need help picking my first mold

[jacobslagle018]

Hello everyone. I have a few questions before I buy my first mold.

First off I plan on loading 9mm rounds. I want to keep them between 120-125 grains. I havent slugged my barrel and im not exactly sure how to, so I was thinking of trying to size to .357. My question is do molds always come out to .356? I was looking at a lee 6 cavity 124 grain mold. As for lube I plan on powder coation my rounds. can i get this mold and have enough to size to .357? Would i be better off getting a mold for say a larger bullet? Sorry if these are super dumb questions but i prefer to just buy once.

[Leadmelter]

I like my Lyman 4 cavity in 124 grs. It drops bunches of nice boolits in a hurry. If you only shoot 9mm, you may only buy one mold until you get addicted then you will say maybe I need a HP mold or a heavier/lighter mold. You are only getting the first taste of a rewarding hobby Grasshopper!
Leadmelter
MI

[454PB]

The Lee mould should work fine. All my Lee moulds cast at a diameter slightly over what is advertised. While I don't own that particular Lee mould, the one I do own casts at .359" in WW alloy.

[Boolseye]

Many swear by the 356-120 TC (non-tumble lube). I just bought one, and I've only heard good things about it. Have not cast with it yet. The 9mm TL molds may give you trouble...they did for me. I got it shooting, but it took a long time and a lot of trial & error. Sold it during the mold madness. Also, check out the sticky on reloading for 9mm, started by MtGun44.

[Wilkie]

I have had good luck with my lee 356-125 2R. It feeds well in my Taurus PT 92 and in my Sub2000 carbine. I tumble lube.

[MtGun44]

Don't buy a 6 cav as your first mold. Start with a 2 cav, much cheaper in case you
damage it an far easier to learn on than a 6 cav. Save yourself some grief and
make it easier to enjoy.

Lee 356-120-TC conventional lube is a superb design, highly recommend this, and I
have a 2 cav and 6 cav that both cast over .358.

Bill