What Boolit Design Would You Like To See Lee Precision Make A Mold For ??

[leadman]

I was talking with Andy Lee yesterday and he stated that business has slacked off enough to give him time to explore new options for additions to the mold designs they produce.

So if you have a boolit you would like to see added to their line of molds post it here and I will pass the info on in a couple of weeks.

Personally I would like to see a 41 caliber RFN of about 250grs in a plain base design. Also about a 180gr 31 caliber boolit with a flatnose that drops about .315". Both should be available in 2 and 6 cavity. Tumble lube and grease lube designs.

I wrote down all the request tonight (9-21) and will send this on to Andy Lee

[Yodogsandman]

How about a 6.5mm (.268"-.270") about 140gr or so with a big flat nose that will shoot straight. Just shorten and cut one lube groove off from the Lee 6.5 "cruise missile" and make the bore riding nose smaller (.265"). Lots of us have been trying to make that one work for years.

Count me in on a 180gr .315" flat nose with lube grooves, too! A 200gr would also be welcome.

[Cowboy_Dan]

I wish they would bring back the .44 200 gr full wadcutter. I would love to carry something like that in my .44 Bulldog.

[NavyVet1959]

How about some of the existing designs, but without the lube grooves for the people who powdercoat?

[bruce drake]

I'd go for a few more 7mm and 8mm designs. A light 150gr 8mm and a 180gr 7mm mold would be great. Both preferably with a decent meplat to aid with expansion in game. I'd take a typical LEE Round nose profile if I had to just to get those particular bullet weight selections.

And a fat 6.5 for Arisakas and Carcanos in 140gr would be nice as well.

Bruce

[Maven]

"How about a 6.5mm (.268"-.270") about 140gr or so with a big flat nose that will shoot straight."

Yodog, Lee produced such a mould some years ago. It was a 6 cav. group buy project, if I recall. Mine casts a 133gr. GCFP bullet which is impressively accurate in my "as issued" M 96 Swedish Mauser.

[Yodogsandman]

Maven, That would certainly do! The original GB "Cruise Missile" that 45.2.1 did would also work.

[melloairman]

There are 3 molds I would like to see Lee make . A .358 105-115 grain TC bevel base . And a .251 48 grain TC bevel base . And a .251 RB mold . All in double cavity .Thanks for asking . Marvin

[cold1]

Something similar to the old Webley .455 Manstopper, in .452 for the 45 LC family. Plain base with a deep ashtray hollow up front. Or they could produce an entire line of manstoppers for low power revolver cartridges. Market it as the ultimate self defense zombie round that was outlawed by the Hague and Geneva conventions.

[Beef15]

.356/.358 147gr round nose, flat point, or something else w lube grooves around that weight class usable in 9mm.

[Michael J. Spangler]

I think full wadcutters in 32, 44 or 45 would be great.
Something along the lines of a .458" collar button would be awesome too.

[rking22]

I would like the 358 125RF scaled down for a 32, and make it actually cast at .315. Oh and 6 cavity. For that matter scale it up to .412 , not .410.... >.412 please and six cavity. Won't hold my breath for eiher, I know they would probably be low volume. A 32 wadcutter would make me happy , 6 cavity.

[Jupiter7]

Purpose made supersonic 300aac mold in the 140gr max weight range. By purpose made I mean to keep gas check to inside the neck and load to mag length.

[zippidydoodah]

I'd like to see some .258-9 bullets in the 90-105 grain range for us 257 shooters

[JeffinNZ]

Hollow point versions of existing moulds. Make them just like the Minie moulds. They'll bolt of the shelves.

[earthling121757]

Slightly off topic, but I'd like to see them post dimensioned drawings of all their designs on their website. I have many Lee molds and they work well, however sometimes I'd like to look at dimensions before I buy. For example, will their new 358-200 work in 357 Herrett (will the gas check extend past the shoulder when crimped in the crimp groove?)

[NavyVet1959]

Slightly off topic, but I'd like to see them post dimensioned drawings of all their designs on their website. I have many Lee molds and they work well, however sometimes I'd like to look at dimensions before I buy. For example, will their new 358-200 work in 357 Herrett (will the gas check extend past the shoulder when crimped in the crimp groove?)

