Let’s Dive into Lee Six Cavity Mold 9mm 120gr Tc No Handles
The Lee Six Cavity Mold 9mm 120gr Tc No Handles is a reloading essential for high-volume bullet casting. Lee Precision is a well-known name in the reloading world, and this mold promises increased production without sacrificing quality.
Like many hand loaders, I started with smaller, single-cavity molds. It was a slow process that yielded quality bullets, but it was simply too slow. I needed a faster way to create consistent 9mm projectiles for practice and competition, which prompted my search for a multi-cavity mold.
My initial impressions upon unboxing the mold were positive, although the lack of handles was immediately apparent. The aluminum construction felt solid, and the six cavities looked precisely machined. The weight felt right, giving me confidence in the Lee’s quality.
I considered other multi-cavity molds from Lyman and RCBS, but the price point and Lee’s reputation for value swayed me. While those other brands might offer slightly finer finishes, the Lee promised similar performance at a significantly lower cost. I was excited to see if it could deliver.
The Lee Six Cavity Mold 9mm 120gr Tc No Handles gave me a sense of cautious optimism. I was eager to get it heated up and start casting, but the missing handles were a constant reminder that there was work to be done. I knew I had made a solid choice.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Six Cavity Mold 9mm 120gr Tc No Handles to the Test
First Use Experience
My first use was at my home reloading bench, after attaching a set of Lee mold handles. I prepared my lead alloy, got the mold hot on a hot plate, and started casting.
The mold performed well, dropping consistent 120-grain truncated cone bullets. The initial learning curve involved getting the mold temperature and pouring speed dialed in, but after a few cycles, the process became smooth and efficient. I did find that adding a mold release spray improved bullet drop and reduced sticking.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Lee Six Cavity Mold 9mm 120gr Tc No Handles has proven to be a reliable workhorse. The aluminum has held up well to the repeated heating and cooling cycles.
Minor wear and tear is visible on the sprue plate, but it doesn’t affect performance. Cleaning is relatively easy, requiring only occasional scrubbing with a brass brush and solvent to remove lead residue. Compared to my old single-cavity mold, this Lee has significantly boosted my production rate and reduced casting time.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Six Cavity Mold 9mm 120gr Tc No Handles
Specifications
The Lee Six Cavity Mold 9mm 120gr Tc No Handles is designed for casting 9mm Luger bullets. Its primary purpose is to produce projectiles for reloading 9mm ammunition.
It is made from aluminum and creates six bullets per casting cycle. The aluminum construction ensures rapid heating and cooling, crucial for efficient casting.
The mold is designed to cast a 120-grain bullet in a truncated cone (TC) shape. This bullet profile is known for reliable feeding in 9mm pistols and is an accurate projectile.
The mold requires the separate purchase of mold handles. This is a crucial point as the handles are not included.
The cavity depth is 6 inches. This large depth is to accommodate all 6 cavities of the mould
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Six Cavity Mold 9mm 120gr Tc No Handles performs admirably once you master the casting process. Bullet weight consistency is excellent, and the truncated cone shape ensures smooth feeding in my Glock 19 and Sig Sauer P320.
The biggest strength is the increased production rate compared to single-cavity molds. The main weakness is the absence of handles, requiring an additional purchase.
Design & Ergonomics
The aluminum construction keeps the mold relatively lightweight and easy to handle (with handles attached, of course). The design is simple and functional, prioritizing efficient heat transfer and easy bullet release.
There is a moderate learning curve, primarily related to temperature control and pouring technique. Once mastered, the Lee Six Cavity Mold 9mm 120gr Tc No Handles becomes a valuable tool for any reloader.
Durability & Maintenance
The aluminum construction is reasonably durable, but care must be taken to avoid damage from excessive force. With proper maintenance, including regular cleaning and lubrication, the mold should last for many years.
Disassembly for cleaning is straightforward, and replacement parts are readily available from Lee. This ease of maintenance contributes to the mold’s long-term value.
Accessories and Customization Options
The mold itself doesn’t offer many customization options beyond bullet alloy selection. However, you can adjust bullet diameter slightly by varying the lead alloy and casting temperature.
The primary accessory is a set of Lee mold handles, which are essential for use. You can also use mold release sprays and bullet lubricants to improve casting performance.
Pros and Cons of Lee Six Cavity Mold 9mm 120gr Tc No Handles
Pros
- High production rate: Six cavities significantly reduce casting time compared to single-cavity molds.
- Consistent bullet weight: Delivers uniform projectiles for improved accuracy.
- Affordable price: Offers excellent value for reloaders seeking to increase production.
- Reliable feeding: The truncated cone design ensures smooth cycling in 9mm pistols.
- Easy to maintain: Simple design allows for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Cons
- Handles not included: Requires a separate purchase, increasing the overall cost.
- Aluminum construction: Less durable than steel molds, requiring careful handling.
Who Should Buy Lee Six Cavity Mold 9mm 120gr Tc No Handles?
The Lee Six Cavity Mold 9mm 120gr Tc No Handles is perfect for reloaders who shoot 9mm frequently and want to cast their own bullets to save money. It’s ideal for high-volume shooters, competitive shooters, and anyone looking to streamline their reloading process.
This product might not be the best choice for beginners who are new to bullet casting. A single-cavity mold might be a better starting point to learn the fundamentals. Also, those who prioritize absolute precision and are willing to spend significantly more might prefer a steel mold from a premium brand.
A must-have accessory is a set of Lee mold handles. A hot plate, lead thermometer, and bullet lubricant are also highly recommended for optimal performance.
Conclusion on Lee Six Cavity Mold 9mm 120gr Tc No Handles
The Lee Six Cavity Mold 9mm 120gr Tc No Handles is an excellent tool for reloaders looking to increase their 9mm bullet production. Despite the need to purchase handles separately, the mold offers exceptional value and reliable performance.
The price is definitely justified, considering the time savings and bullet consistency it provides. I would definitely recommend it to any experienced reloader seeking a high-volume casting solution.
Ready to take your reloading to the next level? Pick up the Lee Six Cavity Mold 9mm 120gr Tc No Handles and start casting your own high-quality 9mm bullets today!