Some time back I lamented here the fact that I just paid stupid money for a new in the box, unused 6 cavity #503 with handles.
It was the "cry once, enjoy it for a lifetime" post.
Well, I just finished a run of 1500 .44 bullets in 3 sessions.
I cannot tell you what a pleasure it is to cast with one of those moulds.
The mould guide on the Lee 20 lb pot takes the weight off the mould and your arms.
Running the pot at about 650 degrees seems to the be sweet spot.
Pre heating the mould is an absolute must. Once up to temp, the bullets drop out with a tap from the neoprene mallet.
The only hold back is the mould temp. Too hot, the bullets get frosty. My next session, I'll experiment with the "...Bruce B speed casting" method.
I like a bit of a frost on them but sometimes it goes too far.
The pain of paying stupid money for the mould has gone away, and I will enjoy it for the rest of my days.
I can only marvel at the machine work skills these guys had - don't forget - it was pre-CNC days and they did them on good old fashioned Bridgeport lathes....by hand....with calipers.
Those days are gone sad to say.