Yeah, that would be nice. It would also allow you to calculate the real weight of the bullet given the alloy that you are using. I doubt they would do that since it would allow someone to complain that their mold didn't match the drawings.

[petroid]

Slightly off topic, but I'd like to see them post dimensioned drawings of all their designs on their website. I have many Lee molds and they work well, however sometimes I'd like to look at dimensions before I buy. For example, will their new 358-200 work in 357 Herrett (will the gas check extend past the shoulder when crimped in the crimp groove?)

FWIW, though not fully dimensioned drawings, if you click the "Instructions" link down the left side of the Lee page and scroll down there is a PDF of Cast bullet lengths and some other dimensions. Somewhat helpful

[Maximumbob54]

How about some Keith designs done by Lee.

[NavyVet1959]

FWIW, though not fully dimensioned drawings, if you click the "Instructions" link down the left side of the Lee page and scroll down there is a PDF of Cast bullet lengths and some other dimensions. Somewhat helpful

Here's the link:

http://leeprecision.com/cgi-data/instruct/CastBulletLength.pdf

[ukrifleman]

149059[QUOTE=Yodogsandman;3376849]How about a 6.5mm (.268"-.270") about 140gr or so with a big flat nose that will shoot straight. Just shorten and cut one lube groove off from the Lee 6.5 "cruise missile" and make the bore riding nose smaller (.265"). Lots of us have been trying to make that one work for years.

Here is my take on the "cruise missile". A cut down mould to throw 150gn .2695 bullets for my M91 Carcano. it will hold a 3" group at 100m if I do my part.

ukrifleman.

[ShooterAZ]

I second the 44 wadcutter mold idea. I'd buy one...but hopefully they would cut it to cast at least 432 so we can size it to where we need it to be.

[wrench]

I would like the 358 125RF scaled down for a 32, and make it actually cast at .315. Oh and 6 cavity.

Yes, that :)

And 6 banger versions of some of their rifle molds, notably the C324-175-1R (http://leeprecision.com/mold-dc-c324-175-1r.html). My 8mm rifles love that bullet, but the 2cav production is s-l-o-w.

[NavyVet1959]

How about a mold where there was a plug in the bottom that you could adjust to vary the length / weight of the bullet?

[dg31872]

Just a 6 cavity 311113 soup can.

[Yodogsandman]

Just a 6 cavity 311113 soup can.

I want one, too!

[Ola]

356-153-2R six cavity. I have one but I'd get another if I could find one.

It has been my favorite LEE mold since I accidentally got it. I tried it once with .357 Mag and that was it. So easy to cast, excellent accuracy...

[bruce drake]

Oh yes!!!!


Hollow point versions of existing moulds. Make them just like the Minie moulds. They'll bolt of the shelves.

[kens]

A 300gr mold for .38 rifle (375H&H) or 38-55

[MaLar]

A 300gr mold for .38 rifle (375H&H) or 38-55
YES!
And a 35 cal FN at 250+ for the Whelen and other 35's

[Lonegun1894]

Hollow point versions of existing moulds. Make them just like the Minie moulds. They'll bolt of the shelves.
I'll vote for this one, in both handgun and rifle calibers. I mean, who wouldn't want to varmint hunt with a .45-70 or .30-06?

[dilly]

And 6 banger versions of some of their rifle molds

Yes, this one. I much prefer Lee's six cavity molds on the basis of both quantity and quality. I feel they are significantly nicer, though the newer design of double cavity are in my opinion better than the older ones.

They could just go through and find all their best selling rifle molds, spin them out in six cavity versions, and probably make a ton of money.

I wouldn't mind a good six cavity mold for my 327 either though.

Lee could probably stand to make a heavy for caliber 32 GC bullet to fully utilize the .327 FM too.

[HABCAN]

A really good design of 6.5 mm and a few more 7mms........all in 6-cav. like that 7mm soupcan: it's a honey!
And how about 6-cavs for the .312s?????????

