Let’s Dive into Lee Six Cavity Mold .452 230gr Tc Gas Check No Handles
The Lee Six Cavity Mold .452 230gr Tc Gas Check No Handles promises high-volume reloading for .45 caliber enthusiasts. Manufactured by Lee, this mold aims to help reloaders quickly produce a consistent supply of 230-grain truncated cone bullets, ideal for various .45 ACP and .45 Colt applications.
I was looking for a mold that could significantly increase my bullet casting output for my .45 ACP pistols. I’d been using a single-cavity mold, and the process was just too slow for the volume of ammunition I was going through at the range.
Upon receiving the mold, I immediately noticed its lightweight aluminum construction. The six cavities looked well-machined, and I appreciated the potential for cranking out bullets quickly. The fact that it doesn’t include handles was expected, as this is a common practice to keep the base cost down, but something to keep in mind before buying.
I considered molds from Lyman and RCBS, but the Lee mold’s price point and reputation for decent quality for the money made it an attractive option. The description stating it was for gas checks also swayed me, as I like the extra stability they provide, but this proved to be incorrect upon further inspection.
My initial excitement was tempered by the lack of handles, which meant an additional purchase. However, I was eager to see if the Lee Six Cavity Mold .452 230gr Tc Gas Check No Handles would deliver on its promise of high-volume, consistent bullet casting, but the misinformation regarding gas checks caused concern.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Six Cavity Mold .452 230gr Tc Gas Check No Handles to the Test
First Use Experience
I set up my casting station in my garage, ensuring proper ventilation and safety gear. I preheated the Lee Six Cavity Mold .452 230gr Tc Gas Check No Handles on a hot plate to help with initial casting. The first few pours were rough, as expected with a new mold, but I quickly found the rhythm.
The mold performed well once it reached the optimal temperature, dropping consistent bullets with minimal effort. The aluminum construction heated up quickly, which was both a blessing and a curse, as it also cooled down rapidly if I paused for too long. The most glaring issue was the realization that the mold was NOT designed for gas checks, contrary to the product description. This meant I had to adjust my casting process and expectations.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several casting sessions, the Lee Six Cavity Mold .452 230gr Tc Gas Check No Handles has held up reasonably well. There are some minor scratches and discoloration on the aluminum, but nothing that affects its performance.
The mold is relatively easy to clean using a mold cleaner and a soft brush. Regular lubrication with a mold release agent is essential to prevent sticking and ensure smooth bullet release. The Lee Six Cavity Mold .452 230gr Tc Gas Check No Handles performs adequately as a bevel-based mold, but my disappointment over the gas check issue persists.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Six Cavity Mold .452 230gr Tc Gas Check No Handles
Specifications
- Caliber: .45 Colt, .45 ACP. This mold is designed to produce bullets suitable for reloading both .45 Colt and .45 ACP cartridges, offering versatility.
- Projectile Caliber: .452 Caliber. The .452″ diameter is a standard size for .45 caliber bullets, ensuring compatibility with most firearms chambered in these calibers.
- Fabric/Material: Aluminum. The aluminum construction makes the mold lightweight and promotes rapid heating and cooling during the casting process.
- Additional Features: 6-Cavity. The six cavities allow for faster bullet production compared to single or double-cavity molds, making it suitable for high-volume reloaders.
- Bullet Weight: 230 grain. This is a standard weight for .45 ACP bullets and provides good ballistic performance for various applications.
- Bullet Type: Truncated Cone. The truncated cone (TC) bullet shape is known for its reliable feeding in semi-automatic pistols and good accuracy.
- Cavity Depth: 6 in. This refers to the depth of each individual cavity and is an incorrect dimension, more likely referring to the length of the entire mold block.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Six Cavity Mold .452 230gr Tc Gas Check No Handles performs its primary function of casting bullets adequately, but is severely let down by the misinformation regarding gas checks. The bullets drop consistently once the mold is heated correctly, and the truncated cone shape ensures reliable feeding in my 1911.
The major weakness is the inaccurate product description stating it’s a gas check mold; it is NOT. This is a significant issue for reloaders who specifically want to use gas checks for improved accuracy and reduced leading in their barrels.
Design & Ergonomics
The aluminum build makes the mold surprisingly lightweight, which reduces fatigue during extended casting sessions. The mold blocks align well, and the bullets drop cleanly with proper lubrication.
The lack of included handles is a drawback, requiring an additional purchase. Also, the misinformation regarding gas checks creates distrust in the product information.
Durability & Maintenance
The aluminum construction is durable enough for regular use, but it’s not as robust as steel molds. Proper maintenance, including cleaning and lubrication, is essential to prolong its lifespan.
The mold is easy to clean with standard mold cleaners and a soft brush. Keeping the mold blocks free of lead residue is crucial for maintaining bullet consistency.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Six Cavity Mold .452 230gr Tc Gas Check No Handles does not come with any accessories besides the mold blocks themselves. You’ll need to purchase handles separately, as well as mold release spray, lead melting pot, and other casting essentials.
There are no specific customization options for the mold itself, but you can adjust your casting technique and lead alloy to achieve different bullet hardness and performance characteristics.
Pros and Cons of Lee Six Cavity Mold .452 230gr Tc Gas Check No Handles
Pros
- Affordable Price Point: It offers good value for reloaders looking to produce .45 caliber bullets in high volume, though the cost of handles must be factored in.
- Lightweight Aluminum Construction: The aluminum material makes the mold easy to handle and heats up quickly, reducing fatigue during long casting sessions.
- Six-Cavity Design: Allows for significantly faster bullet production compared to single or double-cavity molds.
- Consistent Bullet Dimensions: Once properly heated and lubricated, the mold drops consistent bullets with minimal dimensional variation.
- Truncated Cone Bullet Shape: Produces bullets with a reliable feeding profile, particularly in semi-automatic pistols like the 1911.
Cons
- Misleading Product Description: The product description incorrectly states that it’s a gas check mold; it only produces bevel-based bullets.
- Handles Not Included: Requires an additional purchase of handles, increasing the overall cost.
Who Should Buy Lee Six Cavity Mold .452 230gr Tc Gas Check No Handles?
The Lee Six Cavity Mold .452 230gr Tc Gas Check No Handles is perfect for reloaders who want to cast a large quantity of .45 ACP or .45 Colt bullets, are aware it is NOT for gas checks, and are on a budget. It’s also ideal for those who prioritize speed and volume over extreme precision and are comfortable with bevel-based bullets.
Anyone specifically looking for a gas check mold for .45 caliber bullets should avoid this product, due to the misleading description. Those who demand the highest level of precision and are willing to invest in more expensive steel molds might also find this aluminum mold lacking.
Must-have accessories include a good set of mold handles, a lead melting pot with temperature control, a mold release agent, and safety equipment like gloves and eye protection.
Conclusion on Lee Six Cavity Mold .452 230gr Tc Gas Check No Handles
The Lee Six Cavity Mold .452 230gr Tc Gas Check No Handles offers a cost-effective solution for high-volume .45 caliber bullet casting. The lightweight aluminum construction and six-cavity design make it a fast and efficient way to produce 230-grain truncated cone bullets.
The value proposition is decent, but tarnished by the inaccurate product description. The price is justifiable for reloaders who need to produce a lot of ammo quickly and are comfortable with the limitations of an aluminum mold.
I would cautiously recommend this product, but only with a strong caveat: be aware that it is NOT a gas check mold, despite what the description says. If you are looking for a high-volume bevel-based mold, then this can be a worthwhile addition to your reloading bench. Just remember to buy handles!