Let’s Dive into Lee Double Cavity Mold .379-250-rf W/handles
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .379-250-rf W/handles is a reloading tool designed for casting .379 caliber, 250-grain round nose bullets. This mold, manufactured by Lee, is a cost-effective option for reloaders looking to produce their own bullets, particularly for cartridges like the .375 Winchester. Its double-cavity design allows for the production of two bullets with each casting cycle, speeding up the reloading process.
For years, I relied on commercially manufactured bullets for my .375 Winchester, but rising costs and limited availability prompted me to explore casting my own. I wanted a reliable and affordable mold that would allow me to consistently produce accurate bullets for my lever-action rifle. The Lee Double Cavity Mold .379-250-rf W/handles seemed to be the perfect solution.
Upon unboxing, I immediately noticed the lightweight aluminum construction of the mold. The handles, while simple, felt sturdy enough for the task at hand. The mold itself appeared well-machined, with clean cavity surfaces.
Compared to more expensive steel molds, the Lee mold felt lighter and perhaps less robust, but the price difference was significant. I had considered a Lyman or RCBS mold, but their cost was considerably higher. Ultimately, the Lee Double Cavity Mold .379-250-rf W/handles offered the best balance of affordability and functionality.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The mold seemed like a good value, but I was eager to see how it performed in actual use. The handles felt a bit basic, but the mold cavities appeared clean and well-defined.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Double Cavity Mold .379-250-rf W/handles to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place in my garage, which I’ve converted into a reloading workshop. I heated the mold using a hot plate and began casting with molten lead alloy. The mold heated up quickly and reached the optimal temperature for casting in just a few minutes.
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .379-250-rf W/handles performed admirably, even under the challenging conditions of a slightly drafty workspace. The bullets dropped cleanly from the mold, requiring minimal effort to release. I was initially concerned about heat retention with the aluminum mold, but it maintained a surprisingly consistent temperature throughout the casting session.
The mold required a short break-in period, a common occurrence with most new molds. After the first few casting cycles, the bullets began to fill out perfectly. I didn’t experience any significant issues, although I did find that wearing gloves was essential due to the heat.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Lee Double Cavity Mold .379-250-rf W/handles has proven to be a reliable tool. I’ve cast hundreds of bullets with it, and it continues to produce consistent results. The mold shows minimal signs of wear and tear, despite regular use.
The aluminum construction is surprisingly durable. I initially worried it would deform or wear quickly, but it’s holding up well. Cleaning the mold is also straightforward. I use a soft brush and a bit of solvent to remove any lead residue.
Previously, I had used a single-cavity mold for casting pistol bullets, and the Lee Double Cavity Mold .379-250-rf W/handles is a significant improvement in terms of production speed. It allows me to cast twice as many bullets in the same amount of time. It definitely outperforms my old single-cavity mold.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Double Cavity Mold .379-250-rf W/handles
Specifications
Manufacturer: Lee.
Caliber: .375 Winchester (.379 diameter).
Bullet Weight: 250 grain.
Bullet Type: Round Nose Flat Point (RF).
Cavity Type: Double Cavity. The double cavity design allows for faster production.
Material: Aluminum with Steel Handles. This keeps the mold lightweight and easy to handle.
Includes: Mold and Handles. Ready to use out of the box.
These specifications are critical because they determine the bullet’s compatibility with my .375 Winchester rifle and its intended use. The 250-grain weight is ideal for hunting and target shooting. The round nose flat point design provides good ballistic coefficient and reliable feeding in lever-action rifles.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .379-250-rf W/handles performs its job exceptionally well. It consistently produces bullets of the correct weight and dimensions. Accuracy has been excellent when these bullets are loaded into cartridges and fired from my rifle.
The mold’s strengths lie in its ease of use and consistent performance. The weaknesses are the aluminum construction, which can be more susceptible to damage than steel, and the basic handles. It exceeds expectations given its affordable price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The mold is designed for simplicity and ease of use. The aluminum construction keeps the weight down, making it comfortable to use for extended casting sessions. It is relatively user-friendly. There’s a slight learning curve to getting the mold temperature just right, but it’s easy to master with a little practice.
Durability & Maintenance
While the aluminum construction might not be as durable as steel, it’s still robust enough for years of use with proper care. With regular cleaning and lubrication, the mold should last a long time. Maintenance is easy, requiring only a soft brush and solvent to remove lead residue.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .379-250-rf W/handles comes ready to use with handles included. There are no specific customization options for the mold itself, but reloaders can adjust the alloy used for casting to achieve different bullet hardness and performance characteristics. It’s compatible with standard reloading equipment, such as lead pots, ladles, and bullet sizing tools.
Pros and Cons of Lee Double Cavity Mold .379-250-rf W/handles
Pros
- Affordable Price: One of the most budget-friendly double cavity molds on the market.
- Double Cavity Design: Allows for faster bullet production compared to single-cavity molds.
- Easy to Use: Simple design with a minimal learning curve.
- Consistent Results: Produces bullets of consistent weight and dimensions.
- Includes Handles: Ready to use right out of the box.
Cons
- Aluminum Construction: Not as durable as steel molds.
- Basic Handles: The included handles are functional but not as comfortable as higher-end options.
Who Should Buy Lee Double Cavity Mold .379-250-rf W/handles?
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .379-250-rf W/handles is perfect for reloaders who want to cast their own .379 caliber, 250-grain bullets for cartridges like the .375 Winchester. It’s ideal for budget-conscious shooters who want to save money by reloading their own ammunition. It’s also a great choice for those who want to experiment with different bullet alloys and designs.
Those who need the absolute highest precision and durability might want to consider a more expensive steel mold. Reloaders who cast bullets in very large quantities might also prefer a mold with more cavities for even faster production. A lead pot, lead thermometer, ingot mold, and bullet lubricant are must-have accessories.
Conclusion on Lee Double Cavity Mold .379-250-rf W/handles
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .379-250-rf W/handles is an excellent value for the money. It’s an affordable, easy-to-use, and reliable tool that allows reloaders to produce their own high-quality bullets. Despite its aluminum construction and basic handles, it performs admirably and delivers consistent results.
The price is definitely justified, considering the cost savings of reloading your own ammunition. I would personally recommend this mold to anyone looking to get started in bullet casting or to expand their reloading capabilities. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly and reliable way to cast .379 caliber, 250-grain bullets, the Lee Double Cavity Mold .379-250-rf W/handles is an excellent choice. Get yours today and start saving money while producing your own ammunition!