Let’s Dive into Lee Six Cavity Mold 9mm 125gr-2r No Handles
The Lee Six Cavity Mold 9mm 125gr-2r No Handles is a reloading tool designed for the cost-conscious and high-volume shooter. Manufactured by Lee Precision, this mold allows reloaders to cast six 9mm 125-grain round nose bullets simultaneously, drastically increasing production speed compared to single or double cavity molds. Its simple design and aluminum construction make it an attractive option for those looking to produce accurate and reliable pistol ammunition without breaking the bank.
My journey to the Lee six-cavity mold started with an ever-increasing need for 9mm ammunition for practice and competition. Commercial ammunition prices were climbing, and the only solution was to reload my own rounds affordably. I had been using a two-cavity mold and it was taking forever to produce the quantities I needed, so I began the search for a mold that was both affordable and offered increased production.
My initial impression upon receiving the Lee Six Cavity Mold 9mm 125gr-2r No Handles was that of utilitarian simplicity. The aluminum blocks felt lightweight yet sturdy, and the crimped halves indicated a focus on consistent bullet dimensions. It was a no-frills, all-business tool designed to do one thing: churn out lead bullets and do it quickly.
Before settling on the Lee mold, I considered a Lyman four-cavity mold and a NOE (Night Owl Enterprises) five-cavity mold. The Lyman was more expensive and didn’t offer a significant production increase, while the NOE was too costly for my budget. The Lee mold offered the best balance of price and production capacity, making it the obvious choice.
I was excited by the prospect of dramatically increasing my bullet production, but also a bit apprehensive about the learning curve associated with a six-cavity mold. Would it be manageable, or would I end up with a pile of rejects? Only time and a melting pot would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Six Cavity Mold 9mm 125gr-2r No Handles to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Lee Six Cavity Mold 9mm 125gr-2r No Handles in my garage reloading workshop, which is essentially a controlled environment. I focused on maintaining consistent alloy temperature and mold temperature to ensure consistent bullet weights and dimensions.
The mold performed admirably, consistently dropping bullets within a tight weight range. The only real challenge was maintaining a consistent casting rhythm to keep the mold temperature optimal. After a few hours, I got into a groove, and the bullets piled up quickly.
The mold required a bit of a learning curve to master the cadence of pouring and sprue cutting. After the first few casts, the bullets weren’t perfect, but after optimizing my technique, the quality greatly increased.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Lee Six Cavity Mold 9mm 125gr-2r No Handles has held up remarkably well. The aluminum blocks show some discoloration from heat, but the mold halves remain tightly aligned and the cavities still produce consistent bullets.
There is minimal wear and tear beyond the aforementioned discoloration. I’ve made sure to clean the mold thoroughly after each use and lightly lubricate the alignment pins to prevent sticking.
Maintaining the Lee mold is quite simple. A quick scrub with a brass brush and some mold release spray keeps everything running smoothly. Compared to my previous iron mold, the aluminum dissipates heat more quickly and is less prone to rust. The Lee Six Cavity Mold has proven to be faster and easier to use.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Six Cavity Mold 9mm 125gr-2r No Handles
Specifications
The Lee Six Cavity Mold 9mm 125gr-2r No Handles is designed to cast 9mm Luger bullets weighing approximately 125 grains. The bullets are of a round nose (RN) design. The mold is constructed of aluminum, and features six cavities.
These specifications are important because they determine the type of ammunition the mold can produce and the rate at which it can be produced. The 125-grain weight and round nose profile are common for 9mm pistol ammunition, making it suitable for a variety of applications. The six-cavity design significantly increases production speed.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Six Cavity Mold 9mm 125gr-2r No Handles performs its job exceptionally well, provided that the user follows proper casting techniques. The bullets consistently drop from the mold within a tolerance of +/- 0.5 grains, which is more than adequate for most pistol shooting applications.
The mold’s primary strength is its ability to produce a large number of bullets quickly. A potential weakness is that the aluminum can heat up quickly, requiring the user to pause periodically to allow it to cool. It certainly meets my expectations, easily outpacing my old two-cavity mold.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is functional, if not luxurious. The aluminum blocks are lightweight and easy to handle, and the crimped halves ensure proper alignment. While aluminum heats up more quickly than iron or steel, the mold is still comfortable to work with for extended periods.
The mold is incredibly user-friendly, even for novice reloaders. The biggest learning curve is simply getting the casting rhythm down.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Lee Six Cavity Mold 9mm 125gr-2r No Handles should last for many years. As long as it is cleaned regularly and protected from corrosion, the mold’s lifespan is extensive.
Maintenance is straightforward. A quick cleaning with a brass brush and some mold release spray after each use will keep the mold in good working condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Six Cavity Mold 9mm 125gr-2r No Handles does not come with any accessories other than the mold itself. It requires Lee mold handles (sold separately). There are no real customization options for the mold itself.
However, the bullets produced by the mold can be customized through powder coating or traditional lubrication. The bullets are compatible with most standard 9mm reloading dies and components.
Pros and Cons of Lee Six Cavity Mold 9mm 125gr-2r No Handles
Pros
- High Production Rate: The six-cavity design allows for rapid bullet casting, significantly increasing reloading efficiency.
- Affordable Price: The mold is one of the most budget-friendly options on the market, making it accessible to reloaders of all levels.
- Consistent Bullet Dimensions: The crimped mold halves ensure consistent bullet diameter and weight, contributing to improved accuracy.
- Lightweight Aluminum Construction: The aluminum blocks are easy to handle and dissipate heat quickly.
- Easy to Use: The mold is simple to operate, even for novice reloaders.
Cons
- Handles Sold Separately: The mold does not include handles, requiring an additional purchase.
- Aluminum Heats Up Quickly: The aluminum construction can cause the mold to overheat during extended use, requiring periodic cooling.
Who Should Buy Lee Six Cavity Mold 9mm 125gr-2r No Handles?
The Lee Six Cavity Mold 9mm 125gr-2r No Handles is perfect for high-volume reloaders, competitive shooters, and anyone looking to reduce the cost of 9mm ammunition. It’s also well-suited for reloaders who want to produce consistent and reliable pistol rounds.
Those who prioritize ultra-high precision or require specialized bullet designs might want to consider more expensive molds from other manufacturers. Novice reloaders might also consider starting with a smaller capacity mold to learn the basics before jumping into a six-cavity design.
A must-have accessory is a set of Lee mold handles. Also, a good lead melting pot and bullet alloy is a necessity.
Conclusion on Lee Six Cavity Mold 9mm 125gr-2r No Handles
The Lee Six Cavity Mold 9mm 125gr-2r No Handles is a fantastic tool for reloaders looking to produce high volumes of 9mm ammunition affordably. It offers a great balance of performance, ease of use, and price.
The price is absolutely justified given the mold’s production capacity and durability. It’s an excellent investment for anyone who shoots 9mm frequently.
I would absolutely recommend the Lee Six Cavity Mold 9mm 125gr-2r No Handles to anyone looking to get into reloading or upgrade from a smaller capacity mold. Start casting today and experience the satisfaction of producing your own high-quality ammunition!