Let’s Dive into Lee Mold Bullet Qty 1 44Cal .430 90299
The Lee Mold Bullet Qty 1 44Cal .430 90299 is a single-cavity mold designed for casting .44 caliber bullets, specifically those with a .430 diameter. Manufactured by Lee Precision, this mold casts a 240-grain semi-wadcutter (SWC) bullet, a popular choice for both target shooting and hunting. The mold’s aluminum construction ensures rapid heating and cooling cycles, and its ease of use makes it a favorite among reloaders of all skill levels.
For years, I’ve been buying commercially cast bullets, but escalating costs and a desire for more control over bullet hardness led me to explore casting my own. I wanted a mold that was affordable, reliable, and produced a bullet profile that I knew performed well in my .44 Magnum revolvers. The Lee Mold Bullet Qty 1 44Cal .430 90299 seemed like a perfect fit.
The mold arrived in simple, no-frills packaging, characteristic of Lee Precision products. The aluminum blocks felt lightweight yet surprisingly robust, and the included sprue plate moved smoothly. Its lightweight aluminum body was much lighter than my old cast iron molds, promising a faster heat cycle and faster casting times.
I considered molds from Lyman and RCBS, renowned names in casting, but their higher price points, particularly for multi-cavity options, pushed me towards Lee. While Lyman and RCBS undoubtedly offer premium molds, the Lee mold offered a compelling blend of affordability and functionality that was perfect for my needs.
Initially, I was excited by the prospect of saving money and customizing my bullets, but also slightly apprehensive about the learning curve associated with casting. This Lee Mold Bullet Qty 1 44Cal .430 90299 offered a simple entry point into a process I was eager to master.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Mold Bullet Qty 1 44Cal .430 90299 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Lee Mold Bullet Qty 1 44Cal .430 90299 in my garage, setting up a dedicated casting station with a propane burner, lead pot, and necessary safety gear. I was casting bullets for use in my Ruger Super Blackhawk and S&W Model 29.
The aluminum mold heated up incredibly fast compared to my old iron molds. Within minutes, it was ready to cast, and the initial bullets came out beautifully formed, with sharp edges and minimal flashing.
It took me a few tries to get the rhythm down, adjusting the pouring temperature and mold temperature to achieve consistent results. But once I found the sweet spot, the mold produced a steady stream of high-quality bullets.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Lee Mold Bullet Qty 1 44Cal .430 90299 has proven to be a reliable workhorse. The mold continues to produce consistent bullets, and the aluminum shows no signs of warping or degradation.
I’ve cast several hundred bullets with this mold, and it has held up remarkably well, demonstrating good durability for its aluminum construction. The sprue plate remains smooth and tight, and the mold halves align perfectly.
Cleaning the mold is straightforward, requiring only occasional wiping with a soft cloth to remove lead residue. I apply a light coat of mold release before each casting session to prevent sticking and ensure clean bullet release.
Compared to my previous experiences with commercially cast bullets, these home-cast bullets offer a significant improvement in accuracy, likely due to the consistent size and hardness I can now control. The ability to tailor the alloy to my specific needs has been a game-changer.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Mold Bullet Qty 1 44Cal .430 90299
Specifications
The Lee Mold Bullet Qty 1 44Cal .430 90299 is designed to cast a single .44 caliber bullet with a diameter of .430 inches. The finished bullet weighs approximately 240 grains, depending on the alloy used. The .430 diameter is critical for proper fit and accuracy in most .44 Magnum and .44 Special firearms.
The mold is constructed from aluminum, which offers excellent heat transfer properties, allowing for faster casting cycles. The mold produces a semi-wadcutter (SWC) bullet profile, a versatile design known for its accuracy and effective penetration. The SWC design is well-suited for both target shooting and hunting applications.
Lee includes two bullet tubes with the mold, simplifying bullet storage and handling. The mold has a cavity depth of 2 inches.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Mold Bullet Qty 1 44Cal .430 90299 excels at its primary function: casting consistent, high-quality bullets. The bullets produced are uniform in size and weight, leading to improved accuracy when reloading. It produces consistent bullets that measure within .001″ of each other.
