Let’s Dive into Lee .38 Caliber Six Cavity Mold
The Lee .38 Caliber Six Cavity Mold promises a significant step up in reloading efficiency, especially for high-volume .38 Special, .38 Colt NP, and .357 Magnum shooters. Lee is a well-known name in reloading, and this mold, designed to cast six bullets simultaneously, aims to streamline the process of creating accurate and consistent projectiles. I was intrigued by the prospect of drastically reducing the time spent casting bullets for my .38 Special revolvers.
My need arose from a renewed interest in cowboy action shooting and a desire to reduce the cost of practice ammunition. Factory .38 Special ammunition has become increasingly expensive, and my existing single-cavity mold was simply too slow to keep up with my needs. The Lee .38 Caliber Six Cavity Mold seemed like the perfect solution to produce a large quantity of bullets efficiently.
Upon unboxing, the aluminum mold felt surprisingly lightweight yet solid. The build quality appeared robust, with precisely machined cavities and a smooth surface finish. Unlike some molds, handles are sold separately which was a slight disappointment, adding to the overall cost.
I considered the Lyman #2 Alloy Bullet Mold and the RCBS Two-Cavity Mold as alternatives. The Lyman mold, known for its iron construction and reputation for durability, was significantly more expensive and slower to use. The RCBS Two-Cavity Mold offered a slight increase in speed over my single-cavity mold but didn’t offer the massive time savings promised by the Lee .38 Caliber Six Cavity Mold.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The lightweight design was a welcome change from heavier iron molds, and the six cavities held the promise of significantly increased production speed. I was eager to put it to the test and see if it lived up to the hype, despite needing to buy the handles separately.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee .38 Caliber Six Cavity Mold to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Lee .38 Caliber Six Cavity Mold at my home reloading bench, using a propane-powered melting pot and a supply of lead alloy. I focused on casting 150-grain round nose bullets for my Smith & Wesson Model 10 and Ruger SP101. The mold heated up quickly, and after a few initial casts to get the temperature dialed in, it started producing consistent, well-formed bullets.
The mold performed admirably in the dry, moderate temperature of my garage. The aluminum construction seemed to help dissipate heat effectively, allowing for faster cycling. I found that maintaining a consistent pouring cadence was crucial to filling all six cavities evenly; a slight pause could lead to partially filled bullets.
The initial learning curve was surprisingly minimal. After a few practice runs, I quickly developed a rhythm for pouring, opening, and ejecting the bullets. One initial issue was with the sprue plate; it was a bit stiff at first, but a touch of mold release spray solved that problem immediately.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Lee .38 Caliber Six Cavity Mold has proven to be a reliable and efficient tool. I’ve cast several thousand bullets with it, and the mold continues to produce consistent results. The aluminum construction has held up well, showing no signs of warping or cracking.
The mold has proven remarkably durable despite its lightweight construction. I’ve only noticed minor scratches on the mold’s surface, which is to be expected with regular use. Cleaning is relatively simple; a quick scrub with a brass brush and some solvent removes any lead residue.
Compared to my previous single-cavity mold, the Lee .38 Caliber Six Cavity Mold is a game-changer. It allows me to cast six times the number of bullets in the same amount of time, significantly reducing my reloading workload. The bullets produced are consistent in weight and diameter, resulting in improved accuracy and reliability in my reloads.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee .38 Caliber Six Cavity Mold
Specifications
The Lee .38 Caliber Six Cavity Mold is designed for casting .38 caliber bullets, specifically those used in .38 Special, .38 Colt NP, and .357 Magnum cartridges. It casts a 150-grain Round Nose (RN) bullet. The mold is constructed from aluminum for efficient heat transfer and weighs significantly less than iron or steel molds.
The mold features six cavities, allowing for simultaneous casting of six bullets, and requires separate handles. The resulting bullet has an overall length of .643 inches. The distance from the crimp groove to the nose of the bullet is .288 inches. The ballistic coefficient is .131.