[longbow]

I'd go for some .303 Lee Enfield/.30-40 Krag designs in 6 cavity... say a copy of the 311299/314299 (200 gr.)- with a hollow point option- and also that same profile in say 150 or 160 gr., maybe 180 gr. and 220 gr.- and in diameters to 0.316"- and GC/PB optionsIf diameters started at 0.310"/0.311" then 0.313", 0.316" they would suit a variety of milsurps and other standard .30 cal. guns.It is a proven design in 200 gr. and I am sure it would sell. I have to think the shorter and longer versions would be good too.Another on the wish list would be a collar button style mould for .44 at 0.434". I suppose others might want .452" and .458"/.460" to suit handguns and rifles.Oooo! Oooo! And another... Multi cavity round ball moulds in 0.600", 0.662" and 0.678".Longbow

[Bullwolf]

I noticed the new Lee C358-200-RF mould.

http://www.titanreloading.com/image/cache/data/D2g/90449-250x250.jpg

I would enjoy seeing a somewhat shorter non GC Plain Base 180 grain RF version of that mold, that casts around .360 and drops a 170-180 grain weight boolit.


- Bullwolf

[oscarflytyer]

EASY! Offer ALL the Ranch Dog mold designs as factory standard offerings in both 2 and 6 cavity options. I THINK that Mike has allowed this. He OBVIOUSLY would need to. But imho, IF Lee were to make these factory offerings they would not be able to keep them in stock!!!

[Michael J. Spangler]

I noticed the new Lee C358-200-RF mould.

http://www.titanreloading.com/image/cache/data/D2g/90449-250x250.jpg

I would enjoy seeing a somewhat shorter non GC Plain Base 180 grain RF version of that mold, that casts around .360 and drops a 170-180 grain weight boolit.


- Bullwolf

Agreed! Something that run in a 357 model 1894 marlin.

[rockrat]

Been waiting for the six cav and was going to mill off the gas check area. Much rather buy one already done! My 357mag FA would love it.

[MaLar]

EASY! Offer ALL the Ranch Dog mold designs as factory standard offerings in both 2 and 6 cavity options. I THINK that Mike has allowed this. He OBVIOUSLY would need to. But imho, IF Lee were to make these factory offerings they would not be able to keep them in stock!!!

I'll vote for that

[Mk42gunner]

Several good suggestions already. I can think of three that I would like to see made, but they probably wouldn't sell enough to make it worth their while.

1. A 40-45 grain .22 cal FP for use in Hornets and such, something like the new 35-200 scaled down.

2. A .258 in a couple of weights from ~65 to ~90 grains.

3. The one that really wont sell in volume: A heeled .316" or so 90 grain for use in the .32 Long Colt.

Robert

[castalott]

How about some of the existing designs, but without the lube grooves for the people who powdercoat?

great minds think alike....A truncated cone .45 of ~200 grains with no lube groove . 40 grain plain base .225 or .228. A .310 and/or a .314 85 to 100 grain (all no groove bullets and 6 cavity) I don't powdercoat anymore for low velocity as Ben's BLL works well.

If I might humbly request....add .001 to .002 to the diameters. I would rather size down to what I need...

Thank You, Dale

[ubetcha]

I would like to see the 310gr RF for the 44mag in a plain base and sized .432 or .433 so they an be sized to fit. Also to be design to use WW alloy

[Maximumbob54]

EASY! Offer ALL the Ranch Dog mold designs as factory standard offerings in both 2 and 6 cavity options. I THINK that Mike has allowed this. He OBVIOUSLY would need to. But imho, IF Lee were to make these factory offerings they would not be able to keep them in stock!!!

Very much second, third, or forth this one. And it would help if pretty much all the molds were cut a little fatter. Most Lee molds tend to drop skinny bullets.

[jeep421]

Special ww2 k98k mauser mold.

