Let’s Dive into Lee Double Cavity Mold .356-120-tc W/handle
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .356-120-tc W/handle offers reloaders an economical entry into casting their own 9mm and .380 ACP bullets. This mold, manufactured by Lee, is designed to cast 120-grain truncated cone projectiles, perfect for target shooting and plinking. Its inclusion of handles right out of the box is a huge plus, saving both time and expense.
I was looking for a way to significantly reduce my ammunition costs. Factory ammo prices were constantly climbing, and casting my own bullets seemed the only logical way to keep my 9mm pistols fed without breaking the bank. The Lee mold appeared as a cost-effective solution to begin my journey into bullet casting.
Upon unboxing, the lightweight aluminum construction was immediately noticeable. The mold felt reasonably solid, but also undeniably budget-friendly. The included handles, a welcome addition, were functional but lacked the premium feel of more expensive sets.
I considered a mold from Lyman and another from RCBS, both respected names in reloading. However, the Lee mold’s significantly lower price point, coupled with the included handles, made it the most attractive option for a first-time foray into bullet casting. I was hoping to learn the art of casting without investing a fortune upfront.
My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. The lightweight construction raised some concerns about heat retention and durability, as mentioned in the product description. However, the affordability and convenience of the Lee Double Cavity Mold .356-120-tc W/handle made it worth a shot.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Double Cavity Mold .356-120-tc W/handle to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the mold at my reloading bench in my garage. The ambient temperature was around 70°F, ideal for casting. I used a propane burner to melt down lead alloy that I got from a local scrap yard.
The aluminum heated up quickly, as expected. However, I quickly noticed it cooled down just as rapidly, confirming the user feedback about needing to work at a steady pace. The mold needed frequent reheating to ensure complete fill-out of the bullet cavities.
The mold was straightforward to use, even for a novice like myself. The included handles provided a decent grip, and the crimped block half added some size control. However, I struggled initially to maintain a consistent casting rhythm due to the rapid temperature fluctuations.
After the first hour, I experienced some minor issues. The mold faces didn’t always align perfectly, resulting in some bullets with slight imperfections along the parting line. I later learned that a bit of mold release spray could mitigate this issue.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the mold has held up reasonably well. It’s not showing any significant wear and tear, but the aluminum is relatively soft. Proper cleaning and storage are important to maintain its longevity.
I’ve noticed that the mold’s performance improves as it gets “broken in.” After several casting sessions, the cavities seem to release bullets more easily. I also discovered that a little bit of graphite powder dusted inside the mold helps a lot.
Maintenance is relatively simple. A quick scrub with a brass brush and some solvent after each casting session keeps it clean. I also apply a light coat of oil before storing it to prevent corrosion.
Compared to my previous experience of buying factory-made ammunition, the Lee Double Cavity Mold .356-120-tc W/handle has significantly reduced my costs, albeit with a considerable time investment. While the bullets aren’t as perfect as commercially manufactured ones, they are perfectly adequate for range practice. The mold has met my expectations, especially considering its price point.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Double Cavity Mold .356-120-tc W/handle
Specifications
- Caliber Compatibility: Designed for both 9mm Luger and .380 ACP cartridges. This makes the mold versatile for reloaders who shoot both calibers.
- Projectile Caliber: Casts bullets with a diameter of .356 inches. This is the standard diameter for 9mm Luger bullets.
- Bullet Weight: Produces projectiles weighing 120 grains. This is a common weight for target and practice ammunition.
- Bullet Type: Truncated Cone (TC) shape. The truncated cone shape is known for reliable feeding in semi-automatic pistols.
- Mold Material: Constructed from aluminum. The aluminum construction allows for rapid heating and cooling.
- Cavity Design: Features a 2-cavity design. The 2-cavity mold speeds up the casting process compared to a single-cavity mold.
- Handle Included: Comes with handles. This saves the user the additional expense and hassle of purchasing them separately.
