First Impressions of Lee Round Flat Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity
Reloading has always been more than just a cost-saving measure for me. It’s a ritual, a connection to the history of shooting, and a way to fine-tune my ammunition for peak performance. When I decided to start casting my own rifle bullets, the Lee Round Flat Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity immediately caught my eye with its simple design and affordable price.
My quest was simple: I wanted to produce consistent, accurate, and reliable cast bullets for my lever-action rifle. I was tired of the limitations of commercially available ammunition. The promise of crafting rounds tailored to my specific firearm and preferred shooting style was very enticing.
Upon unboxing the Lee Round Flat Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity, I was struck by its compact size and the overall simplicity of its design. The mould felt solid enough, though the aluminum construction made it noticeably lighter than some of the more expensive steel moulds I had seen. It had a no-frills, functional appearance.
I considered other options, including single-cavity moulds and those from other manufacturers that boasted more intricate designs and premium materials. However, the Lee mould’s double-cavity design promised to speed up the casting process, and its price point was simply unbeatable. I ultimately chose this Lee mould because of its balance of affordability, ease of use, and the reputation of Lee products.
My initial reaction was a mix of excitement and cautious optimism. I was eager to start casting bullets, but I also knew that the process could be challenging, and the mould’s budget-friendly price tag left me wondering about its long-term durability. I felt excited to start casting though.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Round Flat Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity to the Test
First Use Experience
My first foray into bullet casting with the Lee Round Flat Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity took place in my well-ventilated garage, transforming it into a temporary reloading haven. I carefully prepared my casting setup, including a propane burner, lead pot, and essential safety gear. The initial learning curve was steeper than expected, mainly due to getting the mould temperature just right.
I tested the Lee mould with a variety of lead alloys, including a simple mix of scrap lead and tin, to test its versatility. The mould performed reasonably well, producing bullets that filled out nicely once I found the sweet spot for temperature control and casting speed. I had some sticking issues to begin with, but I resolved them with proper mould preparation and consistent casting technique.
The initial experience wasn’t without its hiccups. I experienced some frustrating sticking issues and occasional incomplete castings. These issues seemed to stem from inconsistent mould temperature and a lack of experience on my part.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Lee Round Flat Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity has proven to be a reliable workhorse. The aluminum construction has held up surprisingly well, showing only minor signs of wear and tear. The mould still casts consistent bullets.
I’ve cast hundreds of bullets with this mould, and it continues to perform admirably as long as I maintain proper casting techniques. Cleaning the mould is a simple process. A quick scrub with a brass brush and a wipe-down with a clean cloth keeps it in top condition.
Compared to my previous experience with commercially manufactured bullets, the cast bullets from the Lee mould offered a significant improvement in accuracy and consistency for my specific rifle. The ability to tailor the bullet alloy and weight to my rifle’s preferences made all the difference in the world. I was very satisfied with its long-term reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Round Flat Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity
Specifications
The Lee Round Flat Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity is designed to cast two bullets simultaneously. The bullets typically weigh between 150 and 200 grains, depending on the specific alloy used. The mould is made from aluminum, which provides good heat retention and relatively quick heating and cooling cycles.
The double-cavity design significantly speeds up the bullet casting process. The flat nose design is well-suited for lever-action rifles. It is also suitable for hunting and target shooting.
These specifications are important because they directly influence the mould’s usability, casting speed, and the type of ammunition it produces. The aluminum construction makes the mould lightweight and easy to handle. However, some prefer steel moulds for their perceived durability.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Round Flat Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity performs its core function exceptionally well. It consistently casts bullets that are uniform in weight and shape, leading to improved accuracy and consistency on the range. The flat nose design is particularly effective in lever-action rifles. It ensures reliable feeding and optimal energy transfer on target.
The mould’s strengths lie in its simplicity and ease of use. The weaknesses are its aluminum construction, which may not be as durable as steel, and the potential for sticking issues if not properly prepared and maintained. Overall, it meets and exceeds my expectations for a budget-friendly bullet mould.
The Lee mould delivers accurate and consistent bullets. However, it may require some fine-tuning of your casting technique to achieve optimal results.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lee Round Flat Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity features a simple, functional design that prioritizes ease of use. The aluminum construction keeps the weight down. It makes the mould comfortable to handle even during extended casting sessions.
The mould is relatively user-friendly, although some experience with bullet casting is recommended. There is a moderate learning curve involved in mastering the proper techniques for consistent results. The solid design enables ease of use.
Durability & Maintenance
The aluminum construction of the Lee Round Flat Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity is reasonably durable. However, it is not as robust as steel moulds. With proper care and maintenance, it should last for many years of regular use.
Cleaning is simple. A quick scrub with a brass brush and a wipe-down with a clean cloth are all that’s typically needed to keep the mould in good working order. Consistent cleaning maximizes the lifespan of the mould.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Round Flat Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity comes with basic handles. These handles provide a comfortable grip during the casting process. There are no other included accessories or customization options.
However, the mould is compatible with a variety of aftermarket handles and accessories. This opens up the possibility for customization and personalization. Examples include improved sprue plates or different handle designs.
Pros and Cons of Lee Round Flat Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity
Pros
- Affordable price makes it accessible to novice reloaders and budget-conscious shooters.
- Double-cavity design significantly speeds up the bullet casting process.
- Produces consistent and accurate bullets when proper casting techniques are employed.
- Lightweight aluminum construction makes it comfortable to handle.
- Simple and easy to use design requires minimal experience.
Cons
- Aluminum construction is less durable than steel moulds.
- Potential for sticking issues if not properly prepared and maintained.
Who Should Buy Lee Round Flat Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity?
The Lee Round Flat Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity is perfect for: reloaders on a budget, lever-action rifle enthusiasts, and those seeking to cast their own bullets for improved accuracy and consistency. It is great for shooters who enjoy customizing their ammunition and handloading enthusiasts.
Those who should skip this product include: reloaders seeking maximum durability or those who prefer the convenience of commercially manufactured bullets. It may not be the best choice for shooters who demand the absolute highest level of precision without any effort.
Must-have accessories or modifications: a high-quality lead pot, a reliable thermometer, and appropriate safety gear (gloves, eye protection, and a respirator). A lead hardness tester can also be very helpful.
Conclusion on Lee Round Flat Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity
The Lee Round Flat Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity offers exceptional value for the money. It provides a simple, effective way to cast your own rifle bullets. It will provide you with the ability to fine-tune your ammunition and improve your accuracy.
The price is definitely justified, especially considering the increased accuracy and consistency I’ve achieved with my hand-cast bullets. I would absolutely recommend the Lee Round Flat Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity to any reloader looking to get started with bullet casting.
For those seeking an affordable and reliable way to produce their own rifle bullets, the Lee Round Flat Nose Rifle Mould – Double Cavity is an excellent choice. Start casting today and experience the satisfaction of crafting your own ammunition!