Let’s Dive into Lee Double Cavity Mold Tl 356-124-tx
The Lee Double Cavity Mold Tl 356-124-tx offers reloaders a budget-friendly entry into casting their own 9mm and .380 ACP bullets. Lee is a well-known name in reloading, and this mold promises to deliver consistent 124-grain truncated cone projectiles. I’ve spent years loading my own ammo, but sourcing quality bullets has always been a challenge, both in cost and availability, so the prospect of making my own was very appealing.
I was tired of paying premium prices for commercially cast bullets, especially during recent ammo shortages. The promise of crafting my own projectiles, tailored to my specific 9mm pistol, was the key selling point. This mold seemed like a cost-effective way to become more self-sufficient in my reloading process.
Unboxing the Lee Double Cavity Mold Tl 356-124-tx, I was immediately struck by how lightweight it is. The aluminum construction felt a bit less robust than some iron molds I’ve handled, but the handles felt comfortable and secure. The crimped block halves seemed well-aligned, and the overall impression was that it was a functional, if not overly fancy, piece of equipment.
Compared to the RCBS and Lyman molds I’ve used in the past, this Lee mold felt noticeably lighter and less expensive. I ultimately chose the Lee Double Cavity Mold Tl 356-124-tx because of its low price and readily available reviews. I figured it was a good starting point for 9mm bullet casting without breaking the bank.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. It didn’t have the heft of my more expensive molds, but I was excited to see if it could consistently produce usable bullets. The price point made me willing to overlook some initial reservations about the lighter construction.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Double Cavity Mold Tl 356-124-tx to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Lee Double Cavity Mold Tl 356-124-tx in my garage, setting up my lead melting pot and ventilation system. I wanted to see how quickly I could churn out bullets and assess their quality straight from the mold. The initial casts were a bit rough, with some wrinkles and incomplete fill, but I quickly realized the mold needed to heat up more thoroughly.
Once the mold reached optimal temperature, it started dropping beautiful, consistent bullets. It was a cold day in the garage, but that didn’t seem to affect the mold’s performance once it was properly heated. The ease of use surprised me; after a few practice runs, I got into a rhythm of pouring, cutting the sprue, and ejecting the bullets.
There was a slight learning curve in getting the mold temperature just right. Initially, the bullets were coming out with minor imperfections, but after a short adjustment period, the results were excellent.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Lee Double Cavity Mold Tl 356-124-tx continues to perform admirably. I’ve cast hundreds of bullets, and the mold has held up well with no signs of damage. The bullets are consistently uniform in weight and diameter.
The aluminum construction is showing some slight discoloration from the heat, but there is no significant wear. Cleaning is relatively easy; a quick wipe down with a lead-removing cloth after each session keeps it in good shape. Compared to casting with iron molds, the Lee mold requires a bit more attention to temperature control, but the speed and ease of production make it worthwhile.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Double Cavity Mold Tl 356-124-tx
Specifications
The Lee Double Cavity Mold Tl 356-124-tx is designed for casting .356 caliber bullets, ideal for 9mm Luger and .380 ACP cartridges. The mold produces a 124-grain truncated cone bullet, a popular profile for target shooting and self-defense loads. These specifications are crucial for ensuring the bullets fit correctly and function reliably in the intended firearms.
The mold body is constructed from aluminum, chosen for its rapid heating and cooling properties. This allows for faster casting cycles and reduces fatigue on the user. It features a 2-cavity design that allows you to cast two bullets at a time, maximizing production speed. This design choice allows for a balance of speed and manageable workflow.
It has a cavity depth of 2 inches. The mold features crimped block halves for rounder bullets and better size control, along with a tangential cutoff sprue plate designed to minimize nicks. These design elements contribute to the creation of more consistent and accurate projectiles.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Double Cavity Mold Tl 356-124-tx performs its job effectively once the user masters the temperature control. The bullets produced are uniform in weight and diameter, which is essential for consistent accuracy. However, the aluminum construction can be sensitive to temperature fluctuations, requiring a bit of attention to maintain optimal casting conditions.
The mold’s strength is its ability to quickly produce a large number of usable bullets. A weakness is that its lighter build can make temperature consistency challenging, especially for those used to heavier molds. The mold meets expectations for a budget-friendly bullet casting solution, offering good performance at an affordable price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The aluminum construction of the Lee Double Cavity Mold Tl 356-124-tx makes it lightweight and easy to handle. The handles are comfortable and provide a secure grip, reducing fatigue during extended casting sessions. The design is simple and functional, prioritizing ease of use over aesthetics.
The mold is relatively user-friendly, although some practice is required to master the temperature control. The learning curve is minimal for experienced reloaders, but beginners may need to watch a few tutorials before achieving consistent results.
Durability & Maintenance
The aluminum construction of the Lee Double Cavity Mold Tl 356-124-tx is reasonably durable, but not as robust as iron molds. With proper care and maintenance, it should last for a long time, although the aluminum may show signs of wear with heavy use. Regular cleaning with a lead-removing cloth is essential for maintaining the mold’s performance.
Disassembly for deep cleaning is straightforward, making maintenance simple. The mold is designed for easy access to all critical parts, allowing for thorough cleaning and inspection.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Double Cavity Mold Tl 356-124-tx comes with handles, ready for immediate use. While there are no specific customization options for the mold itself, the bullets produced can be customized by varying the alloy composition. This allows reloaders to experiment with different bullet hardnesses and performance characteristics.
The mold is compatible with standard Lee sprue plate lubricants and mold release agents. These accessories help to ensure clean bullet release and prevent lead buildup on the mold surfaces.
Pros and Cons of Lee Double Cavity Mold Tl 356-124-tx
Pros
- Affordable Price: Offers an excellent entry point into bullet casting without breaking the bank.
- Lightweight Design: Reduces fatigue during extended casting sessions.
- Fast Production: The 2-cavity design allows for quick bullet production.
- Consistent Results: Produces uniform bullets when the temperature is properly maintained.
- Easy to Use: Simple design with a minimal learning curve for experienced reloaders.
Cons
- Temperature Sensitivity: Aluminum construction requires careful temperature management.
- Durability: Aluminum is not as robust as iron, potentially reducing lifespan with heavy use.
Who Should Buy Lee Double Cavity Mold Tl 356-124-tx?
Perfect for: Reloaders looking to save money by casting their own 9mm or .380 ACP bullets. It’s also great for hobbyists who enjoy the process of crafting their own ammunition components. Beginners to bullet casting will find this mold easy to learn with, as well.
Who should skip this product? High-volume commercial reloaders who need maximum production speed and durability. Those who prefer the robustness of iron molds or are unwilling to monitor temperature closely.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A good lead melting pot with temperature control, lead-removing cloths for cleaning, and a bullet sizing kit for fine-tuning bullet diameter.
Conclusion on Lee Double Cavity Mold Tl 356-124-tx
The Lee Double Cavity Mold Tl 356-124-tx provides a cost-effective and efficient way to cast your own 9mm and .380 ACP bullets. While the aluminum construction requires careful temperature management, the lightweight design and fast production make it a worthwhile investment for reloaders on a budget. The $52.89 price point is easily justified by the savings on commercially cast bullets.
I would definitely recommend the Lee Double Cavity Mold Tl 356-124-tx to any reloader looking to dip their toes into the world of bullet casting. Get yours today and start crafting your own high-quality, custom-tailored ammunition!