Let’s Dive into Lee 90303 Bullet Mold 1 38 Caliber
The Lee 90303 Bullet Mold 1 38 Caliber is a single-cavity mold designed for casting .38 caliber bullets, specifically a 158-grain flat nose (FN) projectile. Made by Lee Precision, this mold offers reloaders a cost-effective way to produce their own ammunition components. The aluminum construction and included handle and sprue plate make it an appealing option, especially for those new to casting or seeking a simple, reliable mold for .38 caliber rounds.
I got into casting my own bullets years ago, partly out of necessity during an ammunition shortage and partly out of a desire for greater control over my loads. I needed a mold specifically for .38 caliber rounds for my revolvers, as store-bought ammunition was getting expensive.
My first impression of the Lee 90303 Bullet Mold 1 38 Caliber was that it was surprisingly lightweight, owing to its aluminum construction. The blocks lined up well, and the included handle felt secure.
I was initially considering a multi-cavity mold to speed up production, but ultimately chose the Lee 90303 Bullet Mold 1 38 Caliber for its simplicity and lower price point. I wanted something reliable and easy to learn with. My initial excitement was tempered by the fact that I had heard aluminum molds can be finicky until properly seasoned.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee 90303 Bullet Mold 1 38 Caliber to the Test
First Use Experience
My first use of the Lee 90303 Bullet Mold 1 38 Caliber was at my reloading bench in my garage. I was using a propane burner to melt down my lead alloy. The initial casts were a bit rough, as expected with a new mold, and getting the temperature right took a few tries.
The mold performed adequately, but the initial bullets were not perfectly formed and required some adjustments to my technique. The aluminum heated up quickly, which was good, but it also cooled down fast, requiring a consistent pace to avoid wrinkles.
The learning curve was steeper than anticipated, and I initially felt somewhat frustrated by the inconsistent results. However, after about an hour, I started to get into a rhythm, and the bullets began to come out cleaner and more uniform.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Lee 90303 Bullet Mold 1 38 Caliber has become more consistent. Seasoning the mold with multiple casting sessions made a huge difference. The bullets now drop more cleanly.
There is minimal wear and tear evident so far, although I am careful to lubricate the sprue plate and hinge points regularly. Keeping the mold clean and lightly oiled is crucial for longevity.
Compared to my older iron molds, the Lee 90303 Bullet Mold 1 38 Caliber requires a more delicate touch and precise temperature control, but once dialed in, it produces accurate, consistent bullets. It is not necessarily an improvement, but a different experience.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee 90303 Bullet Mold 1 38 Caliber
Specifications
The Lee 90303 Bullet Mold 1 38 Caliber is a single-cavity mold for casting .38 caliber bullets. It is designed to produce a 158-grain flat nose (FN) bullet. The mold is constructed from aluminum and comes with a handle and sprue plate.
- .38 Caliber: Designed specifically for .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges.
- 158-Grain Flat Nose (FN): A versatile bullet weight and profile suitable for target shooting and plinking.
- Aluminum Construction: Lightweight and heats up quickly, but requires careful temperature management.
- Included Handle & Sprue Plate: Provides everything needed to start casting (except the lead).
- Cavity Depth: 2 in: Impacts bullet shape and fill consistency.
These specifications are important because they dictate the type of bullet the mold produces and the ease of use. The aluminum construction, while lightweight, requires experience to maintain consistent temperature. The flat nose design is favored for its accuracy and reliable feeding in revolvers.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee 90303 Bullet Mold 1 38 Caliber performs well when properly seasoned and used with consistent technique. The bullets produced are accurate and consistent in weight. The sprue plate cuts cleanly and efficiently.
The mold’s strength is its simplicity and affordability. The weakness is that it is a single cavity mold, which greatly slows production. It meets expectations for an entry-level mold, but more experienced casters may prefer a multi-cavity option.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lee 90303 Bullet Mold 1 38 Caliber is lightweight and comfortable to use for extended casting sessions. The handle provides a secure grip. The aluminum construction means that the mold heats up quickly.
The design is user-friendly, but there is a learning curve to achieving consistent results. The mold halves self-center, which simplifies alignment.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lee 90303 Bullet Mold 1 38 Caliber should last for thousands of casts if properly cared for. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the sprue plate and hinge points are essential. Aluminum molds are more susceptible to damage from over-tightening or dropping than iron molds.
Maintaining the mold is straightforward; a simple wire brush and mold release agent will suffice. The aluminum is relatively soft and prone to scratching if not handled with care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee 90303 Bullet Mold 1 38 Caliber comes with a handle and sprue plate. There are no customization options for this specific mold. It is compatible with any standard lead melting pot and associated casting tools.
Pros and Cons of Lee 90303 Bullet Mold 1 38 Caliber
Pros
- Affordable: The Lee 90303 Bullet Mold 1 38 Caliber is one of the most budget-friendly options on the market for casting .38 caliber bullets.
- Lightweight: The aluminum construction makes it easy to handle for extended casting sessions.
- Simple Design: Easy to learn and use, making it ideal for beginners.
- Accurate Bullets: Produces consistent and accurate bullets when used correctly.
- Includes Handle & Sprue Plate: Comes with all the necessary components to start casting (aside from lead).
Cons
- Single Cavity: Significantly slows down production compared to multi-cavity molds.
- Aluminum Construction: Requires more precise temperature control than iron molds.
Who Should Buy Lee 90303 Bullet Mold 1 38 Caliber?
The Lee 90303 Bullet Mold 1 38 Caliber is perfect for reloaders on a budget who want to cast their own .38 caliber bullets. It is ideal for beginners who are learning the basics of casting, and for shooters who only need a small number of bullets at a time.
Those who need to produce large quantities of bullets quickly should skip this product. Consider a multi-cavity mold instead.
Essential accessories include a lead melting pot, lead alloy, mold release agent, and a bullet sizing die.
Conclusion on Lee 90303 Bullet Mold 1 38 Caliber
The Lee 90303 Bullet Mold 1 38 Caliber is a solid, budget-friendly option for reloaders seeking to cast their own .38 caliber bullets. While the single-cavity design limits production speed, the ease of use and consistent results make it a worthwhile investment for beginners.
The price is definitely justified, especially for those looking to get into casting without breaking the bank.
I would recommend it to anyone starting out with bullet casting or who needs a reliable, inexpensive mold for .38 caliber rounds. Try casting your own bullets and experience the satisfaction of creating your own ammunition!