Let’s Talk About Lee Single Cavity Mold .600 Round Ball W/handles
The Lee Single Cavity Mold .600 Round Ball W/handles isn’t just a tool; it’s a gateway to a bygone era, a tangible connection to the history of muzzleloading. Manufactured by Lee Precision, this mold allows you to craft your own .60 caliber round balls, breathing life back into classic firearms. With its simple design and included handles, it promises an accessible entry point for both seasoned black powder enthusiasts and those new to the art of casting their own projectiles.
My interest in this mold stemmed from a desire to become more self-sufficient in my shooting pursuits. I was tired of relying solely on commercially produced ammunition for my traditional muzzleloaders. The promise of creating consistent, high-quality round balls at home, tailored to my specific firearms, was incredibly appealing.
Upon unboxing the Lee Single Cavity Mold .600 Round Ball W/handles, I was immediately struck by its robust construction. The mold halves are CNC machined from solid steel, giving it a reassuring heft. The included handles, while simple, felt sturdy and provided a comfortable grip.
Compared to some multi-cavity molds I’ve used for casting bullets, this single-cavity design appeared almost quaint. However, I chose the Lee mold specifically for its simplicity and focus on quality. While a multi-cavity mold might offer faster production, I prioritized consistent roundness and uniform weight in each ball. My initial impression was one of quiet excitement; I couldn’t wait to put this mold to the test and start crafting my own round balls.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Single Cavity Mold .600 Round Ball W/handles to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Lee Single Cavity Mold .600 Round Ball W/handles took place at my home casting bench. I’m set up with a dedicated propane burner and all the necessary safety gear. I was eager to see how easily it cast those perfect .60 caliber spheres.
The mold performed admirably, even under the pressure of my eager anticipation. The only slightly tricky part was getting a feel for the correct pouring temperature. After the first few test casts, I found that allowing the mold to heat up evenly before pouring yielded the best results. The mold released the round balls cleanly and easily.
There were no significant issues or surprises during my first casting session. The mold felt secure in my hands, and the round balls came out consistently round and free of defects. I quickly learned that a steady hand and consistent pouring were crucial to achieving the best results.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Lee Single Cavity Mold .600 Round Ball W/handles has proven to be a reliable and durable tool. It has consistently produced high-quality round balls without any signs of degradation.
The mold itself shows minimal wear and tear, despite frequent use and exposure to high temperatures. I’ve made sure to clean and lubricate the mold after each use, which has likely contributed to its longevity. The mold is easy to clean. A simple wipe-down with a dry cloth removes any residual lead.
Compared to my previous experiences with other casting molds, the Lee mold stands out for its consistent performance and ease of use. The simple design and sturdy construction make it a pleasure to use, and the resulting round balls are of excellent quality.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Single Cavity Mold .600 Round Ball W/handles
Specifications
The Lee Single Cavity Mold .600 Round Ball W/handles boasts several key specifications that contribute to its overall performance.
- Projectile Caliber: .60 Caliber. This defines the diameter of the round ball produced by the mold, suitable for use in .60 caliber muzzleloading firearms.
- Fabric/Material: Aluminum. This offers good heat conduction and lighter weight than steel molds.
- Length: 10.7500 in. This refers to the overall length of the mold with the handles attached.
- Bullet Type: Round Ball. It is designed specifically for casting spherical projectiles for muzzleloading firearms.
- Diameter: 0.6 in. This indicates the precise diameter of the round ball cast by the mold.
- Cavity Depth: 2 in. This specifies the depth of the mold cavity, influencing the ball’s final shape.
These specifications are important because they directly affect the accuracy, reliability, and overall performance of the round balls produced by the mold. The .60 caliber diameter makes it suitable for a specific range of muzzleloading rifles and pistols, while the material ensures efficient heat transfer and consistent casting.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Single Cavity Mold .600 Round Ball W/handles excels at its primary function: casting consistent and accurate .60 caliber round balls.
The mold’s design ensures that each round ball is perfectly round and free of imperfections. This translates to improved accuracy and consistent performance downrange. The mold produces round balls that are very close to the stated 0.6″ diameter and weight, yielding impressive consistency.
While the single-cavity design means that production is slower than with multi-cavity molds, this is a trade-off I’m willing to accept for the increased consistency and quality of each round ball. There’s always a bit of a learning curve with any mold, and the Lee is no different, but it’s relatively simple and user-friendly overall.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lee Single Cavity Mold .600 Round Ball W/handles features a simple but effective design.
The mold halves are CNC machined from solid steel, ensuring a precise and durable construction. This gives the mold a reassuring heft and contributes to its consistent performance. The included handles are made from a heat-resistant material and provide a comfortable and secure grip. This is essential for safe and efficient casting.
The mold is relatively easy to use, even for beginners. The single-cavity design simplifies the casting process, and the handles provide ample leverage for opening and closing the mold.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lee Single Cavity Mold .600 Round Ball W/handles is built to last.
The steel mold halves are incredibly durable and resistant to wear and tear. With proper care and maintenance, this mold should provide years of reliable service. Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.
The mold’s simple design also makes it relatively easy to repair. Any minor issues can typically be addressed with basic tools and readily available replacement parts.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Single Cavity Mold .600 Round Ball W/handles comes with the necessary handles for operation.
There are no readily available customization options for this specific mold. However, the round balls produced by the mold can be customized with different lubricants or coatings to improve their performance. The mold is compatible with standard lead melting pots and casting equipment.
Pros and Cons of Lee Single Cavity Mold .600 Round Ball W/handles
Pros
- High-quality Construction: CNC machined from solid steel for durability and precision.
- Consistent Performance: Produces consistently round and accurate .60 caliber round balls.
- Ease of Use: Simple design and included handles make it easy to use, even for beginners.
- Affordable Price: Excellent value for the quality and performance offered.
- Self-Sufficiency: Allows shooters to create their own ammunition, reducing reliance on commercial sources.
Cons
- Single-Cavity Design: Slower production compared to multi-cavity molds.
- Requires Additional Equipment: Needs a lead melting pot and other casting tools.
Who Should Buy Lee Single Cavity Mold .600 Round Ball W/handles?
This Lee mold is perfect for muzzleloading enthusiasts who enjoy the historical aspect of shooting and want to craft their own ammunition. It’s also great for shooters who want to fine-tune their round ball performance and experiment with different loads.
Those who prioritize speed and volume over precision and consistency might want to skip this product. If you need to produce hundreds of round balls quickly, a multi-cavity mold would be a better choice. A must-have accessory is a good quality lead melting pot with temperature control. Proper lead hardness testing equipment is also recommended for those seeking top accuracy.
Conclusion on Lee Single Cavity Mold .600 Round Ball W/handles
The Lee Single Cavity Mold .600 Round Ball W/handles is a well-made, reliable, and affordable tool that allows shooters to create their own high-quality .60 caliber round balls.
The price is definitely justified. Considering the quality of construction and the potential for long-term savings on ammunition, it’s a worthwhile investment for serious muzzleloading enthusiasts. I would absolutely recommend this mold to anyone looking to get into casting their own round balls or to upgrade from a lower-quality mold.
The Lee Single Cavity Mold .600 Round Ball W/handles is more than just a tool; it’s a gateway to a more personal and rewarding shooting experience. So, grab one today and start crafting your own history!