These specifications are important for several reasons. The .356 diameter and 120-grain weight are standard for 9mm, ensuring proper fit and function in most 9mm firearms. The truncated cone shape aids in reliable feeding, which is crucial for semi-automatic pistols. The aluminum construction impacts the heat retention and casting speed, as noted earlier.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .356-120-tc W/handle performs its job adequately, producing usable bullets for reloading. However, the aluminum construction requires careful temperature management to ensure consistent fill-out.
The mold’s strengths lie in its affordability and simplicity. It’s easy to set up and use, even for beginners. The weaknesses include the lack of heat retention and the potential for imperfect bullet castings due to temperature fluctuations and mold alignment.
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .356-120-tc W/handle meets expectations for an entry-level bullet casting mold. While it doesn’t offer the precision or convenience of higher-end models, it provides a cost-effective way to produce ammunition for practice and plinking.
Design & Ergonomics
The aluminum construction keeps the mold lightweight and easy to handle. The included handles offer a decent grip, but they can become uncomfortable during extended casting sessions.
The mold is user-friendly, with a simple and intuitive design. However, the rapid temperature changes require some practice to master.
Durability & Maintenance
The aluminum construction is relatively soft and prone to wear. Proper care and maintenance are essential to prolong its lifespan. With proper cleaning and storage, the mold should last for several years of moderate use.
Maintenance is straightforward. A quick cleaning with a brass brush and solvent after each use is all that’s typically required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .356-120-tc W/handle comes with handles. There are no other included accessories.
There are limited customization options for this mold. You can’t easily swap out the handles. However, you can use different mold release agents and lubricants to improve bullet casting performance. This mold is designed to be a simple, no-frills entry into bullet casting.
Pros and Cons of Lee Double Cavity Mold .356-120-tc W/handle
Pros
- Affordable entry point: The price makes it accessible to novice reloaders interested in casting their own bullets.
- Handles included: The included handles save the user additional expense and hassle.
- Easy to use: The design is simple and intuitive, making it easy to learn the basics of bullet casting.
- Compatible with common calibers: Designed for both 9mm Luger and .380 ACP.
- Reduces ammunition costs: Casting your own bullets can significantly lower the cost of shooting.
Cons
- Poor heat retention: The aluminum construction cools down quickly, requiring a consistent casting pace.
- Potential for imperfections: Maintaining consistent bullet quality can be challenging due to temperature fluctuations and mold alignment issues.
- Aluminum is relatively soft: The mold is prone to wear and tear compared to steel molds.
Who Should Buy Lee Double Cavity Mold .356-120-tc W/handle?
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .356-120-tc W/handle is perfect for budget-conscious reloaders who are new to bullet casting. It’s also suitable for those who primarily shoot 9mm or .380 ACP for recreational purposes and are willing to invest the time and effort to cast their own bullets.
This product might not be suitable for competitive shooters who require extremely precise and consistent bullet weights and dimensions. Also, reloaders who cast large volumes of bullets may find the aluminum construction too slow and the two-cavity design inefficient.
Must-have accessories include a lead pot with temperature control, a source of lead alloy, a bullet sizing die, and a bullet lubricant. A mold release agent is also recommended to ease bullet removal and improve surface finish.
Conclusion on Lee Double Cavity Mold .356-120-tc W/handle
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .356-120-tc W/handle is a solid choice for those looking to enter the world of bullet casting without breaking the bank. While it has its limitations, particularly regarding heat retention and consistency, it offers a compelling value proposition for the casual reloader.
The price is definitely justified for what you get. The inclusion of handles makes it a complete package, and the simplicity of the design makes it easy to learn.
I would personally recommend it to anyone curious about casting their own bullets but hesitant to invest in more expensive equipment. Just be prepared to dedicate some time to learning the process and mastering the temperature management.
Take the plunge and start casting your own bullets. It’s a rewarding and cost-effective way to feed your 9mm or .380 ACP pistols!