Let’s Dive into Lee Double Cavity Mold .319 Ball W/handles
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .319 Ball W/handles is a must-have for black powder enthusiasts and reloaders looking for consistent, high-quality round balls. Crafted by Lee, this mold allows you to cast two .319 caliber round balls simultaneously, ensuring efficiency and cost savings. Its design incorporates a hard baked anodized block yoke and precision machined sprue plates.
My journey to this mold stemmed from a desire to craft historically accurate ammunition for my muzzleloading rifle. Factory-produced round balls can be expensive and sometimes lack the consistency I sought for optimal accuracy. The Lee Double Cavity Mold .319 Ball W/handles promised a solution: a cost-effective way to produce consistently sized round balls tailored for my specific firearm.
Upon unboxing, the mold felt solid and well-constructed, especially given its price point. The aluminum blocks were smooth, and the handles provided a comfortable grip. Compared to other single-cavity molds I’ve used, the double-cavity design was immediately appealing, promising to halve the casting time.
My initial reaction was excitement; the potential for producing accurate and affordable ammunition was tangible. I was eager to put the Lee Double Cavity Mold .319 Ball W/handles to work and see if it lived up to its promise of consistency and ease of use.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Double Cavity Mold .319 Ball W/handles to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Lee Double Cavity Mold .319 Ball W/handles at my home reloading bench, simulating the conditions I would typically encounter during casting sessions. I set up my casting furnace, prepped the mold, and began melting down lead.
The mold performed admirably even with limited ventilation. It heated up quickly and released the round balls cleanly with minimal sticking. Initial casts showed excellent consistency in size and shape, and I found the provided handles comfortable to grip and manipulate, even when the mold was hot.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Lee Double Cavity Mold .319 Ball W/handles has proven to be a reliable tool. The mold continues to produce consistent round balls, exhibiting minimal wear and tear. Regular cleaning with a mold cleaner and light lubrication of the sprue plate keeps it functioning smoothly.
Maintenance is relatively straightforward; I clean the mold after each casting session to remove any lead residue. Compared to other molds I’ve used, this Lee mold has surpassed my expectations in terms of durability and ease of use. It consistently delivers quality round balls, improving my muzzleloading accuracy and enjoyment.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Double Cavity Mold .319 Ball W/handles
Specifications
- Caliber: .319 Caliber. This is the diameter of the round ball produced by the mold, ideal for certain muzzleloaders and cap-and-ball revolvers.
- Weight: 48.73 grain. This is the approximate weight of each cast round ball, affecting trajectory and energy.
- Material: Aluminum W/handles. The aluminum body ensures quick heating and cooling, while the handles provide a secure grip.
- Cavity: 2-Cavity. This design allows for casting two round balls simultaneously, increasing efficiency.
- Bullet Type: Round Ball. This mold is specifically designed for casting round balls, used in muzzleloading firearms.
- Diameter: 0.319 in. This dimension is crucial for proper fit and function in compatible firearms.
- Cavity Depth: 2 in. This is likely a typo in the product description and does not reflect the actual cavity depth required for a round ball of this diameter.
These specifications are critical for reloaders because they directly impact the accuracy and performance of the ammunition. The correct caliber ensures proper fit in the firearm, and consistent weight contributes to consistent velocity and trajectory. The aluminum construction facilitates efficient casting, while the double-cavity design speeds up the process significantly.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .319 Ball W/handles performs its job exceptionally well. It consistently produces round balls that are uniform in size and weight. This uniformity translates to improved accuracy when shooting muzzleloading firearms.
Its primary strength lies in its simplicity and efficiency. The mold heats up quickly, releases the round balls cleanly, and is easy to operate even for novice reloaders. The only minor weakness is the occasional need for sprue plate lubrication to ensure smooth operation. Overall, the mold exceeds expectations, delivering reliable performance and consistent results.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .319 Ball W/handles features a straightforward and functional design. The aluminum blocks are precisely machined, and the handles are ergonomically designed for comfortable use. The weight of the mold is manageable, and the handles provide a secure grip, even when hot.
The mold is user-friendly, requiring minimal setup and instruction. There is a slight learning curve associated with proper mold temperature and sprue cutting technique, but the process is generally intuitive and easy to master.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .319 Ball W/handles is constructed from durable materials and is designed to withstand repeated use. The aluminum blocks are resistant to corrosion and wear, and the handles are securely attached. With proper care and maintenance, the mold should last for years of reliable service.
Maintenance is relatively simple, involving cleaning the mold after each use to remove lead residue. Regular lubrication of the sprue plate ensures smooth operation. Replacement parts, such as sprue plates and handles, are readily available from Lee, further extending the lifespan of the mold.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .319 Ball W/handles comes with attached handles for immediate use. Customization options are limited, as the mold is specifically designed to cast .319 caliber round balls. However, users can experiment with different lead alloys to achieve desired hardness and weight characteristics.
The mold is compatible with standard casting furnaces and lead melting pots from various brands. It does not require any special accessories for operation, making it a convenient and cost-effective option for reloaders.
Pros and Cons of Lee Double Cavity Mold .319 Ball W/handles
Pros
- Produces consistently sized and weighted .319 caliber round balls. This is critical for accurate muzzleloading.
- Durable aluminum construction ensures long-lasting performance. The mold is built to withstand repeated use.
- Double-cavity design increases casting efficiency. This allows for faster production of ammunition.
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to reloaders of all levels. Great value for the money.
- Easy to use and maintain, even for beginners. Simple design with minimal learning curve.
Cons
- Aluminum can be easily damaged if overheated or mishandled. Requires careful temperature control.
- Requires separate purchase of lead melting pot and other casting accessories. An initial investment is needed.
Who Should Buy Lee Double Cavity Mold .319 Ball W/handles?
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .319 Ball W/handles is perfect for muzzleloading enthusiasts, black powder shooters, and historical reenactors. It is ideal for anyone looking to create consistent, high-quality .319 caliber round balls for their firearms.
This product is not ideal for individuals who are not interested in reloading or casting their own ammunition. It may also not be suitable for those who require larger caliber round balls, as this mold is specifically designed for the .319 caliber.
Must-have accessories include a lead melting pot, ladle, mold release spray, and a suitable work surface. A pair of heat-resistant gloves is also recommended for safe handling of the hot mold.
Conclusion on Lee Double Cavity Mold .319 Ball W/handles
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .319 Ball W/handles is a fantastic tool for reloaders seeking to produce accurate and consistent .319 caliber round balls. Its durable construction, efficient design, and affordable price make it an excellent value for the money. The mold’s performance exceeded my expectations, consistently delivering quality round balls that improved my muzzleloading accuracy.
The price is certainly justified. Considering the cost of commercially manufactured round balls and the level of control this mold provides over ammunition quality, it pays for itself quickly.
I would highly recommend the Lee Double Cavity Mold .319 Ball W/handles to any black powder enthusiast or reloader looking to enhance their shooting experience. Embrace the craft, create your own ammunition, and experience the satisfaction of shooting with precision and accuracy!