[RogerDat]

I'd go for some .303 Lee Enfield/.30-40 Krag designs in 6 cavity... say a copy of the 311299/314299 (200 gr.)- with a hollow point option- and also that same profile in say 150 or 160 gr., maybe 180 gr. and 220 gr.- and in diameters to 0.316"- and GC/PB optionsIf diameters started at 0.310"/0.311" then 0.313", 0.316" they would suit a variety of milsurps and other standard .30 cal. guns.It is a proven design in 200 gr. and I am sure it would sell. I have to think the shorter and longer versions would be good too.Another on the wish list would be a collar button style mould for .44 at 0.434". I suppose others might want .452" and .458"/.460" to suit handguns and rifles.Oooo! Oooo! And another... Multi cavity round ball moulds in 0.600", 0.662" and 0.678".Longbow

Plus 1 on the fat .30's for worn bore mil-surplus heck even some not worn Enfields want a little more meat than the .312 mold will provide.

Plain base offering(s) of a couple of the more popular rifle designs in 30 cal and 303B. Don't always want to load to full power so PB is fine for plinking. Or powder coating. I think PC is gaining in popularity and it would be worth having a PB rifle offering that supported that or traditional and TL.

Would not mind an additional TL friendly GC design for 357 and 44 mag because sometimes one does want full power. Partial personally to SWC and RFN which will feed lever guns tubular magazines or revolvers well. Like the PB versions having a GC version would be nice option.

[historicfirearms]

I would like to see their 30 caliber molds drop at .311 to .312, a flat nose like the RCBS 30-180-FN in a six cavity would be great. Also, as long as I am wishing, a 7mm flat nose mold around 180 grains.

[1989toddm]

I wish they would bring back the .44 200 gr full wadcutter. I would love to carry something like that in my .44 Bulldog.

I would love to own one of these also!

[Green Monster]

Id have to agree with the hollow point existing design idea. Or maybe even a kit to make your own with different tips/cavity depths&widths

[murf6656]

140 grn.+ 6.5 FN
200 grn.+ .314 FN
200 grn.+ 8mm FN
250 grn.+ .352 FN
250 grn.+ .360 FN

I don't know if any of these would be big sellers for LEE, but I'd love to have a cheap 2 cavity in all these.

[leadman]

I had the time tonight so I wrote down all of the requests and will be sending these on to Andy Lee soon, along with my new mold that drops small.

[Lonegun1894]

Thank you. I'm really curious what comes of this. No matter what, it'll be nice to have more options.

[bruce drake]

Go to Midsouth Shooters and pickup their LEE 8mm Karabiner mold if you are looking for a 200gr+ 8mm FN mold (actually 215gr)
http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item/000068MMKAR/8mm-Karabiner-215-Grain-Double-Cavity-Reproduction-Mold


140 grn.+ 6.5 FN
200 grn.+ .314 FN
200 grn.+ 8mm FN
250 grn.+ .352 FN
250 grn.+ .360 FN

I don't know if any of these would be big sellers for LEE, but I'd love to have a cheap 2 cavity in all these.

[Hickok]

How about some Keith designs done by Lee.Gets my vote. And do them the way Elmer designed them.

I also like the 358-158-RNFP design, and would like to see a .44 cal version at about 250-260 gr with WW metal, and a big wide meplat like the 358 version has.

[newrib]

I would like to see Lee make a 2 cavity .310 Cadet mold and a 1 or 2 cavity 450/577 Martini Henry MKIV grease groove mold.

[dkf]

I would like to see the 310gr RF for the 44mag in a plain base and sized .432 or .433 so they an be sized to fit. Also to be design to use WW alloy

That would get my vote.

I also would not mind seeing...

- 70+gr version of their new C225-55-RF that drops .226" (6+ cavities are nice with such small boolits)

-300gr-400gr Gas Check 45-70 designs that drop at least .459"

- Ranch Dog Designs in 6 cavity that drop at least .001" larger than the past molds Lee cut

[murf6656]

Go to Midsouth Shooters and pickup their LEE 8mm Karabiner mold if you are looking for a 200gr+ 8mm FN mold (actually 215gr)
http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item/000068MMKAR/8mm-Karabiner-215-Grain-Double-Cavity-Reproduction-Mold
Thanks,that 8mm mold looks perfect. The 170 grn 6.5 mold looked pretty tempting to until I started reading up on it in the forum.

