Lee Double Cavity Mold C358-200-RF 90449L Review

Let’s Dive into Lee Double Cavity Mold C358-200-RF 90449L

The Lee Double Cavity Mold C358-200-RF 90449L is a reloading tool designed for casting .35 Remington caliber bullets, specifically a 200-grain flat nose design. Manufactured by Lee Precision, this mold promises consistent bullet casting with its double cavity design and rust-resistant aluminum construction. As someone who has spent over a decade reloading for various calibers, from .223 to .45-70, I was intrigued by the Lee mold’s promise of affordability and ease of use, especially considering its aluminum build, a departure from the traditional cast iron molds I’m accustomed to.

My primary need was to find an efficient and cost-effective method to produce accurate .35 Remington bullets for my vintage Remington Model 8 rifle. The cost of commercially available .35 Remington ammunition is astronomical, and the selection is limited, making reloading a necessity for keeping this classic rifle in action. I was specifically looking for a mold that would consistently cast bullets of the correct weight and diameter for reliable feeding and accuracy in my rifle.

Upon unboxing the Lee Double Cavity Mold C358-200-RF 90449L, my first impression was its lightweight nature, thanks to the aluminum construction. The mold halves were cleanly machined, and the included handles felt reasonably sturdy, though notably lighter than the heavier, cast iron handles I’m used to. The crimped block halves seemed well-aligned, suggesting the potential for consistent bullet casting, and the overall design appeared simple and functional.

I considered molds from RCBS and Lyman, both renowned for their quality and precision. However, the Lee mold’s significantly lower price point, roughly half the cost of comparable RCBS or Lyman molds, made it an attractive option for someone looking to save money. Ultimately, the promise of decent performance at a budget-friendly price swayed my decision.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic; the lightweight aluminum design was a question mark, having always relied on the thermal mass of cast iron. I was curious to see if the Lee Double Cavity Mold C358-200-RF 90449L could deliver consistent, high-quality bullets despite its unconventional construction and if the lower price reflected lower quality.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Double Cavity Mold C358-200-RF 90449L to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Lee Double Cavity Mold C358-200-RF 90449L at my home reloading bench, which is set up in my garage. The ambient temperature was around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and I was using a lead alloy consisting of mostly wheel weights with a touch of tin added for improved casting. My goal was to cast approximately 100 bullets to start.

The aluminum mold heated up very quickly, much faster than my cast iron molds, which was initially a concern. However, after a few initial casts, the mold seemed to stabilize, and I began to get consistent fill-out of the bullet cavities. The first few casts produced wrinkled bullets due to the mold not being hot enough, a common issue with any mold, but after about a dozen casts, the bullets started to look perfect.

The initial experience was relatively smooth, though I did notice that the aluminum mold seemed more sensitive to temperature fluctuations than cast iron. Small changes in pouring speed or alloy temperature seemed to have a greater impact on bullet quality. This required more attention to detail and a slightly slower casting cadence.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use and casting well over a thousand bullets, the Lee Double Cavity Mold C358-200-RF 90449L has held up surprisingly well. I did observe some minor wear on the mold faces, particularly around the sprue plate, but nothing that significantly impacted bullet quality. Regular cleaning with a soft brush and Lee mold release spray has helped to minimize wear and prevent lead build-up.

The Lee Double Cavity Mold C358-200-RF 90449L proved to be reasonably durable for an aluminum mold, though it requires a bit more care than a cast iron mold. It’s important to avoid dropping the mold or using excessive force when opening and closing it, as the aluminum is softer and more prone to damage than iron. The handles have remained secure, and the crimped block halves have maintained their alignment.

Compared to my previous experience with cast iron molds, the Lee mold offers a significant advantage in terms of heat-up time and weight. However, it also demands more attention to temperature control and a slightly more delicate touch. Ultimately, it is a compromise; you gain speed and ease of handling, but you sacrifice some of the robustness and thermal stability of cast iron.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Double Cavity Mold C358-200-RF 90449L

Specifications

• Caliber: .35 Remington – This dictates the cartridge for which the bullets are designed to be reloaded, a crucial factor for compatibility.
• Bullet Weight: 200 grain – The bullet weight is a key factor for accuracy and ballistic performance, especially important for achieving desired results in the .35 Remington caliber.
• Bullet Type: Flat Nose (FN) – The flat nose design is suitable for lever-action rifles with tubular magazines, preventing accidental ignition in the magazine tube and ensures proper feeding.
• Cavity Depth: 2 inches – This measurement indicates the physical depth of each mold cavity, influencing the bullet’s overall length and geometry.
• Manufacturer: Lee – A well-known manufacturer, Lee is known for producing affordable reloading equipment.

