Let’s Dive into Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number TL401-175-SWC 90431
The Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number TL401-175-SWC 90431 from Lee promises reloaders the ability to cast their own 175-grain semi-wadcutter bullets in .40 S&W and 10mm Auto calibers. This mold features a double cavity design, meaning it casts two bullets per cycle, potentially speeding up the reloading process. Its aluminum construction boasts rapid heating and cooling, a crucial aspect of efficient bullet casting.
For years, I’ve been a dedicated handloader, always striving for the perfect balance of accuracy and cost-effectiveness. The rising price of ammunition, especially for my 10mm Auto, pushed me to seriously consider casting my own bullets again. I had hopes this Lee mold would fill that need.
Upon unboxing, the Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number TL401-175-SWC 90431 felt surprisingly light, due to its aluminum construction. The mold halves aligned reasonably well, but closer inspection revealed what appeared to be alignment pin issues. My initial impression was cautious optimism tinged with a bit of concern over the alignment.
I considered the RCBS Pro-Melt-2 Furnace and an Lyman mold, both respected names in reloading, but the Lee product’s lower price point and the promise of quick-cooling aluminum swayed me. Cost was a significant factor. My initial excitement was quickly tempered by the visual imperfections.
My first impression was mixed, and honestly, more on the disappointing side. The potential time-saving benefits of a double-cavity mold were attractive, but the initial quality control concerns worried me. I hoped these concerns were unfounded once I began using the Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number TL401-175-SWC 90431.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number TL401-175-SWC 90431 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number TL401-175-SWC 90431 took place in my well-ventilated garage, transforming my loading bench into a casting station. I preheated the mold on a hot plate and used a bottom-pour lead furnace. The initial casting process highlighted the problems that were already apparent.
Even with a meticulously controlled lead temperature, the alignment issues of the mold resulted in bullets with noticeable fins and asymmetry. The casting process was frustrating. The mold was difficult to fill completely, leading to inconsistent bullet weights.
The mold also required constant cleaning of lead flashing that accumulated around the alignment pins, further slowing down the process. After a single session, frustration had thoroughly set in. The alignment issues were significantly impacting the usability and accuracy of the mold.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several casting sessions spread over a few weeks, the performance of the Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number TL401-175-SWC 90431 did not improve. The alignment issue persisted. It continued to create inconsistencies in the finished bullets.
The aluminum showed no signs of significant wear, but the sprue plate exhibited some deformation due to the repeated cutting of the lead sprue. Cleaning the mold was straightforward, involving a simple brushing and wiping down after each session, but the recurring flashing issue necessitated more frequent cleaning than I’d prefer. This mold’s performance does not outperform, or even meet, my expectations.
Compared to my experience with RCBS and Lyman molds, the Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number TL401-175-SWC 90431 was a significant disappointment. It delivered inconsistent results and required considerably more effort to produce usable bullets.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number TL401-175-SWC 90431
Specifications
The Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number TL401-175-SWC 90431 is designed for casting 175-grain semi-wadcutter bullets. It’s intended for use with .40 S&W and 10mm Auto cartridges, with a projectile caliber of .401. The mold is constructed from Aluminum, chosen for its rapid heating and cooling properties.
The bullet weight of 175 grains is a common choice for both .40 S&W and 10mm Auto, offering a good balance of recoil and stopping power. The semi-wadcutter (SWC) design is known for its clean hole punching in paper targets and reliable feeding in many pistol designs. The 2-inch cavity depth is typical for this type of bullet.
The specifications are adequate on paper, but the critical flaw lies in the execution, particularly the alignment of the mold halves. This directly impacts the bullet’s dimensional consistency and weight, which are crucial for accuracy.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number TL401-175-SWC 90431, in theory, should allow for faster bullet casting due to its double-cavity design. In practice, however, the alignment issues significantly hamper its performance. The resulting bullets are often inconsistent in weight and dimension, leading to accuracy problems.
The most significant weakness is the poor alignment of the mold halves. This leads to flashing, asymmetry, and difficulty in consistently filling the cavities. These issues are significant. The Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number TL401-175-SWC 90431 fails to meet my expectations for consistent, high-quality bullet casting.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number TL401-175-SWC 90431 utilizes aluminum for its construction, making it lightweight and promoting rapid heat transfer. The mold halves are held together with alignment pins and require handles (sold separately). The light weight is appreciated.
However, the handle design, while functional, can become uncomfortable during extended casting sessions. There is a slight learning curve with any new mold, but the Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number TL401-175-SWC 90431’s alignment issues make it needlessly difficult to use consistently.
Durability & Maintenance
The aluminum construction of the Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number TL401-175-SWC 90431 should provide reasonable longevity with proper care. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the alignment pins and sprue plate are essential. With good care, the Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number TL401-175-SWC 90431 could last for several years, but the inherent design flaws will continue to impact performance.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring basic cleaning tools and lubricant. However, the design flaw – the misalignment – cannot be easily repaired and will continue to affect the quality of the cast bullets.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number TL401-175-SWC 90431 requires Lee mold handles, which are sold separately. There are no other direct accessories or customization options for the mold itself. The bullets cast from this mold can be used with various bullet lubes and sizing dies, depending on the reloader’s specific needs.
While the Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number TL401-175-SWC 90431 is designed to cast bullets to a specific shape and weight, reloaders can adjust their powder charge and bullet seating depth to fine-tune their ammunition. The mold is compatible with standard bullet casting equipment and accessories.
Pros and Cons of Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number TL401-175-SWC 90431
Pros
- Relatively inexpensive compared to other brands.
- Aluminum construction allows for rapid heating and cooling.
- Double cavity design potentially speeds up the bullet casting process.
- Lightweight.
- Simple to clean and maintain.
Cons
- Poor alignment of mold halves leads to inconsistent bullet weights and dimensions.
- Requires separate purchase of mold handles.
- Significant flashing issues necessitate frequent cleaning.
Who Should Buy Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number TL401-175-SWC 90431?
The Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number TL401-175-SWC 90431 might be suitable for reloaders on an extremely tight budget who are willing to accept inconsistent bullet quality. It could also be used by those just starting out who want to try bullet casting without investing heavily. This may also be suitable for those who prioritize casting volume over accuracy.
Those seeking consistent, high-quality bullets for accurate shooting should skip this product. Reloaders with experience using higher-quality molds (like RCBS or Lyman) will likely be disappointed. It’s also not recommended for anyone who values their time, as the extra effort required to produce usable bullets negates the time-saving benefits of the double-cavity design.
Must-have accessories include Lee mold handles and a high-quality bullet lubricant. Modifications would likely involve trying to correct the alignment issue, which may require specialized tools and knowledge.
Conclusion on Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number TL401-175-SWC 90431
Overall, the Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number TL401-175-SWC 90431 is a disappointing product due to its significant alignment issues. The promise of rapid casting and cost savings is overshadowed by the inconsistent bullet quality and the extra effort required to produce usable ammunition.
The low price point may be attractive, but the resulting frustration and the need to correct flawed bullets ultimately outweigh the cost savings. For reloaders seeking accurate and reliable ammunition, the price is not justified. I would not personally recommend this mold.
While the Lee Double Cavity Pistol Bullet Mold Number TL401-175-SWC 90431 appears to offer a budget-friendly entry into bullet casting, its flaws make it a poor investment. Invest in a higher-quality mold for better results.