Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number 452-200-SWC 90348 Review

Let’s Dive into Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number 452-200-SWC 90348

The Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number 452-200-SWC 90348 offers reloaders the opportunity to craft their own .45 caliber semi-wadcutter bullets. Designed by Lee, this mold promises consistent performance and a cost-effective way to produce ammunition. Its double cavity design allows for quicker production, making it appealing for both novice and experienced casters.

My interest in this mold stemmed from a desire to reduce my ammunition costs for my .45 ACP 1911. I’ve been reloading for years, but wanted to experiment with casting my own bullets to have even more control over the process and reduce reliance on commercially available projectiles. The appeal of a semi-wadcutter design was also significant, as I wanted a bullet profile known for its accuracy and clean hole punching on paper targets.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the simplicity of the design. The aluminum mold felt lightweight yet sturdy, and the permanently attached steel handles provided a comfortable grip. I appreciated the compact size, which made it easy to handle and store.

I considered molds from Lyman and RCBS, but Lee’s offering stood out due to its affordability and positive reviews regarding consistency. Many reloaders have reported excellent results using Lee molds, making it a compelling choice for someone new to bullet casting. The other options were a significant investment and as a first mold for experimenting, the Lee seemed the most reasonable option.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. While the mold looked well-made, I was eager to see how it performed in action and whether I could consistently produce quality bullets. I was hoping it would live up to the hype and become a valuable tool in my reloading arsenal.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number 452-200-SWC 90348 to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number 452-200-SWC 90348 at my home reloading bench, which is set up in my garage. I prepared my casting area with proper ventilation and safety equipment, including eye protection and gloves. I heated my lead alloy to the recommended temperature using a lead melting pot.

The initial casting session was a bit of a learning curve. I found that the mold needed to be thoroughly heated to maintain consistent fill-out. However, once the mold reached the optimal temperature, the bullets dropped easily and with minimal sticking.

The one issue that arose during the first use was the formation of some wrinkles on the bullets’ surface when the mold was not hot enough. This was resolved by increasing the mold’s temperature and ensuring a consistent pouring technique. After that initial hurdle, the mold performed reliably and produced consistent bullet weights.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number 452-200-SWC 90348 continues to perform admirably. The mold shows no signs of significant wear and tear, despite having cast hundreds of bullets. The aluminum maintains its shape, and the steel handles remain securely attached.

The mold is relatively easy to clean. I simply use a lead-out cloth after each casting session to remove any lead residue. I also apply a light coat of mold release to prevent sticking, which has significantly improved the ease of bullet removal.

Compared to my previous experience of only purchasing commercially cast bullets, the Lee mold allows for greater control over bullet quality and composition. It has exceeded my expectations in terms of consistency and ease of use, especially considering its affordable price point. It’s satisfying to produce my own projectiles and see the tangible results of my efforts.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number 452-200-SWC 90348

Specifications

The Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number 452-200-SWC 90348 is designed for casting .452 caliber bullets. It is specifically suited for .45 Colt and .45 ACP cartridges. The mold produces a 200-grain semi-wadcutter (SWC) bullet, a popular profile known for its accuracy and clean target punching.

The mold is constructed primarily from aluminum, which provides excellent heat retention and distribution. This aids in consistent bullet casting. The steel handles are permanently attached, offering a comfortable and secure grip during the casting process.

The cavity depth is approximately 2 inches, which allows for the creation of a properly sized bullet. The bullet design is a semi-wadcutter, which is favored for its accuracy and its ability to create a clean hole in paper targets. This specification makes it a favorite for target shooting and competition.

Performance & Functionality

The Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number 452-200-SWC 90348 performs exceptionally well in producing consistent and accurate bullets. Once properly heated, the mold fills completely, resulting in well-formed projectiles. The bullets drop cleanly from the mold with minimal effort, streamlining the casting process.