[BSJI]

[I wish they would bring back the .44 200 gr full wadcutter. I would love to carry something like that in my .44 Bulldog.]


I would love to own one of these also!

+1 for a Bulldog bullet!

[TXGunNut]

EASY! Offer ALL the Ranch Dog mold designs as factory standard offerings in both 2 and 6 cavity options. I THINK that Mike has allowed this. He OBVIOUSLY would need to. But imho, IF Lee were to make these factory offerings they would not be able to keep them in stock!!!

NOE does quite a few RD designs, if there's enough interest he'll do others.

[TXGunNut]

Gets my vote. And do them the way Elmer designed them.

I also like the 358-158-RNFP design, and would like to see a .44 cal version at about 250-260 gr with WW metal, and a big wide meplat like the 358 version has.


I agree. I love pouring memorials to Uncle Elmer.
Another mould I'd like to see is a 6-cav mould for a TL RN 380 boolit, say around 100grs.

[JeffinNZ]

I would like to see Lee make a 2 cavity .310 Cadet mold and a 1 or 2 cavity 450/577 Martini Henry MKIV grease groove mold.

They had a crack at a .310 mould and dies for an Australian importer many years ago and got it horribly wrong all round.

Too little demand for either. You have to remember that Lee need mainstream so anything too oddball or that will create only a little interest is of no use to them.

[bruce drake]

Thanks,that 8mm mold looks perfect. The 170 grn 6.5 mold looked pretty tempting to until I started reading up on it in the forum.

I know! I'd love to have a 160+gr mold for my 6.5 cartridges as well without paying for a RCBS level mold.

[gwpercle]

I would like mould # 356-120-TC cut for a gas check.
That shouldn't be too hard to do .

[melloairman]

Not a mold but a trough on the cutter top would be a nice add to the line .Marvin

[NavyVet1959]

Not a mold but a trough on the cutter top would be a nice add to the line .Marvin

That would be easy enough to add yourself. Just take an air powered cut-off tool and use the thin abrasive disc to grind a groove between the holes in the sprue place.

Why are you wanting it? To hold the sprues from each cavity together? I don't think that it would be that great of an idea to expect the molten lead to flow from one cavity to another. I'm thinking that would result in different temperature lead going into each cavity and thus inconsistencies in your bullets between cavities.

[9.3X62AL]

"Trivia question" mold request.......a design following the Lee conventional autopistol truncated cone form, to service the 32 ACP--7.65 MAS pistol--or other 30/32 calibers. Weight around 77-82 grains in 92/6/2.

[leadman]

Ok, updated my list and am going to send it to Andy tomorrow so will not be adding any further info to it.

[gwpercle]

Thank you leadman,
Like my dear old daddy used to say " it's not what you know but who you know that counts" . And as you know Andy , he just might pay some attention to these request.
Gary

[leadman]

We will see if Andy is interested. I got the list printed up and it is going in the mail with a mold tomorrow. Can't hurt!

[TXGunNut]

Thank you leadman,
Like my dear old daddy used to say " it's not what you know but who you know that counts" . And as you know Andy , he just might pay some attention to these request.
Gary


I've exchanged e-mails with Andy Lee. He's open to ideas and suggestions and seems like an intelligent, likeable businessman. I don't know if he lurks here but I suspect someone in his organization does.

[NavyVet1959]

I've exchanged e-mails with Andy Lee. He's open to ideas and suggestions and seems like an intelligent, likeable businessman. I don't know if he lurks here but I suspect someone in his organization does.

I've found the customer service at Lee to be pretty responsive when you contact them electronically via their web form. This results in an email reply and the rest of your conversation is via email if you so desire. I prefer email so that I have a written record of what was said, so this definitely works for me. Sometimes they don't give me the answer I'm *wanting*, but when you are trying to do something that they didn't design their product to do, you can't really fault them for that. :)

[Yodogsandman]

I wouldn't mind a 6 cavity C309-113F.

http://leeprecision.com/mold-dc-309-113-f.html

[JeffinNZ]

I offered to send my NZ made shot maker all the way from NZ to Lee so they could consider duplicating for mass production but they didn't seem interested. Still reckon it would be a winner.