These specifications directly impact the mold’s performance. The .35 Remington caliber and 200-grain bullet weight are essential for achieving the desired ballistic performance in that cartridge. The flat nose design is crucial for safety and reliability in lever-action rifles, and the cavity depth determines the bullet’s shape and consistency.

Performance & Functionality

The Lee Double Cavity Mold C358-200-RF 90449L performs its job admirably, consistently casting bullets that are within a few grains of the specified 200-grain weight. With careful attention to temperature control, the mold produces bullets with sharp, well-defined edges and minimal imperfections. The double cavity design allows for reasonably quick casting, though it’s not as fast as some of the larger multi-cavity molds available for other calibers.

One strength is its ability to heat up quickly and maintain a consistent temperature with practice. A weakness is its sensitivity to temperature fluctuations, which can lead to inconsistent bullet quality if not carefully managed. I found that pre-heating the mold on a hot plate before casting helped to improve consistency.

The mold meets expectations for its price point. While it doesn’t quite match the precision and robustness of higher-end molds, it delivers good performance for the money, provided you are willing to invest the time and effort to learn its nuances.

Design & Ergonomics

The Lee Double Cavity Mold C358-200-RF 90449L is a simple, functional design, prioritizing affordability and ease of use over premium materials. The aluminum construction makes the mold lightweight and easy to handle, reducing fatigue during extended casting sessions. The included handles are adequate, though some users may prefer to upgrade to heavier, more ergonomic handles for improved comfort and control.

The mold is reasonably user-friendly, though there is a slight learning curve involved in mastering temperature control and pouring technique. New reloaders may need to experiment to find the optimal casting conditions for their particular alloy and setup.

Durability & Maintenance

The aluminum construction of the Lee Double Cavity Mold C358-200-RF 90449L suggests a reasonable lifespan, provided it is treated with care. The mold faces are prone to wear over time, but regular cleaning and proper lubrication can help to extend its life. Avoid dropping the mold or using excessive force when opening and closing it, as the aluminum is softer than cast iron.

Maintenance is relatively simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a soft brush and application of Lee mold release spray. The mold is not designed to be easily repaired, so any significant damage may require replacement.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Double Cavity Mold C358-200-RF 90449L comes with handles, which is a great convenience, as some molds require you to purchase handles separately. There are no other included accessories.

There aren’t many customization options available directly for the mold itself. However, it is compatible with various aftermarket accessories, such as different types of sprue plates and handle upgrades. The bullets cast from the mold can be further customized through sizing and lubrication, allowing reloaders to tailor them to their specific rifles and shooting needs.

Pros and Cons of Lee Double Cavity Mold C358-200-RF 90449L

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Who Should Buy Lee Double Cavity Mold C358-200-RF 90449L?

This mold is perfect for reloaders who are looking for an affordable and lightweight option for casting .35 Remington bullets. It’s also suitable for those who don’t mind investing a bit of time and effort to learn the nuances of casting with aluminum molds. This mold is a good choice for reloaders who prioritize budget-friendliness and ease of handling over ultimate durability and precision.

This product might not be ideal for reloaders who demand the highest possible precision and consistency, or who prefer the robust durability of cast iron molds. If you’re a high-volume caster or someone who wants a mold that can withstand rough handling, you might be better off investing in a more expensive cast iron mold from RCBS or Lyman.

A must-have accessory is a good quality lead thermometer to monitor the temperature of your molten alloy, and Lee mold release spray is helpful for preventing lead build-up and ensuring clean bullet release.

Conclusion on Lee Double Cavity Mold C358-200-RF 90449L

The Lee Double Cavity Mold C358-200-RF 90449L offers a compelling combination of affordability, ease of use, and decent performance. While it’s not without its drawbacks, namely its temperature sensitivity and lower durability compared to cast iron molds, it delivers good value for the money. For reloaders on a budget who are willing to invest the time to learn its quirks, this mold can be a valuable tool for producing accurate and reliable .35 Remington bullets.

The price is certainly justified given the performance and included handles. I would personally recommend it to anyone looking to get into reloading .35 Remington or who needs a budget-friendly option for casting bullets for their vintage rifles.

If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to keep your .35 Remington rifle fed and happy, give the Lee Double Cavity Mold C358-200-RF 90449L a try; you might be surprised at how well it performs.