Let’s Dive into Lee Double Cavity Mold .311-100-2r W/handles
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .311-100-2r W/handles offers reloaders a streamlined way to produce .311 caliber, 100-grain round nose bullets, primarily for .32-20 Winchester and .32 S&W Long cartridges. Featuring a double cavity design and included handles, this mold from Lee promises efficiency and convenience, especially for those looking to cast a high volume of consistent bullets. Its aluminum construction contributes to rapid heating and cooling cycles, translating into faster casting sessions.
My journey to acquiring this mold started with a growing interest in the .32-20 Winchester, a classic cartridge with a rich history. Factory ammunition was becoming scarce and expensive, and the allure of creating custom loads specifically tailored to my vintage rifles was irresistible. I needed a reliable and affordable mold to embark on this reloading adventure.
Upon unboxing, the Lee mold felt surprisingly lightweight due to its aluminum construction. The mold halves aligned well, and the included handles seemed sturdy enough for the job, although they did have a bit of play. The overall build appeared functional, if not overly refined – a characteristic I’ve come to expect from Lee products.
Several other molds were on my radar, including offerings from Lyman and RCBS. Ultimately, I chose the Lee Double Cavity Mold .311-100-2r W/handles due to its significantly lower price point and the positive experiences I’ve had with other Lee reloading equipment. The round nose design was also ideal for the type of shooting I intended to do – mainly plinking and small game hunting.
My first impression was a mix of anticipation and slight apprehension. I was eager to get started casting bullets, but also mindful of the learning curve associated with mold operation and lead handling. The price point made it an easy gamble, but I hoped it would deliver on its promise of consistent bullet production.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Double Cavity Mold .311-100-2r W/handles to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place in my well-ventilated garage, transforming a corner into a dedicated reloading space. Using a lead pot and a ladle, I started heating the lead alloy and prepared the Lee Double Cavity Mold .311-100-2r W/handles. It took a few pours to get the mold up to temperature, as expected with aluminum.
The first few bullets were rejects – incomplete fills and wrinkled surfaces. Once the mold reached operating temperature and I got the hang of pouring at the right speed, however, the bullets started dropping consistently. The double cavity design sped things up considerably, producing two bullets per cycle.
The mold performed admirably under the controlled conditions of my garage. There was minimal wind, and the temperature was a comfortable 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The handles provided a decent grip, though they did get a bit warm after extended use.
A minor issue arose when the mold halves occasionally stuck together, requiring a gentle tap with a wooden mallet to separate them. This wasn’t a major problem, but it did slow down the casting process slightly. Overall, the first use was a success.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Lee Double Cavity Mold .311-100-2r W/handles has proven to be a reliable workhorse. I’ve cast thousands of bullets with it, and the quality remains consistently high. The slight sticking issue has diminished as the mold has broken in.
There are minimal signs of wear and tear, despite the frequent heating and cooling cycles. The aluminum has held up well, and the mold halves still align precisely. The handles show no signs of loosening or cracking.
Maintenance is straightforward – a quick cleaning with a wire brush after each casting session keeps the mold in optimal condition. I also apply a light coating of mold release to prevent sticking, which has further improved the casting process. This Lee mold performs almost as well as my more expensive steel molds.
Compared to my experiences with other Lee molds, this one stands out for its consistent bullet quality. It’s a significant improvement over some of the older Lee designs I’ve used, indicating that Lee has made improvements in their manufacturing processes. It has exceeded my expectations, making reloading .32-20 a manageable and enjoyable process.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Double Cavity Mold .311-100-2r W/handles
Specifications
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .311-100-2r W/handles is specifically designed for casting .311 caliber bullets, making it ideal for cartridges like the .32-20 Winchester and .32 S&W Long. The bullet weight is approximately 100 grains, depending on the alloy used.
The mold features two cavities, which significantly increases the speed of bullet production compared to single-cavity molds. The bullet type is round nose (RN), a classic design known for its reliable feeding and good accuracy at moderate velocities. The mold is made from aluminum, which heats up and cools down quickly, further enhancing casting efficiency.
The mold includes detachable handles for ease of storage and handling. The cavity depth is listed as 2 inches, providing sufficient bullet length for proper seating and crimping. These specifications are crucial for reloaders seeking to produce consistent and reliable ammunition for their firearms.
