Let’s Dive into Lee Double Cavity Mold .360 Ball W/handles
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .360 Ball W/handles offers a cost-effective solution for black powder enthusiasts looking to cast their own round balls. Manufactured by Lee Precision, this mold promises to deliver two .360″ diameter round balls with each pour, streamlining the casting process. With integrated handles, it’s designed for ease of use and consistent results, making it a popular choice among reloaders.
My journey to this mold began with a desire for greater self-reliance in my black powder shooting. Factory-made round balls, while convenient, can be expensive and sometimes difficult to find in the exact size and weight I prefer for my vintage revolvers. I also wanted to understand the entire shooting process, from casting to firing, to deepen my appreciation for the history and craft.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the Lee Double Cavity Mold .360 Ball W/handles‘s simplicity. The aluminum mold felt lightweight yet sturdy, and the included wooden handles provided a comfortable grip. The overall build quality appeared adequate for the price point, though I noticed some minor imperfections in the mold surface.
Compared to single-cavity molds I’ve used in the past, the Lee Double Cavity Mold .360 Ball W/handles offered a significant advantage in production speed. I considered brass molds for their superior heat retention, but the Lee mold’s affordability and ease of use ultimately won me over. I also compared it to other double cavity molds from Lyman and RCBS, but Lee’s cost made it the clear winner for me.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I was excited about the prospect of casting my own round balls efficiently, but I also knew that mold quality can be hit or miss at this price point. Only time and several casting sessions would reveal whether this mold would live up to my expectations.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Double Cavity Mold .360 Ball W/handles to the Test
First Use Experience
My first casting session took place in my well-ventilated garage, using a propane-fired melting pot and lead alloy I had prepared. I wanted to ensure a clean and safe environment for working with molten lead.
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .360 Ball W/handles performed reasonably well, even though I had to get used to its idiosyncrasies. The mold heated up quickly, and the two cavities filled consistently, producing mostly uniform round balls. I discovered that applying a light coating of mold release spray helped with clean separation and prevented the lead from sticking.
There were a few early challenges. The sprue plate required a firm strike to shear the excess lead cleanly, and I occasionally experienced minor lead leakage around the mold joint, resulting in slight fins on the balls.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Lee Double Cavity Mold .360 Ball W/handles has proven to be a reliable tool in my casting arsenal. The mold has held up well to repeated heating and cooling cycles, and the handles remain securely attached.
While the aluminum construction is not as durable as steel or brass, it has shown no significant signs of wear and tear beyond some minor surface discoloration. Maintenance is straightforward. I clean the mold with a brass brush and degreaser after each casting session to remove lead residue and prevent buildup.
Compared to the single-cavity molds I previously used, the Lee mold has significantly increased my casting speed and efficiency. While the round balls aren’t always perfect, the minor imperfections are easily remedied with a quick tumbling session. Overall, it has exceeded my initial expectations, providing a cost-effective and reliable solution for casting round balls.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Double Cavity Mold .360 Ball W/handles
Specifications
Manufacturer: Lee Precision. Lee has a solid reputation for budget-friendly reloading equipment.
Projectile Caliber: .36 Caliber. This is ideal for .36 caliber revolvers and muzzleloading rifles.
Fabric/Material: Aluminum W/handles. The aluminum mold allows for quick heating, while the wooden handles provide insulation.
Additional Features: 2-Cavity. This doubles the production rate compared to a single cavity mold.
Bullet Weight: 70.04 grain. The weight provides consistent performance in .36 caliber firearms.
Bullet Type: Round Ball. Round balls are primarily used in muzzleloaders and cap-and-ball revolvers.
Diameter: 0.36 in. A precise diameter ensures proper fit and accuracy.
Cavity Depth: 2 in. This refers to the depth of each cavity, ensuring a full round ball is formed.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the mold’s performance and the quality of the cast round balls. The .36 caliber size is specific to certain firearms, and the 70.04-grain weight is a common standard.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .360 Ball W/handles performs its primary function—casting round balls—adequately. With proper technique, it produces consistent, usable projectiles.
Its strengths lie in its simplicity and speed. The double-cavity design allows for faster casting compared to single-cavity molds, and the included handles eliminate the need for separate mold handles. The main weakness is that it can be difficult to get perfect round balls every time without a perfectly clean sprue cut.
Overall, the Lee Double Cavity Mold .360 Ball W/handles meets my expectations for an entry-level round ball mold. It’s not perfect, but it gets the job done reliably and efficiently.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .360 Ball W/handles features a simple, functional design. The aluminum mold is lightweight and easy to handle, and the wooden handles provide a comfortable grip.
There is a slight learning curve involved in mastering the mold’s operation. It takes some practice to get the mold temperature, pouring speed, and sprue cutting technique just right, but the process becomes intuitive with time.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of the Lee Double Cavity Mold .360 Ball W/handles is acceptable, considering its price point and aluminum construction. While aluminum is not as robust as steel, the mold should last for many years with proper care.
Maintaining the mold is simple. Regular cleaning with a brass brush and degreaser will prevent lead buildup and ensure smooth operation.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .360 Ball W/handles comes with the integrated wooden handles, which are an essential part of the design. There are no specific “accessories” designed specifically for this mold, but you can use mold release sprays to help with the casting process and sprue cutters for clean lead removal.
The mold is compatible with generic lead melting pots and dippers. However, there are no real customization options available for this particular mold.
Pros and Cons of Lee Double Cavity Mold .360 Ball W/handles
Pros
- Cost-Effective: The Lee Double Cavity Mold .360 Ball W/handles is significantly cheaper than many competing molds.
- Double Cavity Design: The design doubles the production rate, saving time and effort.
- Integrated Handles: The included handles are a convenient and essential feature.
- Lightweight Aluminum: The aluminum material heats up quickly and is easy to handle.
- Easy to Use: With a little practice, the mold is simple and intuitive to operate.
Cons
- Aluminum Durability: Aluminum is less durable than steel or brass, potentially limiting the mold’s lifespan.
- Sprue Plate Issues: Getting a clean sprue cut can be challenging, requiring a firm strike and precise technique.
Who Should Buy Lee Double Cavity Mold .360 Ball W/handles?
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .360 Ball W/handles is perfect for black powder enthusiasts, muzzleloader shooters, and cap-and-ball revolver owners looking for a cost-effective way to cast their own round balls. It’s also suitable for those who enjoy reloading and casting as a hobby.
This product is probably not the best choice for high-volume competitive shooters who require absolutely perfect round balls with every cast. They should look for higher quality molds from RCBS or Lyman.
A must-have accessory for this mold is a good quality lead melting pot and dipper. A mold release spray is also highly recommended to ensure clean separation and prevent lead sticking.
Conclusion on Lee Double Cavity Mold .360 Ball W/handles
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .360 Ball W/handles offers a compelling value proposition for black powder shooters looking to cast their own round balls on a budget. While it may not be the most durable or feature-rich mold on the market, it is a reliable and efficient tool that gets the job done.
The price is definitely justified, given the increased production speed of the double-cavity design and the convenience of the included handles. It’s a solid investment for those who enjoy the process of casting and want to save money on commercially produced round balls.
I would personally recommend the Lee Double Cavity Mold .360 Ball W/handles to anyone looking for an affordable and easy-to-use round ball mold. If you’re ready to take control of your black powder shooting and enjoy the satisfaction of casting your own ammunition, give this mold a try.