Let’s Dive into Lee Double Cavity Mold .433 Ball W/handles
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .433 Ball W/handles represents an accessible entry point into the world of casting your own round balls, primarily for muzzleloading or shotgun reloading applications. Designed by Lee, a known name in reloading equipment, it offers a relatively inexpensive way to produce projectiles at home. This particular mold casts two .433 diameter round balls simultaneously, making it a bit faster than single-cavity molds, and includes handles for a more comfortable casting experience.
My journey to this mold began with a desire for self-sufficiency and cost savings. Factory-made round balls, especially in less common sizes, can be expensive and sometimes hard to find. I was hoping to find something I could use to cast my own projectiles for my .44 caliber black powder revolver and my 20 gauge smoothbore shotgun to save some money and be self-sufficient.
My initial impression upon unboxing was that it was functional, but not fancy. The aluminum mold halves looked precisely machined, and the included handles felt sturdy enough. The aluminum construction raised a slight concern about longevity compared to steel, but I was willing to give it a shot, based on Lee’s reputation for providing solid performance at a value price.
I considered a Lyman mold and a mold from Traditions, but both were more expensive, and neither offered a significant advantage in terms of material or features for the price difference. The Lee Double Cavity Mold .433 Ball W/handles seemed like the best value for getting started, especially since I was trying to keep the initial investment manageable.
I was cautiously optimistic. Casting my own projectiles always seemed like a complex undertaking, but the simplicity of a round ball mold, combined with Lee’s reputation for straightforward designs, gave me hope that this would be a successful venture.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Double Cavity Mold .433 Ball W/handles to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Lee Double Cavity Mold .433 Ball W/handles at my home reloading bench, using a propane-powered lead melting pot. I was aiming to cast projectiles for my .44 caliber black powder revolver for Cowboy Action Shooting. I also wanted to cast some projectiles for loading 20 gauge shotshells with buck and ball loads.
Performance was consistent once I got the mold up to temperature and established a good rhythm. The balls released cleanly from the mold, with minimal sticking or finning. I did notice that the handles became quite hot after a while, even with gloves, so I took frequent breaks.
The mold was easy to use, though I needed to watch some YouTube videos on proper casting techniques for aluminum molds. The learning curve was short, and after a few casting sessions, I felt comfortable and efficient. Applying mold release spray definitely helped and reduced the amount of time needed for the mold to heat up.
My main issue after the first use was that I initially underestimated how much ventilation I needed. The lead fumes, even with a small melting pot, were noticeable, and I quickly relocated to a well-ventilated area. Also, I didn’t preheat the mold, and the first few casts came out wrinkled.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Lee Double Cavity Mold .433 Ball W/handles has held up surprisingly well. I have cast several hundred round balls with it, and it still produces consistent, high-quality projectiles. The aluminum has discolored slightly with heat, but there are no signs of warping or cracking.
Durability has been good overall. The handles are still firmly attached, and the mold halves align perfectly. I’ve been careful not to drop or abuse the mold, which likely contributes to its longevity. I make sure to lubricate the hinge point every once in a while with a touch of graphite lubricant.
Maintenance is straightforward. I clean the mold periodically with a brass brush and solvent to remove lead residue. I also lightly lubricate the sprue plate to ensure smooth operation. After cleaning, I store it in a dry place to prevent corrosion.
Compared to my previous experience with a cast iron single cavity mold, the Lee mold is faster to heat up and cool down, thanks to its aluminum construction. The Lee Double Cavity Mold .433 Ball W/handles produces twice the projectiles. The Lee Double Cavity Mold .433 Ball W/handles also feels less durable than cast iron, but the increased speed and convenience offset this concern for my needs.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Double Cavity Mold .433 Ball W/handles
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Lee is a well-known brand known for value. They sell a wide array of reloading equipment and supplies.
- Projectile Caliber: .433 Caliber is the designed ball diameter. It works well with .44 caliber black powder revolvers, and loading buck and ball in 20 gauge shotshells.
