First Impressions of Lee Round Flat Nose Pistol Mould – 6 Cavity
The Lee Round Flat Nose Pistol Mould – 6 Cavity promises volume production for reloaders looking to keep their costs down. Made by Lee, a company known for affordable reloading equipment, this mould aims to provide a cost-effective way to cast a large number of bullets quickly. Will it live up to the promise of efficient, high-volume bullet casting, or will its affordability come at the expense of quality and ease of use?
I was drawn to this product because I’ve been looking to ramp up my production of .45 ACP rounds for my 1911. Handloading is already a cost saver, but the bottleneck has always been the casting process. I needed a mould that would let me churn out a significant number of bullets without sacrificing too much in terms of consistency.
My initial impressions were mixed upon unboxing the Lee Round Flat Nose Pistol Mould – 6 Cavity. The aluminum blocks felt lightweight, and the attached steel handles seemed sturdy enough. The overall finish appeared functional, if not particularly refined.
Compared to my older 2-cavity mould (from a different manufacturer), the Lee mould felt less substantial. I also considered a similar 6-cavity mould from Lyman, but the Lee mould’s price point was significantly more appealing. I’m hoping the lower cost doesn’t translate to lower quality.
I’m cautiously optimistic about the Lee Round Flat Nose Pistol Mould – 6 Cavity. The promise of 6 bullets per pour is enticing, but I’m eager to see how it performs in practice.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Round Flat Nose Pistol Mould – 6 Cavity to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Lee Round Flat Nose Pistol Mould – 6 Cavity in my garage, which is set up as a dedicated reloading space. I cast bullets for about two hours, using a lead alloy of approximately 92% lead, 6% antimony, and 2% tin.
The mould heated up quickly, thanks to the aluminum blocks. I found that keeping the mould at the right temperature was crucial for consistent fill-out, but once I found the sweet spot, production was noticeably faster than with my 2-cavity mould.
There were some initial issues with the sprue plate sticking and not cutting cleanly. After a bit of lubrication with a graphite-based mould release and some adjustment of the sprue plate screws, the problem mostly resolved itself.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Lee Round Flat Nose Pistol Mould – 6 Cavity has proven to be a workhorse, albeit one that requires attention. The aluminum blocks have held up well, showing no signs of warping or cracking.
However, the sprue plate still occasionally sticks, requiring periodic cleaning and lubrication. I’ve also noticed some minor wear on the handles, but nothing that affects their functionality.
Compared to my previous mould, the Lee mould is faster but requires more frequent maintenance. It doesn’t necessarily outperform my old mould in terms of individual bullet quality, but the increased production rate makes up for it.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Round Flat Nose Pistol Mould – 6 Cavity
Specifications
The Lee Round Flat Nose Pistol Mould – 6 Cavity is designed for casting round flat nose bullets for various pistol calibers. The mould consists of aluminum blocks permanently attached to steel handles.
The 6-cavity design allows for rapid production. The mould features a hard anodized sprue plate and is CNC machined for accuracy. The Manufacturer is Lee. The Cavity Depth is specified as 6 in, which seems likely to be an error, the correct specification refers to the number of cavities.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the speed and quality of bullet casting. The aluminum blocks heat up quickly and maintain a consistent temperature, while the CNC machining ensures that the cavities are precisely shaped.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Round Flat Nose Pistol Mould – 6 Cavity performs its job adequately, providing a means to cast a large number of bullets at a reasonable cost. Accuracy of the cast bullets is dependent on consistent technique and alloy temperature.
The main strengths are its high production rate and affordability. The main weakness is the occasional sticking of the sprue plate, which can slow down the casting process.
For the price, it meets expectations. It is not the highest quality mould on the market, but it provides excellent value for money.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is decent for the price point. The aluminum blocks are lightweight and easy to handle, while the steel handles provide a comfortable grip.
The mould is reasonably user-friendly, although some experience with bullet casting is recommended. New users may need to experiment with temperature and technique to achieve optimal results.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care and maintenance, the Lee Round Flat Nose Pistol Mould – 6 Cavity should last for many years. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the sprue plate are essential to prevent sticking.
Disassembly for thorough cleaning is relatively straightforward. The aluminum blocks are resistant to rust, but the steel handles may require occasional oiling.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Round Flat Nose Pistol Mould – 6 Cavity does not come with any accessories beyond the attached handles and sprue plate. Lee sells sprue plate lubricants which can improve the user experience.
There are no readily apparent customization options for this mould. It is designed for a specific bullet profile and cannot be easily modified.
Pros and Cons of Lee Round Flat Nose Pistol Mould – 6 Cavity
Pros
- High Production Rate: The 6-cavity design significantly speeds up the bullet casting process compared to single or double-cavity moulds.
- Affordable Price: It’s one of the most budget-friendly 6-cavity moulds on the market, making it accessible to a wider range of reloaders.
- Aluminum Construction: The aluminum blocks heat up quickly and maintain a consistent temperature, leading to more consistent bullet casting.
- Durable Handles: The steel handles provide a secure and comfortable grip, even during extended casting sessions.
- Readily Available: Lee products are widely available from various online and brick-and-mortar retailers.
Cons
- Sprue Plate Sticking: The sprue plate can occasionally stick, requiring frequent lubrication and adjustment.
- Finish Quality: The overall finish quality is functional but not particularly refined, which might not appeal to some users.
Who Should Buy Lee Round Flat Nose Pistol Mould – 6 Cavity?
The Lee Round Flat Nose Pistol Mould – 6 Cavity is perfect for reloaders who need to produce a large number of bullets quickly and affordably. This mould is ideal for casual shooters, competition shooters, and anyone who wants to save money on ammunition by casting their own bullets.
Those who prioritize absolute precision and the highest possible finish quality might want to consider a more expensive mould from a different manufacturer. This might also not be suitable for complete beginners who would benefit from a simpler and less temperamental mould.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality sprue plate lubricant. Graphite-based lubricants work well to prevent sticking and ensure smooth operation.
Conclusion on Lee Round Flat Nose Pistol Mould – 6 Cavity
The Lee Round Flat Nose Pistol Mould – 6 Cavity is a solid choice for reloaders seeking high-volume bullet production on a budget. It’s not perfect, and it requires some attention to detail, but it delivers on its promise of increased casting speed.
The price is definitely justified, given the increased output compared to single or double-cavity moulds. This value makes it a standout choice.
I would personally recommend the Lee Round Flat Nose Pistol Mould – 6 Cavity to anyone looking to ramp up their bullet casting without breaking the bank. If you’re willing to put in a little extra effort, you’ll be rewarded with a steady stream of cast bullets for your favorite pistol. Time to get casting!