Let’s Dive into Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number 358-125-RF 90574
The Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number 358-125-RF 90574 from Lee is a tool designed for reloaders who are looking to cast their own .38 Special and .357 Magnum bullets. This particular mold casts a 125-grain, .358 caliber, flat nose projectile, a popular choice for both target shooting and some hunting applications.
Years ago, when I started reloading, factory ammunition prices were already climbing, and the availability was sometimes spotty. I wanted to secure my own supply and tailor my ammunition to specific needs, leading me down the path of casting my own bullets. I needed a reliable and affordable mold to produce consistent bullets for my .38 Special and .357 Magnum revolvers.
Upon receiving the Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number 358-125-RF 90574, the first thing I noticed was its lightweight aluminum construction. The mold felt solid enough despite its weight, and the crimped block halves gave me confidence in its ability to produce round bullets. It lacked the heft of some of my older steel molds, but felt like a good design for quick heating and cooling.
I already owned a Lyman mold for a similar grain weight, and a RCBS mold that cast a semi-wadcutter. The Lee mold stood out due to its lower price point and the promise of easy bullet release. I chose the Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number 358-125-RF 90574 because I wanted a lighter-weight option with a flat nose profile, hoping it would expand reliably at lower velocities.
My initial impression was optimistic. It felt like a well-designed tool for the price, and I was eager to see how it would perform in casting consistently accurate bullets.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number 358-125-RF 90574 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number 358-125-RF 90574 at my home reloading bench, focusing on consistency and ease of use. I used a lead alloy of approximately 90% lead, 5% antimony, and 5% tin, a typical alloy for handgun bullets. The initial casting session took place in a well-ventilated area, using a propane-fueled melting pot.
The mold performed surprisingly well, even in humid conditions. Once it reached the proper temperature, the bullets dropped from the mold with minimal effort. A few initial casts were rejects, but after a short warm-up period, the mold produced consistent, well-formed bullets.
The only initial issue I encountered was a slight tendency for the mold halves to stick together. A tap with a wooden mallet quickly resolved this.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number 358-125-RF 90574 has proven to be a reliable tool. The aluminum mold heats quickly and cools down relatively fast, speeding up the casting process. I’ve cast thousands of bullets with it at this point.
There are some minor signs of wear on the sprue plate from repeated cutting, but it has not affected performance. Regular cleaning with a lead-out cloth keeps the mold in good condition. The simple design also lends itself to easy maintenance.
Compared to my previous experiences with steel molds, the Lee mold is significantly lighter and easier to handle for extended casting sessions. While the steel molds may offer slightly better long-term durability, the ease of use and consistent results of the Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number 358-125-RF 90574 have made it my go-to for casting .38 Special and .357 Magnum bullets.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number 358-125-RF 90574
Specifications
- The Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number 358-125-RF 90574 is designed to cast bullets for .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges. It is chambered for the .358 Caliber projectile.
- It produces a 125-grain bullet with a Flat Nose (FN) profile. The cavity depth is 2 inches.
These specifications matter because the flat nose design is known for its good terminal ballistics and efficient energy transfer on impact, making it a popular choice for self-defense rounds and hunting small game. The 125-grain weight is a versatile option suitable for a wide range of applications, and the .358 caliber ensures proper fit in most .38 Special and .357 Magnum barrels.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number 358-125-RF 90574 performs its job exceptionally well, producing consistent bullets with minimal effort. The mold heats up quickly, and with proper temperature control, the bullets release easily and cleanly.
The mold’s biggest strength is its ease of use and consistent bullet diameter and weight. A potential weakness is that the aluminum construction might not be as durable long-term as steel molds, but regular maintenance should mitigate this.
The mold meets and exceeds my expectations for a low-cost, high-performance bullet mold. The bullets cast from this mold have proven to be accurate and reliable in both .38 Special and .357 Magnum loads.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number 358-125-RF 90574 is constructed from aluminum, making it lightweight and easy to handle. The weight reduces fatigue during extended casting sessions.
The design is user-friendly, with a simple two-piece mold that is easy to open and close. The mold blocks are specially crimped which help produce perfectly round and correct sized bullets. There is a slight learning curve in terms of getting the mold to the right temperature and mastering the pouring technique, but it is easily overcome with practice.
Durability & Maintenance
While the aluminum construction may not be as robust as steel, the Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number 358-125-RF 90574 is reasonably durable with proper care. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the sprue plate will extend its lifespan.
The mold is easy to maintain; a simple wipe-down after each use and occasional cleaning with a lead-out cloth is all that’s needed. Replacement parts, such as sprue plates, are readily available from Lee, further extending the mold’s lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number 358-125-RF 90574 does not come with any accessories, as it is a standalone mold. However, it requires the use of a lead melting pot, a ladle or bottom-pour furnace, and a sprue plate cutter.
The mold is not designed for any specific customization options, but the final bullet can be modified post-casting with tools like a bullet sizer to achieve a specific diameter. It is also worth noting that handles are sold separately for this mold.
Pros and Cons of Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number 358-125-RF 90574
Pros
- Affordable Price: Significantly cheaper than comparable molds from other manufacturers.
- Lightweight Aluminum Construction: Heats up quickly and is easy to handle for extended casting sessions.
- Consistent Bullet Production: Produces uniform bullets with accurate weight and dimensions.
- Easy to Use: Simple design makes it easy to learn and operate.
- Versatile Bullet Profile: The 125-grain flat nose is suitable for a wide range of applications.
Cons
- Aluminum construction may not be as durable as steel molds.
- Handles are sold separately.
Who Should Buy Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number 358-125-RF 90574?
The Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number 358-125-RF 90574 is perfect for reloaders who are looking for an affordable and reliable mold to cast their own .38 Special and .357 Magnum bullets. It is also ideal for shooters who want to tailor their ammunition to specific needs or reduce their ammunition costs.
This mold is not recommended for high-volume commercial reloaders who require maximum durability and speed. These users should consider steel molds.
A must-have accessory for this mold is a pair of mold handles, as they are not included.
Conclusion on Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number 358-125-RF 90574
The Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number 358-125-RF 90574 is an excellent option for reloaders on a budget who want to cast their own .38 Special and .357 Magnum bullets. It offers a compelling combination of affordability, ease of use, and consistent performance.
At $57.99, the price is more than justified given its performance. This product presents a great value.
I would definitely recommend this mold to any reloader looking for an affordable and reliable way to produce their own bullets. If you’re ready to take control of your ammunition supply and tailor your loads to your specific needs, the Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number 358-125-RF 90574 is a great place to start.