to handle, reducing fatigue during long casting sessions. The block halves are precisely machined, ensuring consistent bullet dimensions. The design is simple and functional, prioritizing ease of use and efficient bullet production.

However, the lack of included handles is a minor inconvenience. The mold is generally user-friendly, although it requires some practice to master the art of maintaining consistent temperature and pour rate.

Durability & Maintenance

The aluminum construction, while lightweight, is not as durable as iron or steel. The Lee Round Nose Pistol Mould – 6 Cavity is susceptible to wear and tear, especially around the sprue plate and cavity edges. With proper care and maintenance, however, it should last for several years of regular use.

Maintenance is straightforward. After each casting session, I clean the mold with a brass brush to remove lead residue and then store it in a dry place. I occasionally apply a light coat of mold release to prevent sticking and ensure smooth bullet release.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Round Nose Pistol Mould – 6 Cavity itself does not come with any accessories other than the mold blocks themselves. It requires the purchase of separate mold handles, preferably Lee‘s own brand. There are no specific customization options for the mold itself.

However, the round nose bullets produced by the mold can be customized through various sizing and lubricating techniques. The bullets are compatible with standard bullet sizing dies and lubricants. You may need to purchase a sprue plate lubricant to ensure the sprue plate moves smoothly.

Pros and Cons of Lee Round Nose Pistol Mould – 6 Cavity