Let’s Dive into Lee Double Cavity Mold .45 250gr W/handles
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .45 250gr W/handles represents a cornerstone for reloaders passionate about crafting their own ammunition, particularly for .45 caliber firearms. From the seasoned black powder enthusiast to the modern pistol shooter seeking cost-effective training rounds, this mold offers a gateway to precision and control. Lee, a trusted name in reloading equipment, delivers a product that balances affordability with functionality, promising a rewarding experience for handloaders of all skill levels.
My journey to this mold began with a desire for increased self-reliance and cost savings. Factory ammunition prices were soaring, and I wanted more control over my loads for both target practice and historical firearm demonstrations. I craved the satisfaction of producing accurate, reliable rounds tailored to my specific firearms.
Upon unboxing, the Lee Double Cavity Mold .45 250gr W/handles felt surprisingly robust for its price point. The aluminum mold halves were cleanly machined, and the included handles, though basic, felt sturdy enough for repeated use. The overall design seemed straightforward, hinting at an easy learning curve.
Compared to other available molds, such as the Lyman or RCBS single-cavity options, the Lee stood out due to its double-cavity design and included handles. While those brands offered higher-end models, their entry-level options lacked the convenience and speed afforded by Lee’s design. This seemed like the perfect balance of value and efficiency.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I was excited about the potential for producing high-quality rounds at a fraction of the cost of factory ammunition. There was, however, a slight apprehension about the learning curve involved in casting consistent, accurate bullets.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Double Cavity Mold .45 250gr W/handles to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place in my well-ventilated garage, transforming it into a temporary casting workshop. I sourced lead ingots and a propane-powered melting pot, eager to transform raw material into usable projectiles. The mold was preheated on a hot plate to ensure proper fill and consistent bullet weights.
The mold performed admirably, even during my novice attempts. The bullets dropped cleanly from the cavities with minimal sticking, and the included handles provided a comfortable grip. I did experience some initial “frosting” on the bullets due to temperature fluctuations, but this was easily corrected with minor adjustments to my casting process.
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .45 250gr W/handles required minimal familiarization. The two-piece design is intuitive, and the process of clipping the sprue and releasing the bullets became second nature after only a few casting sessions. The speed and ease of use were immediately apparent.
After the first use, I noticed that consistent temperature management was key. Maintaining a stable lead temperature and preheating the mold resulted in far more uniform bullet weights and fewer imperfections. This required some experimentation but was well worth the effort.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Lee Double Cavity Mold .45 250gr W/handles has proven its reliability. I’ve cast thousands of bullets with it, experiencing minimal issues. It’s become an integral part of my reloading process.
The mold has shown no significant signs of wear and tear. The aluminum halves remain dimensionally stable, and the handles have held up well to repeated heating and cooling cycles. Proper storage and cleaning are vital for longevity.
Maintenance is straightforward. After each casting session, I clean the mold with a brass brush and degreaser to remove lead residue. A light coat of mold release compound ensures easy bullet release in subsequent sessions. This simple process keeps the mold in top condition.
Compared to my previous experience of buying all my ammo, the Lee Double Cavity Mold .45 250gr W/handles has revolutionized my shooting. I now have complete control over my ammunition and have significantly reduced my shooting costs. The consistency and accuracy of my hand-cast bullets have also enhanced my shooting experience.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Double Cavity Mold .45 250gr W/handles
Specifications
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .45 250gr W/handles is designed to cast two .467 caliber, 250-grain round-nose bullets simultaneously. The mold halves are constructed from aluminum, ensuring rapid heating and cooling cycles. The package includes steel handles for safe and comfortable operation.
- .467 Caliber: The oversized diameter is designed for black powder cartridge loading, ensuring a tight fit into the chamber to prevent chain fires.
- 250 Grain Bullet Weight: This weight is a common choice for .45 Colt and .45 ACP cartridges, offering a good balance of accuracy and stopping power.
- Aluminum Mold: This material allows for rapid heat transfer, speeding up the casting process and maintaining consistent bullet dimensions.
- 2-Cavity Design: This feature enables the casting of two bullets per cycle, increasing production efficiency.
- Included Handles: The handles provide a safe and comfortable grip, minimizing fatigue during extended casting sessions.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the quality and consistency of the cast bullets, affecting accuracy, reliability, and overall shooting performance. The aluminum construction promotes uniform heating and cooling, reducing inconsistencies in bullet weight and dimensions. The 2-cavity design dramatically increases production speed compared to single-cavity molds.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .45 250gr W/handles performs its job exceptionally well. It consistently produces round-nose bullets that are uniform in weight and dimension when proper casting techniques are followed. These bullets are well-suited for target shooting, plinking, and even some hunting applications with appropriate loads.