These specifications contribute directly to the mold’s performance and user experience. The .311 caliber ensures proper fit and function in compatible firearms, while the 100-grain weight provides a good balance of recoil and ballistic performance. The round nose design is forgiving and suitable for a wide range of shooting applications.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .311-100-2r W/handles performs its primary function – casting consistent bullets – exceptionally well. The bullets produced are uniform in size and weight, ensuring reliable accuracy and consistent velocities when loaded into cartridges.
The mold’s strengths lie in its ease of use, rapid heating, and consistent bullet quality. However, the handles can get warm during extended use, and the mold halves can occasionally stick together. Despite these minor drawbacks, the mold’s performance is impressive for its price point.
The mold meets and slightly exceeds my expectations. The bullets cast from this mold perform admirably in my .32-20 rifles, delivering excellent accuracy and consistent point of impact. Its output is consistent as long as you maintain the mold temperature.
Design & Ergonomics
The aluminum construction of the Lee Double Cavity Mold .311-100-2r W/handles contributes to its lightweight and rapid heating properties. The mold feels comfortable in hand, although the handles could benefit from a more ergonomic design. The detachable handles make the mold easy to store and transport.
The mold is user-friendly, even for novice reloaders. The design is simple and straightforward, and the included instructions are clear and concise. There is a slight learning curve associated with mold temperature and pouring technique, but this is typical of all bullet molds.
Durability & Maintenance
The aluminum construction is surprisingly durable, showing minimal signs of wear and tear after extensive use. With proper care, the Lee Double Cavity Mold .311-100-2r W/handles should last for many years of consistent bullet casting. This mold is definitely made to last.
Maintenance is simple – a quick cleaning with a wire brush and occasional application of mold release are all that’s required. The mold is not designed to be easily repaired, but replacement parts are readily available from Lee and other reloading suppliers.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .311-100-2r W/handles comes with handles, eliminating the need to purchase them separately. There are no other official accessories or customization options available directly from Lee.
The mold is compatible with universal mold handles from other brands, offering some flexibility in terms of grip and comfort. The .311 caliber is fairly standard, so bullets cast from this mold can be used in a wide range of .32 caliber firearms.
Pros and Cons of Lee Double Cavity Mold .311-100-2r W/handles
Pros
- Affordable Price: This mold provides great value for reloaders on a budget.
- Double Cavity Design: Increases bullet production speed significantly.
- Consistent Bullet Quality: Produces uniform and accurate bullets.
- Easy to Use: User-friendly design suitable for beginners.
- Lightweight Aluminum Construction: Heats up and cools down quickly.
Cons
- Handles Can Get Warm*: Extended use can make the handles uncomfortable.
- Mold Halves May Stick*: Requires occasional tapping to separate.
Who Should Buy Lee Double Cavity Mold .311-100-2r W/handles?
This mold is perfect for reloaders of .32-20 Winchester or .32 S&W Long looking for an affordable and efficient way to cast their own bullets. It is well-suited for plinkers, small game hunters, and those interested in experimenting with custom loads. New reloaders will appreciate the simple design.
This mold is not ideal for reloaders seeking the absolute highest level of precision or those who require a mold with more advanced features, such as adjustable cavities. It is also not suitable for high-volume commercial reloading operations.
A must-have accessory is a good quality lead pot and ladle for melting and pouring the lead alloy. Mold release is also recommended to prevent sticking and ensure smooth bullet release.
Conclusion on Lee Double Cavity Mold .311-100-2r W/handles
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .311-100-2r W/handles is an excellent choice for reloaders seeking an affordable and efficient way to produce .311 caliber bullets. Its double cavity design and aluminum construction make it a fast and reliable tool for casting consistent bullets, and its ease of use makes it suitable for both novice and experienced reloaders.
The price is definitely justified by the mold’s performance and durability. It offers exceptional value for the money, providing a cost-effective alternative to purchasing expensive factory ammunition. I would definitely recommend this mold to anyone looking to reload .32-20 Winchester or .32 S&W Long cartridges.
If you’re ready to take control of your ammunition supply and enjoy the satisfaction of casting your own bullets, the Lee Double Cavity Mold .311-100-2r W/handles is an investment you won’t regret. Get yours today and start experiencing the benefits of reloading!