[leadman]

Jeff, until recently the Lee factory was so busy they had a hard time keeping up. This has changed with production levels somewhat back to normal so you may want to contact them again.

[bill_clancy]

.356 115gr slick side for Hi-tec coating. I just spent $95.00 for one from Magma. I'm sure I'll be happy with it, but I'd rather buy 3 Lee's!

[leadman]

Andy Lee e-mailed me and thanked me for the list and said he will review it. He appreciated the members here giving their 2 cents worth.

I don't know how many of the 312-160TL GC 6 cavity molds were cut incorrectly but if you buy one that drops too small give Lee a call. Andy is replacing my mold with a new one cut properly.

[cowpuncher]

How about a 6 cavity version of the C309-170-F design?

I've got 2 Marlin .30-30's I gotta feed... ;) Casting them 2 at a time from a 2 cavity just seems awful tedious compared to my 4, 5, and 6 cavity molds.

[TXGunNut]

Agreed, Cowpuncher. I have a few Lee 2-cav moulds I'm quite fond of that I'd buy a 6-cav if it were offered. The 309-170 makes more sense than any of the moulds that I like, quite honestly I'm surprised they don't offer a 6 cav of that awesome mould.
I actually enjoy casting with 2-cav moulds but sometimes production is a consideration.

[bruce drake]

I offered to send my NZ made shot maker all the way from NZ to Lee so they could consider duplicating for mass production but they didn't seem interested. Still reckon it would be a winner.

probably an issue with a copyright be held on that NZ design by a different US company that wanted more than Lee was willing to pay.

[rbuck351]

I'd like to see them make some Loverin designs. 170/180gr .311, 250gr .340 and .360. I have a few Lee rifle molds that are supposed to be nose riders but are from .002 to .005 shy of touching .300 lands. Maybe they could make a Loverin that would fit.

[abqcaster]

I'd like to bring back the .32 cal 98gr wadcutters. TL type. Generally more TL type molds.

[GLynn41]

update your .41s-- 225grLFN or a Keith-- then a 250 something like the .44 and .45
.358 rifle 240 or so

[azrednek]

Personally I would like to see a 41 caliber RFN of about 250grs in a plain base design. Also about a 180gr 31 caliber boolit with a flatnose that drops about .315". Both should be available in 2 and 6 cavity. Tumble lube and grease lube designs.


I would like to see Lee as well as all the other mold manufactures have more options for 41. 41 mag as well as the group her into 41 Special are all treated like the ugly step-child and some what neglected.

[TheGrimReaper]

6.5mm 120gr and 140gr
32 cal, 44 cal, 41 cal, 45 cal wadcutter.
HP in pistol and rifle.

[blueeyephil]

We'll saw this too late to get in on it. But I'd like a 300blk super of about 125-130. Gr with no gas check. Like the 312-155-2R with the base milled down.

Did the list get posted somewhere, I'd like to see it if it had been.

[Idaho Sharpshooter]

One that casts round boolits. NOT! roundballs.

[gwpercle]

I would like to see Lee as well as all the other mold manufactures have more options for 41. 41 mag as well as the group her into 41 Special are all treated like the ugly step-child and some what neglected.

And treated like an ugly Red Headed step child at that. I know 41 mould demand is there because when I found out Lyman had discontinued all 41 moulds, I thought, if I wanted another mould I had better check the used market. There were plenty that came up for sale, but the prices were way more than I could afford. At one time Lyman made about 10 different designs. So I bought the Lee 410-195-SWC to go along with my now discontinued Lyman 410459 and called it a day. I would love to have a couple more designs, like a full wadcutter and just anything to experiment with. Variety is the spice of casting life.....one won't do at all.
That's my 41 magnum, model 58 S&W in my avatar
Gary

[Elkins45]

Sorry I saw this too late. I would like two things:

1) Bring back the 185 grain 45 SWC, and offer it in a six cavity. I have a two cavity from 1987 and I have yet to find a better bullet for 45 ACP accuracy shooting.

2) Make the 30 caliber rifle bullets available in six bangers.