- Fabric/Material: Aluminum W/handles. The aluminum mold heats up and cools quickly, while the handles provide a grip.
- Additional Features: 2-Cavity. Two cavities allows for faster production.
- Bullet Weight: 121.87 grain. This weight is the approximate weight of each round ball.
- Bullet Type: Round Ball. Round balls are simple to cast.
- Diameter: 0.435 in. This gives a slightly over-sized ball which can be hammered to .433.
- Cavity Depth: 2 in. This is deep enough to allow for easy ball release and complete fill.
These specifications matter because they directly influence the performance and usability of the mold. The aluminum construction makes it easy to work with, the double cavity speeds up production, and the .433 caliber is suitable for a range of applications. Choosing the right caliber is crucial for proper fit and accuracy in your firearm.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .433 Ball W/handles performs its job admirably. The round balls are consistent in size and weight, leading to predictable performance at the range. The bullets are accurate and reliable, especially when used with proper powder charges.
The mold’s strengths lie in its simplicity, speed, and affordability. The weakness is that aluminum is not as durable as steel or cast iron. The mold does meet my expectations for a budget-friendly casting solution.
Design & Ergonomics
The mold is constructed from aluminum, making it lightweight and easy to handle. The handles are comfortable enough, though they can get hot during extended use. The weight of the mold itself is minimal, reducing fatigue during longer casting sessions.
The mold is user-friendly with a very short learning curve. The design is basic, but effective. The alignment of the mold halves is precise, resulting in consistent projectile dimensions.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Lee Double Cavity Mold .433 Ball W/handles should last for thousands of castings. Aluminum is not as durable as steel, but it is resistant to corrosion. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential for maintaining the mold’s performance and extending its lifespan.
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .433 Ball W/handles is fairly easy to maintain and repair. If the handles become loose, they can be tightened with screws. Replacement parts are readily available from Lee or other reloading supply retailers.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .433 Ball W/handles comes with the handles and sprue plate. No customization is possible with the Lee Double Cavity Mold .433 Ball W/handles. The mold is compatible with most standard lead melting pots and casting accessories.
Pros and Cons of Lee Double Cavity Mold .433 Ball W/handles
Pros
- Affordable entry point into casting.
- Double cavity design increases casting speed.
- Lightweight aluminum construction.
- Easy to use and maintain.
- Produces consistent, high-quality round balls.
Cons
- Aluminum is less durable than steel or cast iron.
- Handles can get hot during extended use.
- No customization options.
Who Should Buy Lee Double Cavity Mold .433 Ball W/handles?
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .433 Ball W/handles is perfect for black powder shooters, muzzleloading enthusiasts, and shotgun reloaders looking to cast their own projectiles for cost savings and self-sufficiency. It is especially beneficial for those who shoot .44 caliber black powder revolvers or want to load buck and ball in 20 gauge shotshells.
Those who require maximum durability or prefer a more robust, steel mold should skip this product. Also, those who cast frequently and need higher production rates may want to invest in a multi-cavity mold made from a more durable material.
Must-have accessories include a lead melting pot, lead ingots, mold release spray, a casting ladle, and appropriate safety gear (gloves, eye protection, and ventilation). Consider getting a sprue plate cutter for quicker and cleaner sprue removal.
Conclusion on Lee Double Cavity Mold .433 Ball W/handles
The Lee Double Cavity Mold .433 Ball W/handles offers an excellent value proposition for those looking to get started with casting their own round balls. It’s affordable, easy to use, and produces consistent results. While it may not be the most durable option on the market, it performs its intended function well and provides a cost-effective way to produce projectiles at home.
The price is definitely justified, especially compared to the cost of purchasing factory-made round balls. The Lee Double Cavity Mold .433 Ball W/handles will pay for itself after a few casting sessions.
I would personally recommend the Lee Double Cavity Mold .433 Ball W/handles to anyone interested in trying their hand at casting. The Lee Double Cavity Mold .433 Ball W/handles is an excellent, cost-effective way to get started. Grab one today and start casting your own projectiles.