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Thread: Lee 8mm Karabiner bad mold

  1. #1
    Boolit Mold old_colt's Avatar
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    Lee 8mm Karabiner bad mold

    This is my first post on the forum but I'm a long time caster and shooter. I ordered a 8mm Karabiner mold for my Mausers to do a little hunting. When I opened the box I couldn't help but laugh, there's atleast a 1/16" gap between the blocks when closed and it's full of burs. I think one could knock the alignment pins in some and it would solve the gap issue but I wanted to get some second opinions.

    The reason I'm posting is I've had less than stellar experience with Lee on a 225-55rf mold that casted .231" bullets. They told me it wouldn't close on their no go gauge and dropped it right back in the mail before they contacted me.

    I'd rather not deal with them again but I know if I start hammering it I'm on my own.

  2. #2
    Boolit Mold old_colt's Avatar
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    Here's a link to some pictures I couldn't get them to upload.

    https://imgur.com/a/Il90DQq

  3. #3
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    JonB_in_Glencoe's Avatar
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    First I'd inspect the inside receptacle of the alignment pins. If there is no obstruction, then using a brass drift punch and a small hammer, I'd tap the pins in. I can't imagine doing any damage that way?
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    “If someone has a gun and is trying to kill you, it would be reasonable to shoot back with your own gun.”
    ― The Dalai Lama, Seattle Times, May 2001

  4. #4
    Boolit Mold old_colt's Avatar
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    I was worried about where the screws on the 2 cavity handles are kind of staked in that they would know I'd took it apart and also I might slightly deform the pins they're pretty sharp. I will definitely look at the female side I did not think about that!

  5. #5
    Boolit Mold old_colt's Avatar
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    So, I worked on the mold today and I was able to find out the issue.

    1. The handles are bent.
    2. One of the mold block screws is too tight not letting it move.

    I was able to loosen handle bolt and get it to where it should be usable but I can still see a little light through. I could not loosen the mold block screw I think it's cross threaded. I'm going to try it out soon.

  6. #6
    Boolit Grand Master Char-Gar's Avatar
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    Pay cheap, get cheap!
    Disclaimer: The above is not holy writ. It is just my opinion based on my experience and knowledge. Your mileage may vary.

  7. #7
    Boolit Mold old_colt's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Char-Gar View Post
    Pay cheap, get cheap!
    Yep, this isn't my first rodeo with them. I just really liked this bullet design in particular.

  8. #8
    Boolit Mold old_colt's Avatar
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    https://imgur.com/a/HyHvsx7

    I was able to cast some boolits with it, you just have to make sure you really squeeze the handles. They're coming in around .327" to .329" I plan on sizing to .325" so they should work. I'm going to keep using the mold hopefully it loosens up.

  9. #9
    Boolit Master

    Kraschenbirn's Avatar
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    I must have gotten one of the 'good ones'; no issues after the usual Lee deburr and clean job; mold casts .328-.329 from my 2 to 1 mix of range scrap and lino and sizes easily to .325. Boolit works very well in a couple of my Mausers with less than pristeen bores.

    Bill
    "I'm not often right but I've never been wrong."

    Jimmy Buffett
    "Scarlet Begonias"

  10. #10
    Boolit Grand Master

    imashooter2's Avatar
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    Why would you play with it? Return and get another.
    ”We know they are lying, they know they are lying, they know we know they are lying, we know they know we know they are lying, yet they are still lying.” –Aleksandr Isayevich Solzhenitsyn

    My Straight Shooters thread:
    http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...raight-shooter

    The Pewter Pictures and Hallmarks thread:
    http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...-and-hallmarks

  11. #11
    Boolit Mold old_colt's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by imashooter2 View Post
    Why would you play with it? Return and get another.
    Like I said last time I had .22 caliber mold that casted .23 caliber bullets and they told me it was fine and sent it back. I don't think they have any more of these it was a group buy type deal. I like Lee but you get a dud occasionally and some people have good luck with their customer service.

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