Let’s Dive into Lee 6 CV BLT MLD 358-148-WC 90380
The Lee 6 CV BLT MLD 358-148-WC 90380 is a 6-cavity bullet mold designed by Lee Precision for casting .358 diameter, 148-grain wadcutter bullets. This mold is a favorite among reloaders who prefer casting their own bullets, particularly for target shooting and practice rounds in .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges. Its aluminum construction ensures quick heating and cooling cycles, and the six-cavity design allows for efficient mass production of bullets.
My journey to the Lee mold began with a quest for consistent, accurate, and cost-effective .38 Special rounds for my aging Smith & Wesson Model 10. Factory ammunition prices were climbing, and I wanted greater control over the projectile’s consistency, crucial for reliable accuracy in my revolver. I considered other molds, but the Lee mold’s reputation for ease of use and high production rate, combined with its affordable price, made it a compelling choice.
Upon receiving the Lee 6 CV BLT MLD 358-148-WC 90380, I was immediately impressed by its lightweight design. The aluminum blocks felt solid and well-machined, though a bit rougher than higher-end steel molds I’ve used in the past. The mold halves aligned precisely, and the cavity surfaces appeared clean and ready for casting.
I was choosing between this Lee mold, the RCBS 82030 Lead Bullet Mould, and a Lyman 2-cavity mold. I opted for the Lee primarily because of the 6-cavity design, promising a faster casting rate and more bullets per session. Although I was initially excited about the potential production speed, I wondered about the long-term durability of aluminum versus steel.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The Lee mold felt like a practical and efficient tool, but I was also aware that some break-in and technique refinement would be necessary to achieve optimal results.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee 6 CV BLT MLD 358-148-WC 90380 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Lee 6 CV BLT MLD 358-148-WC 90380 in my well-ventilated garage, which I use as my reloading workshop. I used a propane burner as my heat source for the lead alloy. My initial casting session involved melting down a blend of reclaimed lead and adding a small amount of tin for improved castability.
The aluminum mold heated up quickly, as expected. I started casting with standard Lee mold handles (sold separately). I found that maintaining a consistent mold temperature was key to producing good quality bullets. A slightly cooler mold yielded frosted bullets, while an overheated mold created bullets with rounded edges.
The first few casts were imperfect, but after a few minutes, I was able to dial in my technique and start producing consistent, well-formed wadcutters. Ejection of the bullets from the mold was relatively easy after a light tap on the hinge pin. I did experience some minor sticking with a couple of the cavities, especially early in the session.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Lee 6 CV BLT MLD 358-148-WC 90380 has proven to be a reliable workhorse. I’ve cast thousands of wadcutters with it, and the mold continues to perform well.
Durability has been better than I initially anticipated. While aluminum is softer than steel, the mold has held its shape and dimensions admirably. I have noticed some very minor wear around the sprue plate pivot point. Proper lubrication of the sprue plate is crucial for smooth operation and preventing excessive wear.
Maintenance is straightforward. After each casting session, I clean the mold with a soft brush to remove any lead residue. Occasionally, I use a mold cleaner to remove stubborn buildup. Overall, the Lee mold requires minimal maintenance to keep it in good working order. Compared to the steel molds I own, the Lee mold is much lighter and easier to handle for extended periods. However, the steel molds seem more durable in the long run.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee 6 CV BLT MLD 358-148-WC 90380
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Lee Precision. A trusted name in reloading equipment known for affordability and usability.
- Caliber: .38 Special, .357 Magnum. Designed for these popular revolver cartridges, ideal for target shooting and practice.
- Projectile Caliber: .358 Caliber. Produces bullets with a diameter of .358 inches, a standard size for these cartridges.
- Bullet Weight: 148 grain. A common and effective weight for wadcutter bullets, known for accuracy and clean hole punching.
- Bullet Type: Wadcutter (WC). A cylindrical bullet designed to cut clean, easily scored holes in paper targets. The bullet’s shape is useful for achieving maximum accuracy.
- 6 Cavity Design: Allows for faster bullet production compared to single or dual-cavity molds. The 6-cavity design offers significant time savings when producing large quantities of bullets.