These specifications are crucial for reloaders seeking to create consistent and accurate ammunition. The 150-grain weight is a popular choice for .38 Special target loads, offering a good balance of recoil and accuracy. The round nose design facilitates smooth feeding in revolvers and lever-action rifles. The aluminum construction ensures rapid heating and cooling cycles, maximizing casting efficiency.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee .38 Caliber Six Cavity Mold excels at its primary function: producing a high volume of consistent bullets. Accuracy is excellent, with bullets typically varying by only a grain or two in weight. The mold fills easily, provided that the alloy temperature is properly maintained.
The mold’s strengths lie in its speed and efficiency. Its main weakness is the need to purchase handles separately, which increases the overall cost. The mold meets my expectations for high-volume bullet casting, but the sprue plate could be smoother.
Design & Ergonomics
The aluminum construction of the Lee .38 Caliber Six Cavity Mold contributes to its lightweight design, making it comfortable to use for extended casting sessions. The mold feels well-balanced in hand. The absence of integrated handles is a minor drawback, requiring the purchase of compatible Lee handles.
The mold is relatively user-friendly, but a small learning curve is involved in mastering the proper pouring technique. The six-cavity design requires a consistent pouring cadence to ensure that all cavities are filled evenly. The mold’s aluminum construction heats up and cools down quickly, making it efficient to use.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lee .38 Caliber Six Cavity Mold is reasonably durable, considering its aluminum construction. With proper care and maintenance, it should last for many years of use. Regular cleaning with a brass brush and solvent is essential to remove lead residue and prevent build-up.
The mold is relatively easy to maintain and requires minimal repair. The sprue plate is replaceable if it becomes damaged or worn. The aluminum construction is resistant to rust and corrosion, further extending its lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee .38 Caliber Six Cavity Mold does not come with any included accessories other than the mold itself. Compatible Lee mold handles are required for operation and must be purchased separately. No customization options are directly available for the mold itself.
The mold is compatible with a wide range of standard reloading accessories, such as melting pots, lead thermometers, and bullet sizing tools. While no direct modifications are possible, the resulting bullets can be sized and lubed using standard bullet sizing dies. This allows reloaders to tailor the bullet diameter to their specific firearm.
Pros and Cons of Lee .38 Caliber Six Cavity Mold
Pros
- High-volume casting: Six cavities significantly increase bullet production speed.
- Lightweight design: Aluminum construction reduces fatigue during extended use.
- Consistent results: Produces accurate and consistent bullets.
- Easy to use: Minimal learning curve for experienced reloaders.
- Affordable: Relatively inexpensive compared to other multi-cavity molds.
Cons
- Requires separate purchase of handles, adding to the overall cost.
- Aluminum construction is less durable than iron or steel molds.
- Sprue plate can be stiff initially.
Who Should Buy Lee .38 Caliber Six Cavity Mold?
The Lee .38 Caliber Six Cavity Mold is perfect for reloaders who shoot .38 Special, .38 Colt NP, or .357 Magnum extensively and need to produce a high volume of bullets quickly. It is ideal for cowboy action shooters, target shooters, and those who simply want to reduce the cost of their ammunition. This mold is a great fit for anyone reloading thousands of rounds a year.
This product might not be suitable for reloaders who only shoot occasionally or who prioritize ultimate durability over speed and affordability. Those who prefer the traditional feel of iron or steel molds may also want to consider other options. Someone casting bullets for a few rounds each year should skip this product.
A must-have accessory is the Lee mold handles designed specifically for this mold. A good lead thermometer is also essential to maintain consistent alloy temperature. A bullet sizer is helpful for ensuring uniform bullet diameter.
Conclusion on Lee .38 Caliber Six Cavity Mold
The Lee .38 Caliber Six Cavity Mold offers exceptional value for reloaders seeking to increase their bullet production speed. While the need to purchase handles separately is a minor inconvenience, the mold’s performance and affordability make it a worthwhile investment. The speed is more than double a standard two-cavity mold.
The price is certainly justified by the increased efficiency and consistent results. I would personally recommend this mold to any reloader who shoots .38 Special, .38 Colt NP, or .357 Magnum frequently and wants to save time and money.
If you’re looking to streamline your reloading process and produce high-quality bullets in large quantities, the Lee .38 Caliber Six Cavity Mold is an excellent choice. Invest in this mold, get your alloy melting, and start casting!