First Impressions of Lee Round Nose Pistol Mould – Double Cavity
The world of reloading can be a rabbit hole of endless possibilities and specialized equipment. For those looking to cast their own pistol bullets, the Lee Round Nose Pistol Mould – Double Cavity presents itself as an accessible entry point. Lee Precision is a name synonymous with affordable reloading equipment, and this mould promises to deliver a consistent, quality product without breaking the bank.
I’ve been reloading for years, primarily rifle cartridges for precision shooting. However, the rising cost of pistol ammunition and the desire to fine-tune my loads for specific handguns pushed me toward bullet casting. I wanted a cost-effective solution to produce accurate and reliable rounds for practice and plinking.
My initial impression upon unboxing was positive, though not overwhelmingly so. The aluminum blocks felt lightweight and the included handles seemed sturdy enough. Compared to some higher-end iron or steel moulds, it certainly felt less robust, but the price difference was significant. I considered a Lyman mould, known for its classic design, and a NOE mould, renowned for its versatility, but the Lee mould’s lower cost and ready availability won me over for this initial foray into casting pistol bullets. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping the Lee Round Nose Pistol Mould – Double Cavity could deliver on its promise of easy and consistent bullet production.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Round Nose Pistol Mould – Double Cavity to the Test
First Use Experience
My first casting session with the Lee Round Nose Pistol Mould – Double Cavity took place in my garage, which I’ve converted into a reloading workspace. I used a lead alloy consisting of primarily reclaimed range lead, mixed with tin to improve casting properties. The initial heat-up was quick, thanks to the aluminum construction, and I was soon dropping my first bullets.
The mould was relatively easy to use, although it did take a few casts to get the hang of the process. I found that maintaining a consistent temperature was crucial for preventing wrinkles and achieving a clean fill of the cavities. After a couple of dozen initial rejects, I was dropping consistent, well-formed bullets. The included handles provided adequate leverage, but I noticed they could get a little warm after prolonged use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use and hundreds of cast bullets, the Lee Round Nose Pistol Mould – Double Cavity has proven to be a reliable performer. The aluminum blocks show no signs of warping or significant wear, despite repeated heating and cooling cycles. I’ve found that a light coating of mould release helps to prevent sticking and ensures clean bullet release.
Cleaning the mould is straightforward. A quick wipe-down with a soft cloth removes any lead residue. Compared to my experience with more complex reloading equipment, the Lee Round Nose Pistol Mould – Double Cavity is refreshingly simple to maintain. It’s a noticeable step up from my earlier attempts at casting with improvised methods; this mould delivers a level of consistency I couldn’t achieve before.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Round Nose Pistol Mould – Double Cavity
Specifications
The Lee Round Nose Pistol Mould – Double Cavity is designed for casting round nose bullets for various pistol calibers. The mould blocks are made of aluminum, which is known for its rapid heating and cooling properties. The cavity depth is approximately 2 inches, facilitating easy bullet release.
The Lee Round Nose Pistol Mould – Double Cavity‘s lightweight aluminum construction makes it easy to handle during extended casting sessions, reducing fatigue. Its double cavity design increases production speed compared to single-cavity moulds, which allows for faster production.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Round Nose Pistol Mould – Double Cavity performs admirably for its intended purpose: casting consistent round nose pistol bullets. The bullets produced are generally uniform in weight and shape, provided that the mould is properly heated and maintained. While it may not achieve the same level of perfection as higher-end moulds, its performance is more than adequate for practice, plinking, and even some competition applications.
The Lee Round Nose Pistol Mould – Double Cavity’s main strength is its simplicity and ease of use, while a potential weakness is its aluminum construction, which is less durable than steel. However, its performance exceeded my expectations, considering its relatively low cost.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lee Round Nose Pistol Mould – Double Cavity features a simple and functional design. The aluminum blocks are lightweight and easy to manipulate, and the included handles provide a comfortable grip. The overall build quality is decent for the price point, though the aluminum blocks feel less robust than iron or steel moulds.
The Lee Round Nose Pistol Mould – Double Cavity has a user-friendly design that makes it easy for beginners to learn the basics of bullet casting. While there’s a slight learning curve to achieve consistent results, its intuitive design makes the process manageable.
Durability & Maintenance
While aluminum is lighter and heats faster than steel, it is less durable, however, with proper care and maintenance, the Lee Round Nose Pistol Mould – Double Cavity should last for a reasonable amount of time. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help to prevent wear and tear.
The Lee Round Nose Pistol Mould – Double Cavity is easy to clean and requires minimal maintenance. A quick wipe-down with a soft cloth after each use is usually sufficient to remove any lead residue.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Round Nose Pistol Mould – Double Cavity comes with the necessary handles for operation. While there aren’t many customization options for the mould itself, the bullets cast from it can be customized with different lubes and sizing dies. It is compatible with Lee‘s bullet sizing kits, as well as those from other manufacturers.
Pros and Cons of Lee Round Nose Pistol Mould – Double Cavity
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to reloaders on a budget.
- Lightweight aluminum construction facilitates easy handling and rapid heating.
- Double cavity design increases bullet production speed.
- Simple and user-friendly design makes it ideal for beginners.
- Produces consistent and accurate bullets for practice and plinking.
Cons
- Aluminum construction is less durable than iron or steel.
- Handles can get warm during prolonged use.
Who Should Buy Lee Round Nose Pistol Mould – Double Cavity?
The Lee Round Nose Pistol Mould – Double Cavity is perfect for reloaders looking for an affordable and easy-to-use entry point into bullet casting. It’s especially well-suited for those who primarily shoot round nose pistol bullets for practice and plinking. This is also great for survivalists who can find lead in the field and can reload using a hand press.
This product might not be ideal for competitive shooters or those who require the highest possible levels of accuracy and consistency. Also, those who require custom bullet shapes or prefer the durability of iron or steel moulds should consider other options. A Lee bottom pour pot is a must-have accessory, as well as Lee Liquid Alox for bullet lube.
Conclusion on Lee Round Nose Pistol Mould – Double Cavity
The Lee Round Nose Pistol Mould – Double Cavity is an excellent value for reloaders seeking a cost-effective solution for casting their own pistol bullets. The Lee Round Nose Pistol Mould – Double Cavity has its limitations, mainly in durability, but its affordability and ease of use make it a compelling choice for beginners and budget-conscious reloaders. For the price, it’s hard to beat.
I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to get started with bullet casting without breaking the bank. Consider this mold if you’re looking to lower the cost of ammunition, customize your loads, or simply enjoy the satisfaction of crafting your own bullets. Time to pick one up and start casting!