Let’s Dive into Lee .501 Diameter 440 Grain 500 S&W Double Cavity Mold Round Nose Bullet
The Lee .501 Diameter 440 Grain 500 S&W Double Cavity Mold Round Nose Bullet is a must-have for serious reloaders seeking to tame the potent 500 S&W Magnum. Crafted by Lee, this mold allows you to produce your own high-quality, consistent bullets, giving you unparalleled control over your ammunition. I was drawn to this product because I wanted to significantly reduce my ammunition costs for my 500 S&W, which is notorious for being expensive to feed.
My first impression upon receiving the mold was that it was surprisingly lightweight, thanks to the aluminum construction. The handles felt sturdy enough for the task at hand, and the mold halves aligned cleanly. I’ve used Lee molds before, but never for such a large caliber; I was excited to start casting. Compared to buying pre-cast bullets, this mold promised a significant cost savings and the satisfaction of crafting my own ammunition, much like handloading itself.
This particular mold stands out from other options due to its double cavity design, allowing for faster production. My initial reaction was a mix of excitement and a slight apprehension – could I really produce accurate and consistent bullets with this relatively simple mold? I was eager to find out and put it to the test.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee .501 Diameter 440 Grain 500 S&W Double Cavity Mold Round Nose Bullet to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Lee .501 Diameter 440 Grain 500 S&W Double Cavity Mold Round Nose Bullet mold in my garage, setting up my casting equipment on a sturdy workbench. I used a lead alloy comprised of mostly wheel weights, aiming for a good balance of hardness and malleability. The mold heated up relatively quickly on my hot plate.
The first few casts were a bit rough, as I dialed in the optimal temperature and casting rhythm. After a few tries, I began producing consistent, well-formed bullets, even in a dusty environment. The process became smoother and faster as I got the hang of it. I was pleasantly surprised by how easily the bullets dropped from the mold once it reached the correct temperature.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and hundreds of bullets cast, the Lee mold is holding up remarkably well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear on the mold itself. The bullets consistently drop at or very near the specified weight and diameter.
Maintaining the mold is simple: a quick cleaning with a brass brush and some mold release spray keeps it functioning smoothly. Compared to other molds I’ve used, this one seems particularly forgiving of minor imperfections in alloy composition. It consistently produces usable bullets, exceeding my expectations for a mold in this price range.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee .501 Diameter 440 Grain 500 S&W Double Cavity Mold Round Nose Bullet
Specifications
The Lee .501 Diameter 440 Grain 500 S&W Double Cavity Mold Round Nose Bullet is designed to cast bullets with a diameter of .501 inches, perfectly suited for the 500 S&W Magnum cartridge. Each bullet weighs approximately 440 grains, providing substantial recoil and impressive stopping power. The mold itself is constructed from aluminum, making it lightweight and efficient at dissipating heat.
The round nose (RN) bullet design aids in smooth feeding and reliable chambering in revolvers. The double cavity design allows for casting two bullets at a time, increasing production speed. These specifications are important because they directly influence the bullet’s accuracy, ballistic performance, and overall reliability.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee .501 Diameter 440 Grain 500 S&W Double Cavity Mold Round Nose Bullet mold excels at its primary job: producing consistent, accurate bullets. The bullets I cast from this mold have proven to be remarkably accurate in my Smith & Wesson 500 Magnum revolver. I’ve achieved groupings of under 2 inches at 50 yards with carefully handloaded ammunition using these bullets.
The mold’s only weakness is that the aluminum heats up quickly; with a large caliber like this, it can take some practice to get the temperature just right for consistent fill-out. Overall, the mold meets my expectations and delivers reliable performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The aluminum construction keeps the mold lightweight and easy to handle, even during extended casting sessions. The handles provide a comfortable grip, though wearing gloves is recommended due to the heat. The mold halves align precisely, ensuring consistent bullet dimensions.
The learning curve is relatively gentle, even for novice reloaders. With a little practice, anyone can produce high-quality bullets with this mold.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Lee .501 Diameter 440 Grain 500 S&W Double Cavity Mold Round Nose Bullet mold should last for many years of reliable service. Regular cleaning and lubrication will prevent lead buildup and ensure smooth operation. The aluminum is reasonably durable, but avoid dropping the mold on hard surfaces.
Maintenance is straightforward. A brass brush, mold release spray, and a bit of elbow grease are all that’s needed to keep the mold in top condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee .501 Diameter 440 Grain 500 S&W Double Cavity Mold Round Nose Bullet comes standard with handles. There are no readily available customization options for the mold itself. However, the resulting bullets can be loaded with a variety of powders and primers to fine-tune performance.
The bullets can also be used with gas checks, which are highly recommended for higher-pressure loads to prevent leading in the barrel. The Lee mold is compatible with standard gas checks designed for .50 caliber bullets.
Pros and Cons of Lee .501 Diameter 440 Grain 500 S&W Double Cavity Mold Round Nose Bullet
Pros
- Affordable: The Lee .501 Diameter 440 Grain 500 S&W Double Cavity Mold Round Nose Bullet offers exceptional value for the money, significantly reducing ammunition costs for the 500 S&W Magnum.
- Consistent Bullet Dimensions: The mold produces consistent bullet dimensions, leading to improved accuracy and reliability.
- Double Cavity Design: The double cavity design increases production speed, allowing you to cast more bullets in less time.
- Easy to Use: The mold is relatively easy to use, even for novice reloaders, with a gentle learning curve.
- Durable: The aluminum construction is reasonably durable and, with proper care, should last for many years.
Cons
- Aluminum Heats Quickly: The aluminum construction can cause the mold to heat up quickly, requiring careful temperature management.
- Requires Gas Checks: Gas checks are highly recommended for higher-pressure loads to prevent leading in the barrel.
Who Should Buy Lee .501 Diameter 440 Grain 500 S&W Double Cavity Mold Round Nose Bullet?
The Lee .501 Diameter 440 Grain 500 S&W Double Cavity Mold Round Nose Bullet is perfect for reloaders who own a 500 S&W Magnum and want to reduce their ammunition costs. It’s also ideal for those who enjoy the process of casting their own bullets and fine-tuning their ammunition for optimal performance. This is a great tool for hunters who rely on the 500 S&W for taking down large game and want to ensure a consistent supply of reliable ammunition.
Those who should skip this product are individuals who do not reload their own ammunition, or those who are intimidated by the casting process. Also, if you only shoot your 500 S&W occasionally and don’t mind paying a premium for factory ammunition, this mold might not be a worthwhile investment.
Must-have accessories include a lead pot or hot plate, a ladle, bullet casting gloves, a lead thermometer, a sprue plate lubricant, and gas checks. A bullet sizing die is also highly recommended to ensure consistent bullet diameter.
Conclusion on Lee .501 Diameter 440 Grain 500 S&W Double Cavity Mold Round Nose Bullet
The Lee .501 Diameter 440 Grain 500 S&W Double Cavity Mold Round Nose Bullet is an excellent investment for any serious 500 S&W Magnum reloader. It delivers consistent, accurate bullets at a fraction of the cost of factory ammunition. The price is definitely justified, considering the savings you’ll realize over time.
I would personally recommend this mold to anyone looking to tame the beast that is the 500 S&W. If you’re ready to take control of your ammunition and save money in the process, then grab this mold and start casting!