One of the strengths of this mold is its simplicity and ease of use. The fixed handles and simple design make it easy for even a novice bullet caster to produce quality bullets. However, the mold does require some initial seasoning and temperature control to achieve optimal performance.

The mold consistently produces bullets within a narrow weight range, typically within +/- 1 grain of the stated 200-grain weight. This consistency is crucial for achieving optimal accuracy when reloading. While the design is excellent for its intended purpose, it lacks adjustability for bullet weight or profile.

Design & Ergonomics

The aluminum construction of the Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number 452-200-SWC 90348 makes it lightweight and easy to handle. The steel handles provide a comfortable and secure grip, even during extended casting sessions. The compact size of the mold makes it easy to store and transport.

The design is user-friendly. The mold is simple to operate, with no complicated mechanisms or adjustments required. However, the lack of a sprue plate cutter means that excess lead needs to be manually removed after each casting.

The build quality is decent, although the aluminum is relatively soft and can be damaged if mishandled. The steel handles are robust and well-attached, ensuring a long service life. The overall design is functional and practical, prioritizing ease of use and consistency.

Durability & Maintenance

The Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number 452-200-SWC 90348 is reasonably durable, provided it is properly cared for. The aluminum can withstand high temperatures and repeated use. However, it is susceptible to damage from dropping or rough handling.

Maintaining the mold is relatively simple. Regular cleaning with a lead-out cloth and occasional lubrication with mold release are all that is required to keep it in good working order. Replacement handles are available from Lee should the originals become damaged. The mold is not easily repairable if the aluminum body is damaged.

With proper care, the mold should last for many years of use. The simple design and robust handles contribute to its long-term durability. It is a cost-effective investment for reloaders who want to produce their own high-quality bullets.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number 452-200-SWC 90348 comes with permanently attached steel handles. There are no other included accessories. The mold itself is not customizable in terms of bullet weight or profile.

However, reloaders can use various aftermarket accessories to enhance their bullet casting experience. These include lead melting pots, ladles, and sprue plate cutters. The mold is compatible with most standard bullet casting equipment.

While the mold itself is not customizable, reloaders can experiment with different lead alloys to alter the hardness and ballistic properties of the cast bullets. This allows for a degree of customization in terms of bullet performance.

Pros and Cons of Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number 452-200-SWC 90348

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Who Should Buy Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number 452-200-SWC 90348?

The Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number 452-200-SWC 90348 is perfect for reloaders who shoot .45 ACP or .45 Colt and want to reduce their ammunition costs. It’s also great for those interested in learning the art of bullet casting. It’s a great entry-level mold to begin experimenting with casting.

This product is also well-suited for target shooters who appreciate the accuracy and clean hole-punching characteristics of the semi-wadcutter bullet. It is a great way to produce consistent ammunition.

Those who should skip this product are reloaders seeking maximum customization options for bullet weight and profile. Also those who prefer to purchase pre-cast bullets may not find this product appealing.

Must-have accessories or modifications include a lead melting pot, a ladle, a sprue plate cutter (or a tool to manually remove the sprue), and mold release lubricant. Proper safety equipment, such as eye protection and gloves, is also essential.

Conclusion on Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number 452-200-SWC 90348

The Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number 452-200-SWC 90348 is an excellent entry-level bullet mold that offers a cost-effective way to produce high-quality .45 caliber semi-wadcutter bullets. Its ease of use, consistent performance, and durable construction make it a worthwhile investment for reloaders of all skill levels. It is a simple tool, well suited for the task it was designed for.

The price is definitely justified, as the mold pays for itself over time through reduced ammunition costs. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to get started with bullet casting or who wants to add a reliable and affordable mold to their reloading setup.

If you’re ready to take control of your ammunition production and experience the satisfaction of casting your own bullets, then the Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number 452-200-SWC 90348 is an excellent place to start! Invest in this mold and begin crafting your own high-quality .45 caliber ammunition today!