Lee 6 cavity mold newbe

[2shot]

I have used lee 2 cavity molds in the past with less than stellar results and swore that I would never buy another Lee mold. Well after hearing all the good results that guys get with the Lee 452 300gr FN and Midway having the 6 cavity on clearance for $29 and some change I just had to buy one (got the 6 cavity 358 105 SWC too for $28 and change).

Any tips as far as how to use/break in the Lee molds would be greatly appriciated. I'm a Lyman/RCBS/Saeco guy and aluminium molds and I don't seem to get along. I'm hoping that will change with these 6 cavity molds.

2shot

[thegreatdane]

i've had great luck with lees. I simply clean the oils out real well with brake cleaner, smoke the cavities, and preheat. They work just fine.

On the 6-cavity, be sure to close the sprue plate completely. I give it an extra tap to make sure. Partially open sprues on the 6-banger will result in a broken cam lever.

[mold maker]

They are a little more subject to abuse, because the alumn is softer.
Their also lighter and easier on the wrists.
The extra production is a real bonus too.
The 16 that I have, all make good boolits, and I won't hesitate to buy another one.
O by the way, Ya save a lot of money too.

[Springfield]

Pre-heat the mould and run it hot, and don't wait too long to cut the sprues. For me 8-10 seconds is long enough

[2shot]

Pre-heat the mould and run it hot, and don't wait too long to cut the sprues. For me 8-10 seconds is long enough


Maybe that was part of the problem? I always got wrinkled bullets with the Lee molds I had, but when I raised the lead temp I got frosted bullets. Maybe somewhere in between temp wise?

I'm looking forward to shooting the 452-300 RF in my Ruger Bisley 45 colt.

[Cowboy T]

The Lee 6-cav's are great. The trick is to bump your lead temperature up a bit. The reason for that is because aluminum is a very good dissipator of heat. Here are the moulds I own, and the temperatures that they seem to like "best".

358-105-SWC: 700-750 deg. F.
358-158-RF: 800 deg. F.
452-200-RF: 750 deg. F.
452-255-RF: 750 deg. F.

If the boolits get a little frosted, don't worry about it. Just go ahead and shoot 'em, they'll work just fine. I cut my sprues when I see them frost over, which is about 4 seconds. Also, when the mould starts getting hot, go ahead and cool it down on a wet sponge till the sizzle turns to a simmer. Aluminum moulds will handle this just fine, and Lee Precision, Inc. even recommends this practice.

I've been known to bang out 6,000 boolits with the 358-105-SWC mould in about 4-5 hours of casting time.

[Shiloh]

Seems like 800 or so works best for me. I don't relly like the LEE two cavity molds. The six bangers are a better made mold IMO.

Shiloh

[AbitNutz]

Pre-heat the mould and run it hot, and don't wait too long to cut the sprues. For me 8-10 seconds is long enough

I agree completely. One other thing that seems to really help me...after it's hot, is placing the mold directly on the pour spout. That seems to work better for me to fill out the mold out.

[2shot]

The UPS guy delivered these molds yesterday and I have to say that they are much better quality that the 2 cavity molds I have from Lee.

I'll look them over close today and take out any burrs that may be left from machining and then clean them up. I'm looking forward to making a heep of bullets, hopefully this weekend if things slow down for a day.

Thanks for all the tips on how to use these!

2shot

[Springfield]

Don't forget the Bullshop Spruelube.

[2shot]

I had heard that bee's wax would work OK on the sprue plate.

Is Bullshop Spruelube necessary or are there other lubes that can be used for this?

[Cowboy T]

I use the 50/50 beeswax/alox that is used for lubing boolits, since it's handy. Works great. Straight beeswax does the trick very nicely, too.

Definitely go for a 6-cavity mould if you're going to go Lee.

I'd also recommend one of their downpour melting pots, a Pro 4-20. That's a big part of how I get the production numbers that I get.

[Doby45]

With Bullshop sprue lube I cut my sprue as soon as it goes from liquid to solid. 2-3 sec at 750*-800*

[myg30]

What they said ! Just use little on a Q tip from the cap after shaking the bottle. This stuff will last me forever + !!

Lee 6's are real good right out of the box. The two bangers are to loose,sloppy,wont close, lots of burr's etc...

Mike