- Aluminum Construction: Lightweight design that heats up and cools down quickly, but might lack the long-term durability of steel. Aluminum is resistant to rust and lead adhesion.
These specifications are significant because they directly impact the reloading process. The Lee 6 CV BLT MLD 358-148-WC 90380 allows reloaders to produce accurate target rounds at a fraction of the cost of factory ammunition. The wadcutter design ensures clean target holes, which is beneficial for scoring in competitive shooting.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee 6 CV BLT MLD 358-148-WC 90380 performs its job admirably, producing consistent and accurate wadcutter bullets. With proper technique, it’s easy to cast bullets that are within a grain or two of the specified weight.
The main strength is its ability to produce a large quantity of bullets quickly. The weakness lies in the aluminum construction, which may not be as durable as steel in the long run. It largely meets expectations, especially considering its price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The aluminum build makes the Lee mold lightweight and easy to handle, reducing fatigue during long casting sessions. The design is straightforward and functional, though it lacks the refined feel of higher-end molds.
The mold is relatively user-friendly, but some experience with casting is helpful. Mastering the temperature control and sprue plate operation requires a bit of practice.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care and lubrication, the Lee 6 CV BLT MLD 358-148-WC 90380 should last for many years of use. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to prevent lead buildup and wear.
The mold is easy to disassemble for cleaning, and replacement parts are readily available from Lee. The aluminum construction means it’s susceptible to scratching, but these are mostly cosmetic.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee 6 CV BLT MLD 358-148-WC 90380 itself doesn’t come with many accessories. It requires Lee mold handles, which are sold separately. A sprue plate lubricant is also highly recommended for smooth operation.
The mold is not highly customizable. However, aftermarket sprue plates and alignment pins are available from various manufacturers to enhance its performance and durability. I would also recommend a hot plate to maintain the temperature of the mold when using it extensively.
Pros and Cons of Lee 6 CV BLT MLD 358-148-WC 90380
Pros
- High Production Rate: The 6-cavity design allows for rapid casting of bullets, saving significant time for high-volume reloaders.
- Affordable Price: The Lee mold is significantly cheaper than many comparable molds, making it accessible to budget-conscious reloaders.
- Lightweight Design: The aluminum construction reduces fatigue during extended casting sessions.
- Easy to Use: With a bit of practice, the mold is simple to operate and produces consistent results.
- Good Accuracy: Produces wadcutter bullets that are well-suited for accurate target shooting in .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges.
Cons
- Durability Concerns: Aluminum construction is less durable than steel and may be more prone to wear over time.
- Handles Sold Separately: The required mold handles are not included and must be purchased separately, adding to the overall cost.
Who Should Buy Lee 6 CV BLT MLD 358-148-WC 90380?
The Lee 6 CV BLT MLD 358-148-WC 90380 is perfect for reloaders who shoot .38 Special or .357 Magnum extensively for target practice or competition and want to save money by casting their own bullets. It’s also a good choice for those who are new to bullet casting due to its ease of use and affordable price.
This product might not be ideal for those who demand the absolute highest level of precision and durability, as steel molds offer superior performance in these areas. It might not be suitable for those who only load a small number of rounds, as the 6-cavity design is best suited for mass production.
Must-have accessories include Lee mold handles, a sprue plate lubricant, and a lead thermometer to monitor the melt temperature. A hot plate can also be useful for maintaining consistent mold temperature during long casting sessions.
Conclusion on Lee 6 CV BLT MLD 358-148-WC 90380
The Lee 6 CV BLT MLD 358-148-WC 90380 is a solid choice for reloaders looking to cast their own wadcutter bullets for .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges. Its high production rate, ease of use, and affordable price make it an attractive option for both beginners and experienced casters.
The price is definitely justified, considering the savings realized by casting your own bullets versus purchasing factory ammunition. It’s an excellent value for the price.
I would definitely recommend the Lee 6 CV BLT MLD 358-148-WC 90380 to anyone interested in casting their own wadcutter bullets. Get yours today and start saving money while enjoying the satisfaction of reloading your own ammunition!