Lee Double Cavity Mold .309-113-f W/handles Review

Let’s Dive into Lee Double Cavity Mold .309-113-f W/handles

Reloading ammunition offers significant advantages, from cost savings to the satisfaction of crafting personalized rounds tailored to your specific firearm. Among the critical components of this process is the bullet mold, and after years of experience, I’ve come to appreciate the nuances that separate a decent mold from an exceptional one. Enter the Lee Double Cavity Mold .309-113-f W/handles, a product from Lee that promises affordability and functionality for .309 caliber enthusiasts.

My journey towards hand-casting bullets began with a need for greater control over my .30 caliber rifle ammunition. Factory loads were simply not optimized for the specific performance I desired in my hunting and target shooting endeavors. After countless hours on the range, experimenting with various projectiles and powders, I realized that the key to achieving consistent accuracy and customized ballistics lay in casting my own bullets.

When I received the Lee Double Cavity Mold .309-113-f W/handles, my initial impression was one of practical simplicity. It’s clearly built for function over flash, but the inclusion of handles right out of the box is a huge plus for the price. Competing molds often require you to purchase handles separately, adding to the overall cost and initial setup time.

I considered several other molds, including Lyman and RCBS models, but ultimately chose the Lee for its compelling combination of price and double cavity design. While Lyman and RCBS offer excellent quality, their entry-level double cavity molds are significantly more expensive. The Lee mold seemed like the perfect balance between affordability and the ability to produce a decent volume of bullets in a reasonable timeframe. My first impression was a pleasant surprise; while the aluminum construction felt lighter than some steel molds I’ve used, the overall build seemed solid enough for consistent use.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Double Cavity Mold .309-113-f W/handles to the Test

First Use Experience

My first casting session with the Lee Double Cavity Mold .309-113-f W/handles took place in my well-ventilated garage, using a propane-fueled melting pot and a lead alloy consisting primarily of reclaimed bullet trap material. I tested the mold with a range of temperatures, aiming for a balance between good fill-out and minimal frosting on the finished bullets. The mold heated up fairly quickly, and the provided handles offered a comfortable grip, even after extended use.

The mold performed admirably, even under less-than-ideal conditions, yielding bullets with a consistent weight and diameter. I encountered some minor wrinkles on the base of the bullets initially, but adjusting the mold temperature and pouring technique quickly resolved the issue. The bullets dropped from the mold cleanly with a firm tap of the handle pivot bolt on my wooden workbench.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of casting sessions, totaling hundreds of bullets, the Lee Double Cavity Mold .309-113-f W/handles has proven to be a reliable tool. I’ve noticed minimal wear and tear on the mold surfaces. The aluminum seems to be holding up well, and the steel bushings on the handles haven’t exhibited any signs of loosening or play.

Cleaning is relatively straightforward. I typically use a soft brass brush and solvent to remove any accumulated lead residue from the mold faces and sprue plate. Compared to some older iron molds I’ve used in the past, the aluminum construction of the Lee mold is significantly easier to clean. It heats up and cools down faster, reducing the time spent waiting between casting sessions. It definitely outperforms some of the single-cavity molds I started with years ago, giving me a much better casting rate.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Double Cavity Mold .309-113-f W/handles

Specifications

The Lee Double Cavity Mold .309-113-f W/handles is designed for casting .309 caliber bullets. These are most commonly used in rifles chambered for .30-30 Winchester, .308 Winchester, and .30-06 Springfield. The mold casts a 113-grain flat nose (FN) bullet, ideal for plinking, target shooting, and lower-velocity hunting applications. The use of aluminum in the mold’s construction allows for rapid heating and cooling cycles, improving casting efficiency.

The mold’s double-cavity design allows for producing two bullets with each casting cycle, significantly increasing production speed compared to single-cavity molds. The provided handles are a major convenience. The fact that the handles come included, and not as a separate purchase, makes this an extremely attractive option for budget-conscious reloaders. The handle design also allows for a secure and comfortable grip.

Performance & Functionality

The Lee Double Cavity Mold .309-113-f W/handles performs its primary function – casting bullets – remarkably well for its price point. The bullets produced are consistent in weight and diameter, which contributes to improved accuracy when reloading. The flat nose design of the bullet facilitates clean and consistent paper target punching.

The mold is not without its limitations. The aluminum construction, while offering advantages in heating and cooling, is more prone to damage than steel molds if mishandled. Also, the sprue plate can sometimes be a bit sticky, requiring a firm tap to shear the lead cleanly. However, these minor issues are easily addressed with proper technique and maintenance. It definitely meets expectations for a mold in its price range and intended use.

Design & Ergonomics

The Lee Double Cavity Mold .309-113-f W/handles is a no-frills tool designed for function. The aluminum mold halves are precisely machined, and the cavities are well-formed. The inclusion of handles with perforated cuffs improves grip and reduces heat transfer to the hands.

The mold is relatively lightweight, which reduces fatigue during extended casting sessions. The absence of sharp edges or awkward angles makes the mold comfortable to handle. There’s a slight learning curve in mastering the optimal casting technique. New users may experience some initial difficulty with consistent bullet fill-out and sprue cutting.

Durability & Maintenance

The Lee Double Cavity Mold .309-113-f W/handles, with proper care, should last for many years of use. Aluminum is softer than steel, so avoid using excessive force when closing the mold or cutting the sprue. Regular cleaning is essential to prevent lead buildup and ensure smooth operation.

The mold can be disassembled for thorough cleaning and inspection. The simple design makes repairs relatively straightforward. Replacement parts, such as sprue plates and handles, are readily available from Lee.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Double Cavity Mold .309-113-f W/handles comes ready to use right out of the box with its included handles. While there aren’t many customization options specific to the mold itself, the bullets it produces can be tailored to your specific needs. Experimenting with different lead alloys, bullet lubes, and sizing dies can significantly impact performance.

The bullets are compatible with standard .309 sizing dies and bullet lubers, allowing you to fine-tune their diameter and lubrication for optimal performance in your rifle. The mold also works well with various commercially available sprue plate lubricants, which can help ensure clean and consistent sprue cutting.

Pros and Cons of Lee Double Cavity Mold .309-113-f W/handles