From Curiosity to Confidence: My Lee Double Cavity Bullet Mold 358-150-1R 90328 Review
For years, I’ve been chasing the perfect cast bullet. It’s a quest fueled by a desire for consistency, a love for hands-on craftsmanship, and the simple fact that sometimes, the readily available options just don’t cut it. My search led me to the Lee Double Cavity Bullet Mold 358-150-1R 90328, a tool promising precision for .38 Special, .38 Colt NP, and .357 Magnum cartridges. I’d been experiencing frustrating inconsistencies with my previous casting endeavors, often battling minor imperfections that translated into wild flyers downrange. This particular Lee mold, with its advertised hardened steel core insert and crimped block halves, seemed like it offered a significant upgrade in terms of forming truly round, correctly sized projectiles. I considered simpler single-cavity molds but opted for the potential efficiency of a double cavity design, hoping to streamline my casting sessions. My initial impression upon unboxing was one of solid, functional engineering – not flashy, but built for the job at hand.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Double Cavity Bullet Mold 358-150-1R 90328 to the Test
My initial testing began on my home reloading bench, a space familiar with the ebb and flow of molten alloys and the scent of flux. I heated my Lyman furnace and began casting, aiming for a consistent pour temperature. The mold heated up relatively quickly, and the first few casts, as expected with any new mold, required a bit of finesse to get perfect. However, the promised ease of forming round bullets was evident even in these early stages. I then moved to the range, loading some carefully sized and lubed bullets into .38 Special cases. I tested them in a Smith & Wesson Model 686.
Over several range sessions, I put this mold through its paces. I experimented with different alloy hardnesses, from wheel weights to a softer 50/50 tin-lead blend, and observed how the mold performed. It handled varying temperatures and melt points with commendable consistency. I also deliberately exposed it to a bit of workshop dust and grime between sessions, just to see if performance degraded, and found it remarkably resilient.
After many hours and thousands of rounds cast, the durability of this mold has proven itself. The Lee Double Cavity Bullet Mold 358-150-1R 90328 shows no significant signs of wear on the critical cavity surfaces or the pivot points. Cleaning is straightforward; a good brass brush and some mold release agent, followed by a light wipe-down, is usually all that’s needed. I haven’t experienced any sticking or galling, which can be a problem with lesser molds. Compared to some older, simpler cast iron molds I’ve used, this steel design feels far more robust and less prone to damage from routine handling and slight impacts.
First Use Experience
My first casts were made using a standard 150-grain alloy. I preheated the mold adequately and applied a thin layer of traditional mold release. The sprue cutter glided smoothly from the start, a welcome change from some molds that require significant break-in. The two cavities produced bullets that were remarkably uniform in shape and diameter right out of the gate. I found myself adjusting my pouring technique slightly to accommodate the double-cavity design, but the learning curve was minimal.
Extended Use & Reliability
Weeks turned into months, and this mold became my go-to for .38 Special and .357 Magnum loads. Its consistency meant that my sizing operations were simpler, and my final bullet batches were more uniform. I’ve dropped it accidentally on my concrete floor once, and thankfully, it sustained no visible damage or deformation. This speaks volumes about the steel construction and the overall quality of the mold.
Maintenance & Care
Maintaining this mold has been blessedly simple. After each casting session, I let it cool, then use a soft brass brush to remove any residual lead or flux. A light coating of Lee’s Liquid Alox or a similar bullet lubricant is sufficient to protect the cavities and ensure smooth casting for the next session. I haven’t had to lap or hone the cavities, which is a testament to the initial machining accuracy.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Double Cavity Bullet Mold 358-150-1R 90328
Specifications
The Lee Double Cavity Bullet Mold 358-150-1R 90328 is designed to produce two bullets per cycle, significantly speeding up the casting process compared to single-cavity molds. It is crafted from high-quality steel, which offers superior durability and heat retention compared to softer cast iron molds. The mold is engineered for calibers ranging from .38 Special to .357 Magnum, and it specifically casts a 150 grain bullet with a Round Nose (RN) profile. This particular bullet design is versatile, suitable for a wide range of applications from target shooting to hunting where moderate penetration is desired. The mold cavities are precisely machined to ensure a consistent diameter, which is crucial for accurate reloading and reliable firearm function. The 2 inch cavity depth specification, while listed, is a bit of an anomaly for this type of mold; it likely refers to the overall internal dimensions of the mold block itself rather than the bullet length, which is typically around 0.6 inches for this weight and design.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of this mold—casting consistent, well-formed bullets—is where it truly shines. The design promotes excellent heat transfer, allowing for rapid cycles once the mold is up to temperature. The hardened steel core insert, a feature often found in higher-end molds, contributes significantly to the bullet’s perfect roundness. This minimizes the need for extensive post-casting sizing adjustments, saving time and effort. It reliably produces bullets that are accurately sized for most .38/.357 chambers, with minimal runout or deformities when poured correctly.
