Let’s Dive into Lee Six Cavity Mold .38 158gr-swc Gc No Handles
The Lee Six Cavity Mold .38 158gr-swc Gc No Handles is a reloading tool designed for casting .38 caliber bullets, specifically a 158-grain semi-wadcutter with a gas check (GC). Manufactured by Lee Precision, this mold offers reloaders the ability to produce their own bullets, saving money and customizing their ammunition.
I was looking for a way to produce accurate and consistent .38 Special rounds for my vintage Smith & Wesson revolvers and my Marlin lever-action rifle. I wanted a mold that would allow me to cast bullets quickly and efficiently, so the six-cavity design immediately appealed to me.
Upon unboxing, the Lee mold felt surprisingly lightweight, a characteristic of its aluminum construction. The CNC-machined blocks appeared well-made, and the hard anodized sprue plate seemed durable. My initial thought was, “This is going to churn out bullets fast.”
I considered a couple of other molds, including a steel mold from Lyman and a two-cavity mold from Lee itself. I ultimately chose the Lee Six Cavity Mold .38 158gr-swc Gc No Handles for its combination of affordability, capacity, and the promise of easy sprue cutting due to the anodized sprue plate.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. While the aluminum construction concerned me initially, the overall design and the potential for high-volume casting intrigued me, I was excited to get started.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Six Cavity Mold .38 158gr-swc Gc No Handles to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test was at my home reloading bench, casting bullets for .38 Special. I preheated the mold on a hot plate before beginning, a crucial step for consistent fill-out, and used a lead alloy consisting of mostly reclaimed range lead with a touch of tin added for better flow.
The mold performed reasonably well, though there was a learning curve involved. Maintaining the correct temperature was critical: too cold, and the bullets didn’t fill completely; too hot, and they frosted and were difficult to release. The aluminum heats up very fast.
The main issue was the sprue plate; I experienced some sprue sticking, even with the anodized finish. Also, my sprue plate warped after extended use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the mold continues to produce acceptable bullets, but its limitations are apparent. The aluminum is softer than steel, so the mold faces can be damaged if you are not careful.
The anodized sprue plate has shown some wear, and sprue sticking is still occasionally an issue. I have to pay careful attention to the amount of pressure I use when cutting the sprue, to ensure I don’t deform the bullets.
Maintenance involves regular cleaning with a soft brush and occasional application of mold release. Compared to my experience with steel molds, this Lee aluminum mold requires more frequent cleaning and a gentler touch to maintain its performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Six Cavity Mold .38 158gr-swc Gc No Handles
Specifications
- * Manufacturer:* Lee Precision.
- * Caliber:* .38 Colt NP, .38 Special, .357 Magnum. This mold is versatile and will cast bullets suitable for all three calibers.
- * Material:* Aluminum. The aluminum construction makes the mold lightweight and rust-resistant but also less durable than steel.
- * Cavities:* 6. The six-cavity design allows for faster bullet casting compared to single or double-cavity molds.
- * Bullet Weight:* 158 grain. This is a standard weight for .38 caliber bullets, providing a good balance of accuracy and stopping power.
- * Bullet Type:* Semi Wadcutter (SWC). The SWC design is known for its accuracy and clean hole punching in paper targets.
- * Gas Check (GC):* Designed to accept gas checks. Gas checks help prevent leading in the barrel when shooting high-velocity loads.
- * Cavity Depth: 6 in.
These specifications directly impact the mold’s performance and user experience. The aluminum construction heats up and cools down quickly, allowing for faster casting cycles. The six-cavity design significantly increases production speed, while the SWC bullet type ensures consistent accuracy.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Six Cavity Mold .38 158gr-swc Gc No Handles does its job of casting bullets, but requires a skilled and patient user. With practice, it can produce accurate and consistent projectiles.
Its strengths include its high-volume capacity and relatively low cost. The weaknesses are its aluminum construction, which is prone to damage, and the sprue plate, which can stick and warp.
The mold meets expectations for a budget-friendly, high-volume casting tool, but it doesn’t exceed them. A steel mold will inevitably provide better quality and ease of use.
Design & Ergonomics
The mold’s aluminum construction makes it lightweight and easy to handle, even when hot. However, the lack of handles means that you must purchase them separately or use pliers, which reduces ergonomics.
The mold blocks are CNC-machined, which ensures a precise fit and consistent bullet dimensions.
Durability & Maintenance
The mold’s lifespan is limited by its aluminum construction. With proper care, it should last for thousands of castings, but it will eventually wear out or become damaged.
Maintenance involves regular cleaning with a soft brush and occasional lubrication of the sprue plate. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the aluminum.
Accessories and Customization Options
The mold does not come with handles; these must be purchased separately. I strongly recommend the Lee handles specifically designed for their molds.
Other accessories include a lead pot, ladle, and a sprue plate lubricant. The mold is compatible with any standard .38 caliber gas checks.
Pros and Cons of Lee Six Cavity Mold .38 158gr-swc Gc No Handles
Pros
- Affordable: One of the most budget-friendly six-cavity molds on the market.
- High-Volume: The six-cavity design allows for rapid bullet production.
- Lightweight: Aluminum construction makes it easy to handle, especially when hot.
- Accurate: Produces consistently sized and weighted bullets when used correctly.
- Gas Check Compatible: Allows for casting bullets for higher-velocity loads.
Cons
- Durability: Aluminum construction is less durable than steel and prone to damage.
- Sprue Plate Issues: The sprue plate can stick and warp, requiring careful use and maintenance.
- No Handles Included: Handles must be purchased separately.
Who Should Buy Lee Six Cavity Mold .38 158gr-swc Gc No Handles?
The Lee Six Cavity Mold .38 158gr-swc Gc No Handles is perfect for reloaders on a budget who need to produce a large quantity of .38 caliber bullets. It’s also a good choice for those who are new to bullet casting and want to try it out without investing in expensive equipment.
This product is not ideal for reloaders who prioritize durability and ease of use over cost. It’s also not recommended for those who are looking for a mold that will produce perfectly consistent bullets with minimal effort.
Must-have accessories include the Lee mold handles, a lead pot, and a sprue plate lubricant. A hot plate for preheating the mold is also highly recommended.
Conclusion on Lee Six Cavity Mold .38 158gr-swc Gc No Handles
The Lee Six Cavity Mold .38 158gr-swc Gc No Handles is a good entry-level option for reloaders looking to cast their own .38 caliber bullets. While it has some limitations in terms of durability and ease of use, its affordability and high-volume capacity make it a worthwhile investment.
The price is justified for what it offers: a budget-friendly way to get into bullet casting and produce a significant number of bullets.
I would recommend it to reloaders who are willing to put in the time and effort to learn how to use it properly. It’s not a perfect mold, but it’s a good value for the money. If you’re on a budget and want to cast your own .38 caliber bullets, this is a great place to start. Give it a try, and see if bullet casting is for you!