Let’s Dive into Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number C358-158-SWC 90322
The Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number C358-158-SWC 90322 is a reloading tool designed for casting .358 caliber, 158-grain semi-wadcutter bullets, primarily for use in .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges. Manufactured by Lee Precision, this mold offers reloaders a cost-effective way to produce their own projectiles. Its double-cavity design allows for casting two bullets simultaneously, increasing efficiency.
My journey into reloading started years ago, driven by the desire to customize my ammunition for optimal accuracy and performance, along with cost savings. I was specifically looking for a mold that would produce a reliable and accurate semi-wadcutter bullet for my .38 Special revolvers, perfect for target practice and plinking.
Upon unboxing the Lee mold, I immediately noticed its aluminum construction. The steel handles, permanently attached, felt sturdy enough for the task. The mold itself was lightweight, a characteristic of aluminum, giving a good initial impression for ease of handling.
I considered molds from Lyman and RCBS, both reputable brands, but the Lee mold’s price point and the positive reviews regarding its ability to produce accurate bullets swayed my decision. The cost savings compared to the other brands was significant, making it an attractive option for my reloading needs.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was eager to see if the mold could live up to its promise of producing consistent and accurate bullets, despite its relatively simple design and lower price.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number C358-158-SWC 90322 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test took place in my reloading workshop, specifically set up for casting bullets. I used a propane torch to preheat the mold before pouring in molten lead alloy, a standard practice for optimal bullet formation. The Lee mold heated up relatively quickly due to its aluminum construction.
The mold performed well in dry conditions, as expected, but I intentionally introduced some variations by casting bullets at slightly different mold temperatures. This allowed me to observe how consistent the bullets were under less-than-ideal circumstances. The mold was surprisingly forgiving, producing usable bullets even with minor temperature fluctuations.
The Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold proved to be relatively easy to use, even for a novice bullet caster. I only needed a few casting cycles to get the hang of the process and achieve consistent results. The biggest challenge was maintaining a steady pouring rhythm to fill both cavities evenly.
Initially, I experienced some slight sticking of the bullets in the mold, a common issue with aluminum molds. However, after applying a mold release agent (specifically, Lee Mold Prep), this problem disappeared, and the bullets dropped cleanly from the cavities.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold has proven to be a reliable tool in my reloading setup. The aluminum construction, while initially raising concerns about durability, has held up surprisingly well to repeated heating and cooling cycles.
While the mold shows some minor cosmetic discoloration from the heat, there are no signs of warping or damage to the mold cavities. The steel handles remain securely attached, and the mold continues to produce consistent bullets.
Maintenance is straightforward: after each casting session, I clean the mold with a brass brush to remove any lead residue and then apply a thin coat of Lee Mold Prep before storage. This simple routine has kept the mold in excellent working condition.
In comparison to my previous experience with a more expensive Lyman mold, the Lee mold offers comparable performance in terms of accuracy and bullet consistency, at a fraction of the price. While the Lyman mold might have a slightly more refined finish, the Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold delivers excellent value for the money.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number C358-158-SWC 90322
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Lee Precision. Known for their affordable and practical reloading equipment.
- Caliber: .38 Special, .357 Magnum. These are the most common cartridges using .358 diameter bullets.
- Projectile Caliber: .358 Caliber. This is the diameter of the bullet the mold produces.
- Fabric/Material: Aluminum. Aluminum allows for quicker heating and cooling during the casting process.
- Bullet Weight: 158 grain. This is a standard weight for .38 Special and .357 Magnum rounds, providing good accuracy and recoil management.
- Bullet Type: Semi Wadcutter (SWC). The SWC design is known for its clean hole punching in paper targets and its reliable feeding in revolvers.
- Cavity Depth: 2 in. This measurement affects the overall bullet profile and is designed for optimal balance and stability.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the performance of the reloaded ammunition. The .358 caliber ensures a proper fit in the barrel, the 158-grain weight provides consistent ballistics, and the semi-wadcutter design offers both accuracy and reliable feeding. The aluminum construction aids in faster casting cycles.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold performs its job admirably, producing consistent 158-grain semi-wadcutter bullets suitable for target shooting and practice. The bullets produced are accurate enough for recreational shooting and informal competitions.
The mold’s strength lies in its simplicity and affordability. However, it requires careful temperature management to prevent sticking. While it meets expectations for a budget-friendly mold, experienced reloaders might find it lacks the refinement of higher-end options.
Design & Ergonomics
The mold is constructed from aluminum, making it lightweight and easy to handle during extended casting sessions. Its compact design allows for comfortable operation, even in smaller reloading spaces.
The design is straightforward and easy to understand, even for beginner reloaders. The only slight learning curve involves mastering the optimal mold temperature and pouring technique for consistent results.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold, despite its aluminum construction, is reasonably durable for its price point. With proper care and maintenance, it should last for several years of regular use.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a brass brush and application of mold release agent. The Lee mold’s simplicity of design means that there are few parts to wear out or break.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold doesn’t come with any accessories. Essential accessories, such as mold handles (included) and mold release agent, are generally required and need to be purchased separately.
There are no specific customization options for this particular mold; however, the bullets produced can be loaded with various powders and primers to tailor the ammunition’s performance. The Lee mold is compatible with standard sizing dies and bullet seating dies from other brands, offering versatility in the reloading process.
Pros and Cons of Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number C358-158-SWC 90322
Pros
- Affordable Price: It offers excellent value for reloaders on a budget.
- Lightweight Aluminum Construction: Heats up quickly and is easy to handle.
- Double Cavity Design: Allows for efficient casting of two bullets at once.
- Produces Accurate Bullets: Suitable for target shooting and practice.
- Simple to Use: Beginner-friendly design with a minimal learning curve.
Cons
- Can experience sticking issues if not properly prepped with mold release agent.
- Aluminum construction may not be as durable as steel molds.
Who Should Buy Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number C358-158-SWC 90322?
The Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number C358-158-SWC 90322 is perfect for reloaders on a budget who want to produce their own .38 Special and .357 Magnum ammunition for target shooting and practice. It’s also great for beginners looking to get into bullet casting without a significant investment.
Those seeking a higher level of refinement, durability, or specialized bullet designs should skip this product and consider higher-end molds from brands like Lyman or RCBS.
Must-have accessories include a mold release agent (Lee Mold Prep recommended), a lead melting pot, and appropriate safety gear (gloves, eye protection). A bullet sizing die is also recommended for ensuring consistent bullet diameters.
Conclusion on Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number C358-158-SWC 90322
The Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number C358-158-SWC 90322 is a solid choice for reloaders seeking an affordable and functional bullet mold. It delivers good performance for its price, producing accurate bullets with a relatively simple design.
The price is definitely justified, making it an excellent entry-level option for those new to bullet casting or reloaders on a budget.
I would personally recommend this mold to anyone looking for a cost-effective way to produce their own .38 Special and .357 Magnum bullets for practice and target shooting. If you’re ready to take control of your ammunition and save money in the process, give the Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold a try – you might be surprised by the results!