Let’s Dive into Lee Double Cavity Mold .358-140-swc W/handles
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .358-140-swc W/handles is a gateway to crafting your own ammunition, a skill every serious shooter should explore. Offered by Lee, a brand synonymous with affordable reloading equipment, this mold allows you to cast .358 diameter, 140-grain semi-wadcutter bullets. These bullets are ideal for .38 Special, .38 Colt NP, and .357 Magnum cartridges. The appeal of this mold lies in its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to tailor bullet characteristics to your specific needs.
For years, I’d been dependent on commercially produced ammunition, subject to price fluctuations and availability issues. I wanted more control over my shooting experience, and specifically, the ability to develop a custom load for my vintage Smith & Wesson Model 10. The consistent accuracy of a semi-wadcutter design appealed to me, and I knew reloading was the answer.
My initial impression upon receiving the Lee Double Cavity Mold .358-140-swc W/handles was one of practicality. It’s lightweight aluminum construction felt robust enough for the task, and the permanently attached steel handles offered a secure grip. I had considered molds from Lyman and RCBS, but the Lee mold’s significantly lower price point made it an easy choice for a first-time mold purchase. I was cautiously optimistic.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Double Cavity Mold .358-140-swc W/handles to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Lee Double Cavity Mold .358-140-swc W/handles in my garage, setting up a small propane burner and melting down some lead alloy. The initial casting session was a learning experience, but the mold quickly proved its worth. It heated evenly and released the bullets with minimal effort after a few initial “fouling” casts.
The first few bullets were imperfect, a common occurrence with any new mold. However, after dialing in the temperature and cadence, I was consistently producing clean, well-formed semi-wadcutters. I did notice that maintaining a consistent mold temperature was crucial for consistent results.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Lee Double Cavity Mold .358-140-swc W/handles has proven to be a reliable workhorse. The aluminum has held up well, with no signs of warping or deformation. Minor scratches are visible on the mold faces, but they haven’t affected bullet quality.
Cleaning the mold is straightforward. After each casting session, I use a soft brush and a bit of solvent to remove any lead residue. Compared to my previous reliance on factory ammo, the control and customization I’ve achieved are well worth the initial investment and effort.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Double Cavity Mold .358-140-swc W/handles
Specifications
Manufacturer: Lee. Lee is known for producing affordable and reliable reloading equipment, making them a popular choice for beginners and experienced reloaders alike.
Caliber: .38 Special, .38 Colt NP, .357 Magnum. This versatility allows the mold to be used for a wide range of handgun cartridges.
Fabric/Material: Aluminum with steel handles. The aluminum body heats quickly and evenly, while the steel handles provide a durable and comfortable grip.
Additional Features: 2-Cavity. This allows for faster casting compared to single-cavity molds.
Bullet Weight: 140 grain. This is a common and versatile bullet weight for these calibers.
Bullet Type: Semi Wadcutter (SWC). SWC bullets are known for their accuracy and clean hole-punching on paper targets.
Cavity Depth: 2 inches. This is the depth of the mold cavity that forms the bullet.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .358-140-swc W/handles performs its job admirably, consistently producing accurate and uniform bullets. After refining my casting technique, I was able to achieve excellent consistency in bullet weight and diameter. This translated directly to improved accuracy and reliability when loading and shooting my handloads.
The mold’s primary strength lies in its simplicity and affordability. Its main weakness is that aluminum molds can be more sensitive to temperature variations than iron or steel molds. However, with a bit of practice, this is easily managed.
Design & Ergonomics
The aluminum construction makes the Lee Double Cavity Mold .358-140-swc W/handles lightweight and easy to handle. The permanently attached steel handles provide a comfortable and secure grip. The design is straightforward and functional, with no unnecessary frills.
There’s a slight learning curve involved in mastering the casting process, but the mold itself is very user-friendly. The simple design minimizes the chances of anything going wrong.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Lee Double Cavity Mold .358-140-swc W/handles should last for many years. The aluminum is relatively soft, so it’s important to avoid using excessive force when opening and closing the mold. Regular cleaning and lubrication will also extend its lifespan.
Maintenance is simple: a quick cleaning with a brush and solvent after each use is usually sufficient. Storing the mold in a dry place will prevent corrosion.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .358-140-swc W/handles is a standalone product and doesn’t require any specific accessories. However, a good lead pot, a casting furnace, and bullet lubricant are essential for successful casting. While the mold itself doesn’t offer customization, the user has complete control over alloy composition, allowing for fine-tuning bullet hardness and performance.
The mold is compatible with Lee‘s bottom-pour lead pots and other standard casting equipment. You can also adjust the hardness of the bullets by varying the alloy composition. Experimenting with different lead alloys can dramatically alter bullet performance.
Pros and Cons of Lee Double Cavity Mold .358-140-swc W/handles
Pros
- Affordable: Excellent value for the money, making reloading accessible to beginners.
- Easy to Use: Simple design with a minimal learning curve.
- Consistent Results: Produces accurate and uniform bullets when used properly.
- Versatile: Suitable for .38 Special, .38 Colt NP, and .357 Magnum cartridges.
- Lightweight: Easy to handle and maneuver during the casting process.
Cons
- Aluminum Construction: More sensitive to temperature variations than iron or steel molds.
- Requires Technique: Requires practice to achieve consistent results.
Who Should Buy Lee Double Cavity Mold .358-140-swc W/handles?
This mold is perfect for reloaders looking to save money on ammunition costs, especially those who shoot .38 Special, .38 Colt NP, or .357 Magnum frequently. It is also ideal for those who want to customize their bullet characteristics for specific shooting applications, such as target shooting or plinking. This mold is especially beneficial for revolver enthusiasts.
This product might not be the best choice for extremely high-volume reloaders, who may prefer a multi-cavity mold for faster production. Also, individuals seeking absolute, match-grade precision from the outset might want to consider investing in a more expensive, higher-end mold made of steel.
Essential accessories include a lead pot, a source of heat (propane burner or electric hotplate), bullet lube, and a method for sizing bullets. A good pair of casting gloves is also highly recommended for safety.
Conclusion on Lee Double Cavity Mold .358-140-swc W/handles
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .358-140-swc W/handles is an outstanding entry-level mold that offers exceptional value for money. It’s a simple, reliable, and effective tool for producing accurate and consistent semi-wadcutter bullets. While it may require a bit of practice to master, the rewards are well worth the effort.
The price is definitely justified by the money saved on ammunition costs and the ability to tailor your loads to your specific needs. I would absolutely recommend this mold to anyone looking to get started in reloading.
So, if you’re ready to take control of your ammunition and unlock a new level of shooting precision, give the Lee Double Cavity Mold .358-140-swc W/handles a try. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy the process!