The mold’s single-cavity design means it takes longer to produce a large quantity of bullets compared to multi-cavity molds. However, the single-cavity design simplifies the casting process and reduces the likelihood of errors, making it ideal for beginners. The single cavity means it takes longer to cast a large number of bullets, which is a downside if you need several hundred at once.
Overall, the Lee Mold Bullet Qty 1 44Cal .430 90299 meets and exceeds expectations, offering a cost-effective and reliable way to produce accurate .44 caliber bullets. The bullets consistently group well at the range, and I have experienced no issues with leading in my barrels.
Design & Ergonomics
The mold’s aluminum construction makes it lightweight and easy to handle, reducing fatigue during extended casting sessions. The mold halves align perfectly, and the sprue plate operates smoothly. The lightweight aluminum body is comfortable for extended casting sessions.
The mold is user-friendly, even for novice casters. The design is simple and intuitive, requiring minimal setup or adjustment. No handles are included, these need to be purchased separately.
Durability & Maintenance
While aluminum is not as durable as cast iron or steel, the Lee Mold Bullet Qty 1 44Cal .430 90299 is reasonably robust and should last for many years with proper care. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to prevent corrosion and ensure smooth operation. Regular cleaning and lubricating ensures long term usage.
The mold is easy to disassemble and clean, allowing for thorough removal of lead residue. A simple brushing with a brass brush is typically sufficient to keep the mold in good working order.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Mold Bullet Qty 1 44Cal .430 90299 comes with two bullet tubes for convenient bullet storage. However, Lee molds, unlike some other brands, do not include handles, these must be purchased separately. You can use the same handles for multiple Lee molds.
There are no specific customization options for this particular mold, but the bullet design can be modified by experimenting with different lead alloys. The bullet profile can also be slightly altered by lapping the mold, although this requires specialized knowledge and equipment.
Pros and Cons of Lee Mold Bullet Qty 1 44Cal .430 90299
Pros
- Affordable price point, making it accessible to reloaders on a budget.
- Easy to use and maintain, ideal for beginners.
- Lightweight aluminum construction for faster heating and cooling.
- Produces accurate and consistent bullets suitable for target shooting and hunting.
- Includes two bullet tubes for convenient storage.
Cons
- Single-cavity design slows down production.
- Aluminum construction not as durable as iron or steel molds.
- Handles not included, requiring separate purchase.
Who Should Buy Lee Mold Bullet Qty 1 44Cal .430 90299?
The Lee Mold Bullet Qty 1 44Cal .430 90299 is perfect for reloaders looking to cast their own .44 caliber bullets for practice, target shooting, or hunting. It’s also an excellent choice for beginners wanting to get into casting without investing a lot of money upfront. Hunters needing reliable rounds for medium-sized game would also benefit.
Individuals who need to produce large quantities of bullets quickly should skip this product, opting instead for a multi-cavity mold. Also, those seeking maximum durability may want to consider a mold made from cast iron or steel.
Must-have accessories include Lee Mold Handles, a lead pot, a propane burner, and appropriate safety gear such as gloves and eye protection. Mold release is also recommended for easy bullet release.
Conclusion on Lee Mold Bullet Qty 1 44Cal .430 90299
The Lee Mold Bullet Qty 1 44Cal .430 90299 offers an exceptional value proposition for reloaders seeking an affordable and reliable way to cast their own .44 caliber bullets. While its single-cavity design limits production speed and the aluminum construction isn’t as robust as other materials, its ease of use and consistent performance make it a worthwhile investment.
The price is definitely justified, considering the cost savings achieved by casting your own bullets. The mold has paid for itself many times over in ammunition savings.
I would personally recommend it to anyone starting out in bullet casting or looking for a budget-friendly .44 caliber mold. The initial investment in the mold and associated equipment will be quickly offset by the savings on ammunition costs, and the ability to tailor your bullets to your specific needs is a significant advantage. Take control of your ammunition supply and start casting today!