Design & Ergonomics
The two-cavity design is a significant ergonomic advantage, allowing for a higher output in a single casting session. The mold halves are well-machined and fit together snugly, creating clean sprue cuts and preventing lead flashing. The handles (sold separately, but common to most Lee molds) provide a good grip, and the pivot action is smooth and reliable. The overall build quality feels robust, designed to withstand the rigors of repeated heating and cooling cycles inherent in bullet casting.
Durability & Maintenance
As mentioned, the all-steel construction of this mold is a major contributor to its durability. Unlike older cast-iron designs, steel is far less prone to chipping or cracking if accidentally dropped. The mating surfaces of the mold blocks are precisely machined, ensuring a tight seal that prevents lead from escaping and forming undesirable fins. Regular maintenance, as described earlier, is all that’s needed to keep it performing optimally for years to come.
Accessories and Customization Options
While the mold itself is the core component, it is designed to work with standard Lee mold handles, which are typically sold separately. These handles are ergonomically designed and provide excellent leverage for opening and closing the mold. For those looking to customize their bullets further, the mold’s consistent output means that bullets are perfectly suited for use with standard sizing dies and various lubrication techniques, whether liquid or traditional paste lubes.
Pros and Cons of Lee Double Cavity Bullet Mold 358-150-1R 90328
Pros
- Excellent value for a durable, steel, double-cavity mold.
- Produces consistently round and correctly sized bullets, minimizing post-casting work.
- The hardened steel core insert is a premium feature that enhances bullet formation.
- Efficient casting with two cavities, significantly increasing output per session.
- Durable steel construction makes it resilient to minor impacts and long-term use.
Cons
- Requires separate purchase of mold handles, increasing the overall cost.
- The 150-grain RN bullet profile may not be ideal for all specialized reloading needs; some may prefer heavier or lighter weights, or different nose designs.
- While generally accurate, some extreme precision shooters might prefer molds with even tighter tolerances or exotic materials, though this is rare at this price point.
Who Should Buy Lee Double Cavity Bullet Mold 358-150-1R 90328?
This mold is an exceptional choice for the reloader who frequently casts for .38 Special and .357 Magnum. It is perfect for those looking to improve the consistency and quality of their cast bullets without breaking the bank. Hobbyist casters, competitive shooters on a budget, and anyone seeking to produce reliable plinking or hunting loads will find this mold a valuable asset.
Individuals who primarily need bullets for semi-automatic pistols or specialized high-pressure loads might want to consider molds designed for those specific applications. Furthermore, if you are completely new to casting and have absolutely no experience with casting tools, you might benefit from starting with a single-cavity mold to master the basics before moving to a double-cavity design. Essential accessories to consider alongside this mold are a good set of mold handles, a quality lead pot or furnace, and appropriate casting equipment.
Conclusion on Lee Double Cavity Bullet Mold 358-150-1R 90328
The Lee Double Cavity Bullet Mold 358-150-1R 90328 is a standout product in its class, offering a superb blend of performance, durability, and affordability. Its steel construction and thoughtful design, including the steel core insert, ensure consistent, high-quality bullet production that’s crucial for any serious reloader. For the price, it delivers a level of precision and efficiency that is hard to match, making it an indispensable tool for anyone casting for .38/.357 calibers.
The value proposition here is undeniable; you get the benefits of a much more expensive mold at a fraction of the cost. I would wholeheartedly recommend this mold to any reloader looking to enhance their cast bullet production quality and efficiency. If you’re involved in casting for these popular handgun cartridges, this Lee mold is an investment that will pay dividends in accuracy and consistency for years to come.