First Impressions of Lee TL356-95-RF Double Cavity Mold
The Lee TL356-95-RF Double Cavity Mold promises to be a gateway to affordable and consistent bullet casting, particularly for those of us who reload pistol cartridges in high volumes. Lee is a well-known name in reloading, often associated with budget-friendly options that still deliver reliable performance. I was particularly drawn to this mold because I wanted to expand my reloading capabilities to include casting my own bullets for 9mm and .380 Auto, a pursuit that has become increasingly attractive due to the rising cost of factory-made ammunition.
Having relied on commercially cast bullets for years, I was eager to gain more control over the entire process. This mold seemed like the perfect entry point. The allure of casting my own 95-grain round nose bullets, specifically tailored to my preferred powder loads and firearm preferences, was too good to resist.
Upon receiving the Lee TL356-95-RF Double Cavity Mold, my initial impression was positive. The mold felt solid, though lightweight, in my hands. The aluminum construction was clean, and the machining appeared precise. Compared to some of the more expensive steel molds I’ve seen, the Lee mold definitely felt more basic, but not cheap. I’d previously considered the RCBS 38-095 RN mold and a similar mold from Lyman, but ultimately the Lee mold’s price point and the promise of good results swayed me.
My first thought was, “Can something this affordable really produce consistent bullets?” I was both excited and slightly skeptical, eager to see if it could live up to the hype. I anticipated needing some practice to get the process dialed in, but I was optimistic about the potential cost savings and the sheer satisfaction of producing my own ammunition from start to finish.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee TL356-95-RF Double Cavity Mold to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Lee TL356-95-RF Double Cavity Mold at my home reloading bench, which is set up in a well-ventilated area of my garage. The first session involved casting bullets using a lead alloy consisting of mostly reclaimed range lead with a touch of tin added for improved casting. I followed Lee’s instructions closely, preheating the mold on a hot plate and using a bottom-pour lead furnace.
The initial casts were a bit rough, with some wrinkles and incomplete fill-out. However, after adjusting the mold temperature and refining my casting technique, the bullets began to come out beautifully. The mold heated up quickly and maintained a consistent temperature throughout the casting session. The 95-grain round nose design was easy to release from the mold. After a few hours, I had a sizable batch of bullets ready for sizing and loading.
There were no major issues during this initial use, aside from the typical learning curve associated with casting. The bullets cast from the Lee TL356-95-RF Double Cavity Mold were consistent in weight and diameter.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Lee TL356-95-RF Double Cavity Mold, I’ve cast thousands of bullets. The mold has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of significant wear or damage. The aluminum seems durable enough for the task, although I am careful to avoid excessive force when opening and closing the mold.
Maintenance is straightforward. I clean the mold with a brass brush after each casting session to remove any lead residue. A light coating of mold release agent helps prevent the bullets from sticking. Compared to my previous experience of buying bullets, this has been a fulfilling experience. The mold has consistently produced accurate and uniform bullets.
Overall, the Lee TL356-95-RF Double Cavity Mold has exceeded my initial expectations in terms of durability and consistent bullet production. It’s become a reliable tool in my reloading process.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee TL356-95-RF Double Cavity Mold
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Lee. This company is known for providing affordable reloading equipment.
- Caliber: .380 ACP, 9mm Luger, .38 Super. These calibers are some of the most popular pistol rounds.
- Bullet Weight: 95 grain. This weight is suitable for target shooting and general plinking.
- The mold is a double cavity design. This allows for faster production compared to single-cavity molds.
- The bullet design is Round Nose (RN). This design facilitates smooth feeding in most semi-automatic pistols.
- The bullets produced are .356 diameter. This is standard for 9mm and .380 ACP.
These specifications are significant because they define the mold’s intended use and potential performance. The ability to cast 95-grain bullets for popular pistol calibers offers reloaders versatility. The round nose design is crucial for reliable feeding in many pistols.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee TL356-95-RF Double Cavity Mold performs its job admirably. The bullets are consistent in weight and diameter, leading to predictable accuracy when loaded. The double cavity design speeds up production. This is a significant advantage for high-volume reloaders.
The mold’s main strength lies in its ability to consistently produce usable bullets at a very reasonable price. One potential weakness is that aluminum molds tend to heat up more quickly than iron or steel molds. The aluminum construction, while lightweight, could be less durable than steel in the long run. Despite this, the Lee TL356-95-RF Double Cavity Mold exceeds expectations for its price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lee TL356-95-RF Double Cavity Mold features a simple, functional design. The aluminum blocks are held together by alignment pins and secured with handles. The light weight makes it easy to manipulate during the casting process. The design is user-friendly, even for novice casters.
The mold is relatively comfortable to use for extended periods. There isn’t a steep learning curve. After a few practice rounds, most reloaders should be able to produce consistent bullets.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lee TL356-95-RF Double Cavity Mold appears to be reasonably durable for its construction. The aluminum is not as robust as steel. With proper care, it should last for many years of use.
Maintenance is straightforward. A quick cleaning with a brass brush and occasional lubrication is all that’s needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee TL356-95-RF Double Cavity Mold does not come with any accessories. However, you will need mold handles to operate it. Lee sells handles designed specifically for their molds.
There aren’t any customization options for the mold itself. However, the bullets it produces can be customized through different powder loads, bullet seating depths, and crimping techniques. The bullets can be coated with powder coating or traditional bullet lube.
Pros and Cons of Lee TL356-95-RF Double Cavity Mold
Pros
- Affordable price. This makes it an excellent entry point for new casters.
- Consistent bullet production. The mold casts uniform bullets that are suitable for reloading.
- Lightweight design. The aluminum construction makes it easy to handle during extended casting sessions.
- Easy to use. The mold is user-friendly, even for beginners.
- Double cavity. Increases the speed of bullet production.
Cons
- Aluminum construction.* Might not be as durable as steel molds.
- Requires separate handles. This increases the overall cost.
Who Should Buy Lee TL356-95-RF Double Cavity Mold?
The Lee TL356-95-RF Double Cavity Mold is perfect for reloaders who want to cast their own 9mm, .380 ACP, or .38 Super bullets for target shooting and practice. It’s also ideal for budget-conscious reloaders who are looking for an affordable entry point into bullet casting. This is a great choice for reloaders who shoot frequently and want to reduce their ammunition costs.
This product might not be the best choice for reloaders who demand the absolute highest levels of precision and are willing to invest in more expensive, high-end molds. Someone who only reloads a few rounds at a time.
A must-have accessory is a set of Lee mold handles. Bullet sizing tools are also essential for ensuring consistent bullet diameter.
Conclusion on Lee TL356-95-RF Double Cavity Mold
The Lee TL356-95-RF Double Cavity Mold is an outstanding value for the money. It provides a reliable and affordable way to cast your own bullets for popular pistol calibers. The mold’s consistency, ease of use, and double-cavity design make it a compelling option for both novice and experienced reloaders.
The price is definitely justified, considering the potential cost savings on ammunition. I would absolutely recommend the Lee TL356-95-RF Double Cavity Mold to anyone looking to get started with bullet casting. It’s a solid, functional tool that delivers consistent results without breaking the bank.
Take control of your ammunition costs and experience the satisfaction of creating your own bullets. Get the Lee TL356-95-RF Double Cavity Mold and start casting today!