- Accuracy: With consistent casting and proper sizing, the bullets produced by this mold exhibit excellent accuracy.
- Reliability: The mold is simple and robust, ensuring years of reliable service with proper care.
- Usability: The design is intuitive, making it easy for both novice and experienced reloaders to use.
- Comfort: The included handles provide a comfortable and secure grip, reducing fatigue during long casting sessions.
The mold meets and often exceeds expectations for a budget-friendly bullet casting solution. While it may not offer the same level of precision or refinement as higher-end molds, it provides exceptional value for the price. The only potential improvement would be a more robust handle design.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .45 250gr W/handles features a simple and functional design. The aluminum mold halves are lightweight and easy to manipulate, and the included handles provide a comfortable grip. The mold is compact and easy to store when not in use.
The build quality is good for the price. The aluminum is cleanly machined, and the steel handles feel reasonably durable. The mold is lightweight, which is an advantage during extended casting sessions.
The mold is extremely user-friendly. There is a minimal learning curve involved, making it accessible to both novice and experienced reloaders. The simplicity of the design contributes to its ease of use.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Lee Double Cavity Mold .45 250gr W/handles should last for many years. The aluminum mold halves are relatively durable, but they can be damaged by mishandling or improper cleaning. The steel handles are more robust and should withstand significant use.
Maintenance is simple and straightforward. Cleaning the mold after each use with a brass brush and degreaser will remove lead residue and prevent corrosion. A light coat of mold release compound will ensure easy bullet release and prevent sticking.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .45 250gr W/handles comes with basic steel handles. While there are no specific customization options for the mold itself, it’s compatible with various reloading accessories, such as:
- Lead Melting Pots: A reliable melting pot is essential for melting lead ingots and maintaining a consistent lead temperature.
- Sizing Dies: Sizing dies are used to resize cast bullets to the correct diameter for your firearm, ensuring accuracy and preventing leading.
- Bullet Lubricant: Applying bullet lubricant to cast bullets reduces friction and prevents leading in the barrel.
The Lee mold is compatible with accessories from other brands, such as Lyman or RCBS sizing dies and bullet lubes. This provides a wide range of customization options to tailor your hand-cast bullets to your specific firearm and shooting needs.
Pros and Cons of Lee Double Cavity Mold .45 250gr W/handles
Pros
- Affordable Price: The Lee Double Cavity Mold .45 250gr W/handles is one of the most budget-friendly options on the market, making it accessible to reloaders of all budgets.
- Double-Cavity Design: The 2-cavity design significantly increases production efficiency compared to single-cavity molds, allowing you to cast more bullets in less time.
- Easy to Use: The simple and intuitive design makes it easy for both novice and experienced reloaders to use.
- Consistent Bullet Weight: With proper casting techniques, the mold consistently produces bullets that are uniform in weight and dimension.
- Included Handles: The handles provide a comfortable and secure grip, minimizing fatigue during extended casting sessions.
Cons
- Aluminum Mold: While aluminum promotes rapid heat transfer, it’s also more susceptible to damage than steel molds.
- Basic Handles: The included handles are functional but could be more robust and ergonomic.
Who Should Buy Lee Double Cavity Mold .45 250gr W/handles?
- Perfect for: Budget-conscious reloaders, black powder enthusiasts, .45 Colt and .45 ACP shooters, and those seeking to produce cost-effective training rounds.
- Who should skip this product? Shooters who require the absolute highest level of precision and are willing to invest in higher-end molds, or those who only need to cast a very small number of bullets.
- Must-have accessories or modifications? A reliable lead melting pot, a sizing die, and bullet lubricant are essential for producing high-quality cast bullets.
Conclusion on Lee Double Cavity Mold .45 250gr W/handles
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .45 250gr W/handles is an excellent entry-level bullet casting solution that offers exceptional value for the price. It’s a reliable and efficient tool that allows reloaders to produce accurate and consistent .45 caliber bullets at a fraction of the cost of factory ammunition.
The price is definitely justified given the performance and savings achieved. While it may not be the most refined or durable mold on the market, it offers a solid foundation for building your handloading skills and producing quality ammunition.
I would definitely recommend the Lee Double Cavity Mold .45 250gr W/handles to anyone looking to get into bullet casting or seeking a cost-effective solution for reloading .45 caliber cartridges. Take the plunge, invest in this mold, and experience the satisfaction of crafting your own ammunition!