Let’s Dive into Lee Six Cavity Mold .38 158gr-swc No Gc No Handles
The Lee Six Cavity Mold .38 158gr-swc No Gc No Handles is a reloading tool designed for producing high-quality .38 caliber bullets. Offered by Lee Precision, this mold boasts a six-cavity design and casts a 158-grain semi-wadcutter bullet, ideal for target shooting and general-purpose loads. It’s an affordable option for reloaders, but important to note it doesn’t include handles.
I had been searching for a way to reduce my ammunition costs for .38 Special and .357 Magnum revolvers, as factory ammo prices continued to climb. I was specifically seeking a mold that could produce accurate and consistent bullets for both target practice and potentially some cowboy action shooting. The Lee mold seemed to offer the right balance of affordability and productivity.
Upon receiving the mold, I was immediately impressed by its lightweight design. The aluminum construction felt sturdy, but I was initially concerned about its durability compared to cast iron or steel molds I’ve used in the past. The blocks aligned well, with tight seams indicating a good fit for producing round, consistent bullets.
Compared to the Lyman two-cavity mold I started with, the Lee six-cavity promised significantly faster production. I also considered a more expensive RCBS mold, but ultimately the price point of the Lee was too appealing to pass up for a high-volume bullet casting project. The lack of gas check provision was also a plus, simplifying the casting process for my specific needs.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The light weight and aluminum construction made me wonder about long-term durability, but the six-cavity design offered the potential for greatly increased casting speed. The absence of handles was not a surprise, as I knew this going in, but it did mean an additional purchase before I could begin casting.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Six Cavity Mold .38 158gr-swc No Gc No Handles to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Lee Six Cavity Mold .38 158gr-swc No Gc No Handles in my garage reloading setup, focusing on producing bullets for my .38 Special revolver. The initial casting session took place on a moderately warm day, with temperatures around 75°F. I casted bullets using a simple propane burner.
The mold heated up quickly, as expected from the aluminum construction. I found that maintaining consistent mold temperature was key to producing consistently filled-out bullets. Getting into a rhythm of pouring, cutting the sprue, and ejecting the bullets was crucial for efficiency.
The mold released bullets easily, with minimal sticking. A light coating of mold release spray helped tremendously. One issue I did encounter was that the mold gets hot quickly, even with handles; wear good gloves!
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Lee Six Cavity Mold .38 158gr-swc No Gc No Handles has held up surprisingly well. There are no signs of significant wear or damage. The mold continues to produce consistent bullets.
The aluminum shows some discoloration from heat, but this is purely cosmetic. Cleaning the mold is relatively straightforward, requiring only a brush and some solvent to remove lead residue. I’ve found that regular cleaning and lubrication are essential for maintaining smooth operation and preventing lead buildup.
Compared to my old Lyman mold, the Lee mold significantly outperforms it in terms of casting speed and ease of bullet release. The bullets produced are also more uniform in weight and dimensions. While the Lee mold may not be as robust as a cast iron mold, its performance and ease of use more than compensate for this.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Six Cavity Mold .38 158gr-swc No Gc No Handles
Specifications
Manufacturer: Lee Precision. This is a well-known brand for affordable and reliable reloading equipment.
Caliber: .38 Special, .38 Colt NP, .357 Magnum. This versatility allows the mold to be used for multiple popular revolver calibers.
Fabric/Material: Aluminum. Aluminum allows for quick heating and cooling, reducing casting time, though it may not be as durable as steel or iron.
Additional Features: 6-Cavity. The six-cavity design allows for faster bullet production compared to single or double-cavity molds.
Bullet Weight: 158 grain. This is a common and versatile weight for .38 Special and .357 Magnum bullets.
Bullet Type: Semi-Wadcutter (SWC). SWC bullets are known for their accuracy and clean hole punching in paper targets.
These specifications translate to a mold that is lightweight, efficient, and capable of producing accurate bullets for a variety of .38 caliber handguns. The aluminum construction allows for rapid heating and cooling, while the six-cavity design maximizes productivity. The 158-grain SWC bullet is a classic choice for target shooting and general-purpose loads.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Six Cavity Mold .38 158gr-swc No Gc No Handles performs exceptionally well, consistently producing accurate and uniform bullets. It’s easy to use once you establish a good casting rhythm and maintain proper mold temperature. The mold heats up quickly and releases bullets cleanly, minimizing wasted lead.
The main strength of this mold is its ability to rapidly produce a large number of bullets. The primary weakness is heat control; it requires attention to avoid overheating the mold. Overall, the Lee mold meets and exceeds expectations for a mold in its price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The aluminum construction makes the Lee Six Cavity Mold .38 158gr-swc No Gc No Handles very lightweight and easy to handle. While the mold itself is comfortable enough to use, proper handles are absolutely necessary. There is a slight learning curve associated with getting the mold temperature and casting rhythm just right.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Lee Six Cavity Mold .38 158gr-swc No Gc No Handles should last for many years of regular use. Cleaning is relatively simple, requiring only a brush and solvent to remove lead residue. Proper lubrication is key to prevent sticking and ensure smooth bullet release.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Six Cavity Mold .38 158gr-swc No Gc No Handles does not come with handles, which must be purchased separately. The mold is compatible with standard Lee mold handles. There are no other real customization options available for this mold, beyond selecting compatible handles.
Pros and Cons of Lee Six Cavity Mold .38 158gr-swc No Gc No Handles
Pros
- High Casting Speed: The six-cavity design significantly increases bullet production rate, saving time and effort.
- Affordable Price: The Lee mold is very budget-friendly, making it accessible to a wider range of reloaders.
- Consistent Bullet Weight: The mold produces bullets with consistent weight and dimensions, leading to improved accuracy.
- Easy Bullet Release: Bullets release cleanly from the mold with proper lubrication and temperature control.
- Versatile Caliber: Compatible with .38 Special, .38 Colt NP, and .357 Magnum.
Cons
- Handles Not Included: Handles must be purchased separately, adding to the overall cost.
- Aluminum Construction: Aluminum is less durable than steel or iron, potentially limiting the mold’s lifespan with heavy use.
Who Should Buy Lee Six Cavity Mold .38 158gr-swc No Gc No Handles?
The Lee Six Cavity Mold .38 158gr-swc No Gc No Handles is perfect for reloaders who shoot .38 Special or .357 Magnum frequently and want to reduce ammunition costs. It’s also ideal for those who enjoy the process of casting their own bullets and are looking for a high-volume mold. It’s great for cowboy action shooting enthusiasts.
Those who prefer extremely durable equipment or are unwilling to purchase separate handles should skip this product. New reloaders might be better served with a 2-cavity to practice. Must-have accessories include Lee mold handles and mold release spray.
Conclusion on Lee Six Cavity Mold .38 158gr-swc No Gc No Handles
The Lee Six Cavity Mold .38 158gr-swc No Gc No Handles is a fantastic value for reloaders seeking an affordable and efficient way to cast their own .38 caliber bullets. While the aluminum construction and separate handles may be drawbacks for some, the increased casting speed and consistent bullet quality make it a worthwhile investment. The price is absolutely justified by the performance.
I would personally recommend this mold to any reloader looking to reduce ammunition costs and enjoy the satisfaction of crafting their own ammunition. Get yours today and start casting!