Lee Molds Advice

[WFO2]

I have lyman and RCBS molds . Can anybody give me some thoughts on Lee molds for 9MM a six banger would be good but my research is giving me mixed information .

[toallmy]

Lee 356-120 tc standard lube grove design works pretty well for me . It drops at around .357-.358 with my mix , feed and function good plus they pile up fast when casting .

[Wally]

I now have two std weight Lee bullet molds for the 9mm Luger---120 TC (90239) & the 125 RN (90309), both are very good in my Taurus 99AF. I seem to prefer the RN as it is slightly a bit more accurate than the TC style. If I could have only one, it would be the RN. Both cast beautifully. I have had Lyman molds in various 9mm configurations...I traded them all off and prefer the Lee molds. I would guess that many would disagree with my decision as many don't care for Lee molds. I like them as I can cast very quickly with them, as they are lighter and bullet cool down is faster. I cast a batch of 1,100 .38 cal 158 SWC bullets from a 2 cavity Lee mold last weekend in less than two hours. I can do the same with the Lee 9mm molds.

[Sasquatch-1]

I have been using Lee molds for a very long time. I have never used a 6 cav. Their 2 Cav. in 38 and up always heat up fast and most times drop keepers the first pour. I do find that I have to let the molds cool after about 100 or so drops. I have a 125 TC tumble lube that seems to work well in a SR9.

[Shuz]

I have 2/ea Lee 6 banger moulds for my 9mm's that I bought used, from folks on this board. Both work extremely well. One is a TL 115g design and the other is the 120g TC. The 120g design performs best in my 9mm's.

[zomby woof]

LEE 356-120 seems to perform the best for me in several 9mm and 38 super.

[WFO2]

Thank you for the input .

[Moonie]

I have to agree, I have the 120TC mold, works very well and feeds in everything I've tried it in.

[williamwaco]

I have lyman and RCBS molds . Can anybody give me some thoughts on Lee molds for 9MM a six banger would be good but my research is giving me mixed information .

I have good results with the Lee TL 356-124 TC

[rintinglen]

I like the 356-120TC very much. I do not like and do not recommend the 358-125 rf for the 9mm. That one has to be seated so deep that powder charges have to be reduced significantly.

[Dusty Bannister]

I like the 356-120TC very much. The first mold cast close to .357 and I lapped it out larger to use in 38/357 applications. My second mold of that style, cast larger and required no mods.

I also like the 358-125 rf for the 9mm and 38/357 mag because one of my 9MM's has a long throat, perhaps for pressure relief or to handle the sub sonic 147 bullet. The throat is so long that if the 120-TC is seated to touch the lands, the base of the bullet is at the case mouth.

You will find that fit is probably a lot more important than bullet style. When in doubt, beg for some samples to see how they fit. Diameter also affects the seating depth. Good luck.

[gwpercle]

Lee moulds are built inexpensively , before use , smooth all the rough edges and any burrs, at their price point they can't afford a lot of hand finishing. I don't mind doing this.
I also baby mine and give them a lot of TLC , cleaning and lubing etc. after every casting session . They are quite serviceable but need to be treated some what gently....aluminum is softer than steel .
I like the 120 grain TC ,regular lube groove and a buddy prefers the Round Nose. Get one of each in 2 cavity to test out. Both of these designs in 2 cavity moulds cast .3575 , just right to size to .357 .
Gary

[GooseGestapo]

I have one of most of their .356-358" molds. two of some (2 & 6 cavity.)

My favorite is the 105gr SWC.
I use it in .38spl, 9mm, and .380.
The 9s prefer .357", .380 @.356, and .38spl .360".

second favorite for 9mm is 120 TC. TIED a couple of National Records (clean scores Matches 7,8) NRA PPC.
Beats .20 each for Sierra or Hornady jacketed.

[GhostHawk]

I am slowly in the process of switching from 2 cavity's over to 6 bangers. The bullets rain from them, take a little longer to warm up but once your in the groove they seem to hold there longer with less fussing.

I started out shooting the .358 158 gr round nose tl in 9mm after sizing to .356. I still have one carbine in 9mm that just loves these.

I also have the .356 I think 124 gr but it seems to run a little small for some things. In others its fine.
Case in point would be my HiPoint 9mm pistol. It really only shoots good groups with jacketed. But with the little 124's it was minute of watermelon at 20 feet. Meaning it could hit anywhere in the watermelon.

Long story short only your guns can tell you what works and what does not.

The good news is they are not expensive. You can buy several and find out which one works, then buy that one in 6 cav.

I like to consider the Lee Molds a "Kit" some work from the user is expected to make it work correctly.
Also you are expected to know how to run it and not ruin it. Screw it up and it is on you.

[Wally]

I agree with what you said about Lee Moulds. The last half dozen I've bought were just fine right out of the box... I didn't have to do any hand finishing. One had the placement pins fall out when it got hot...Lee replaced it and the replacement is just fine.

I have Lyman, Saeco, & RCBS moulds....I prefer the Lee as they are more comfortable to cast with. I have yet to wear any out and I have some from the 70's. As you mentioned, give them TLC and all will be well.


Lee moulds are built inexpensively , before use , smooth all the rough edges and any burrs, at their price point they can't afford a lot of hand finishing. I don't mind doing this.
I also baby mine and give them a lot of TLC , cleaning and lubing etc. after every casting session . They are quite serviceable but need to be treated some what gently....aluminum is softer than steel .
I like the 120 grain TC ,regular lube groove and a buddy prefers the Round Nose. Get one of each in 2 cavity to test out. Both of these designs in 2 cavity moulds cast .3575 , just right to size to .357 .
Gary