Let’s Dive into Lee Double Cavity Mold .495 Ball W/handles
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .495 Ball W/handles offers black powder enthusiasts and shotgun reloaders a cost-effective way to produce their own round balls. This mold, manufactured by Lee, allows for the casting of two .495 caliber round balls simultaneously, promising efficiency and economy. It’s a tool designed for those who appreciate the art of crafting their own ammunition and seek control over the projectiles they use.
My journey to the Lee Double Cavity Mold .495 Ball W/handles stemmed from a desire for greater self-sufficiency in my black powder shooting and shotgun reloading. Factory-made .495 round balls can be expensive and sometimes difficult to find during peak seasons. The promise of casting my own, tailored to my specific needs, was undeniably appealing.
Upon unboxing, the Lee Double Cavity Mold .495 Ball W/handles felt surprisingly robust. The aluminum blocks felt solid, and the included handles provided a comfortable grip. The build quality appeared decent for the price point, though the finish wasn’t as polished as some higher-end molds I’ve handled.
I considered other molds, including single-cavity options from Lyman and higher-priced, multi-cavity molds from RCBS. Ultimately, the Lee mold won out due to its balance of affordability and the convenience of a double-cavity design. It offered a reasonable entry point into the world of casting without breaking the bank.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The Lee Double Cavity Mold .495 Ball W/handles looked promising, but the true test would be in its performance. I was eager to melt lead and see if this mold could deliver consistent, accurate round balls for my muzzleloaders and shotguns.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Double Cavity Mold .495 Ball W/handles to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Lee Double Cavity Mold .495 Ball W/handles took place at my reloading bench, which is set up in my garage. I used a propane melting pot and lead ingots to cast a batch of round balls. The mold heated up quickly, and the sprue plate cut cleanly, creating minimal waste.
I experienced some difficulty in maintaining a consistent temperature initially. This led to a few imperfect casts with slight surface imperfections. Once I dialed in the heat and pouring technique, however, the mold produced consistently round balls.
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .495 Ball W/handles required a bit of a learning curve. It took a few casting sessions to become proficient at maintaining the correct temperature and pouring speed. I did have some issues with lead sticking to the mold initially, but a light coating of mold release spray solved the problem.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Lee Double Cavity Mold .495 Ball W/handles has held up remarkably well. The aluminum blocks show some discoloration from the heat, but the mold itself remains structurally sound. The handles are still securely attached and comfortable to use.
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .495 Ball W/handles has proven to be durable. I’ve cast several hundred round balls with it. While some wear is visible, it still functions as well as it did on day one. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the sprue plate are essential for smooth operation.
Maintenance involves cleaning the mold with a brass brush after each casting session and applying a light coat of mold release spray before each use. This routine helps prevent lead buildup and ensures easy release of the cast balls. Compared to casting with single-cavity molds, the Lee mold has significantly increased my production rate. It has made the process of preparing for black powder shooting and shotgun reloading much more efficient.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Double Cavity Mold .495 Ball W/handles
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Lee – a company renowned for affordable and functional reloading equipment.
- Projectile Caliber: .495 Caliber – Designed for use in .50 caliber muzzleloading rifles and smoothbore shotguns.
- Fabric/Material: Aluminum W/handles – The aluminum construction ensures rapid heating and cooling, while the handles provide a comfortable and safe grip.
- Additional Features: 2-Cavity – Allows for casting two round balls simultaneously, increasing production speed.
- Bullet Weight: 182.07 grain – This weight is typical for .495 round balls and provides good ballistic performance.
- Bullet Type: Round Ball – A classic projectile shape ideal for muzzleloading and smoothbore applications.
- Diameter: 0.492 in – Slightly undersized to allow for easy loading with a patch in a muzzleloader.
- Cavity Depth: 2 in – Sufficient depth to ensure a complete and well-formed round ball.
These specifications are crucial for ensuring compatibility with my firearms and achieving consistent accuracy. The aluminum construction allows for quicker temperature adjustments, essential for producing quality casts. The double-cavity design significantly reduces the time required to cast a large number of round balls.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .495 Ball W/handles performs its job effectively once the user masters the casting technique. The round balls produced are generally consistent in size and weight. They provide acceptable accuracy in my muzzleloaders and shotguns when paired with appropriate loads.
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .495 Ball W/handles‘s strengths include its affordability and efficiency. The weaknesses are its relatively simple construction and the learning curve required to achieve consistent results. With practice and the right techniques, the mold can produce high-quality round balls.
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .495 Ball W/handles has exceeded my expectations, especially considering its price point. It offers a reliable and cost-effective way to produce round balls for my shooting needs. The small investment has saved me a considerable amount of money on commercially manufactured projectiles.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .495 Ball W/handles features a simple, functional design. The aluminum blocks are lightweight and easy to handle, even when hot. The wooden handles provide a comfortable grip and adequate insulation from the heat.
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .495 Ball W/handles is reasonably user-friendly. A beginner may need some practice to master the casting technique. The mold is simple enough to disassemble and clean.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Lee Double Cavity Mold .495 Ball W/handles should last for many years. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential for maintaining its performance. The aluminum blocks may eventually show signs of wear, but the mold should remain functional for a long time.
Maintenance is straightforward. A brass brush, mold release spray, and occasional lubrication of the sprue plate are all that’s needed. The simple design also makes minor repairs relatively easy, should they become necessary.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .495 Ball W/handles comes with the mold blocks and handles. No other accessories are included. No significant customization options are available.
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .495 Ball W/handles is compatible with standard mold handles from Lee. It is also compatible with mold release sprays and lubricants from other brands like RCBS and Lyman.
Pros and Cons of Lee Double Cavity Mold .495 Ball W/handles
Pros
- Affordable price point.
- Double-cavity design increases casting speed.
- Lightweight aluminum construction for rapid heating and cooling.
- Produces consistent round balls with practice.
- Durable enough for years of use with proper maintenance.
Cons
- Requires a learning curve to master casting technique.
- Simple construction may not be as refined as higher-end molds.
- No included accessories beyond the mold and handles.
Who Should Buy Lee Double Cavity Mold .495 Ball W/handles?
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .495 Ball W/handles is perfect for black powder enthusiasts, shotgun reloaders, and anyone looking to save money by casting their own round balls. It is especially well-suited for those who enjoy the hands-on aspect of reloading and are willing to invest the time to learn the casting process.
This product might not be ideal for those who prioritize absolute precision and are unwilling to spend time mastering the casting technique. Those who prefer the convenience of commercially manufactured round balls may also want to skip this product.
Must-have accessories include a lead melting pot, lead ingots, a sprue cutter, mold release spray, and a brass brush for cleaning the mold. Safety glasses and gloves are also essential for protecting yourself from hot lead.
Conclusion on Lee Double Cavity Mold .495 Ball W/handles
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .495 Ball W/handles offers an excellent value proposition for those seeking a cost-effective way to produce their own round balls. While it requires some practice and attention to detail, the mold is capable of delivering consistent, accurate projectiles for muzzleloaders and shotguns. Its affordability and efficiency make it a worthwhile investment for the dedicated black powder shooter or reloader.
The price is certainly justified by the potential savings on commercially manufactured round balls. Furthermore, the ability to tailor your projectiles to your specific needs is invaluable.
I would personally recommend the Lee Double Cavity Mold .495 Ball W/handles to anyone looking to get into casting their own round balls. With a little practice, you’ll be producing high-quality projectiles in no time. So, grab a mold, melt some lead, and experience the satisfaction of crafting your own ammunition!