Lee 10mm Caliber Six Cavity Mold Review

Breaking Down My First Experience with the Lee 10mm Caliber Six Cavity Mold

Reloading ammunition has always been a passion of mine. It provides a level of self-sufficiency and customization that factory ammunition simply can’t match. When I started loading for my 10mm Auto, I knew I wanted to cast my own bullets. The Lee 10mm Caliber Six Cavity Mold immediately caught my eye, promising to increase my production rate while maintaining Lee’s reputation for affordability.

My primary goal was to produce a consistent and accurate 175-grain semi-wadcutter bullet for target shooting and practice. I had been using a single-cavity mold, which was incredibly time-consuming. I was searching for a mold to produce higher volumes without breaking the bank.

Unboxing the Lee 10mm Caliber Six Cavity Mold revealed a solid-looking aluminum mold block. The mold felt surprisingly hefty, and the cavity finish appeared smooth and clean. The absence of handles was expected, as Lee often sells these separately to keep the overall cost down.

I considered molds from Lyman and RCBS, both respected names in bullet casting. Ultimately, Lee’s price point and the six-cavity design pushed me towards this mold. I was excited about the potential for increased output and the prospect of dialing in a load specifically for my 10mm.

Initial excitement tempered slightly upon noticing that the product images showed a mold designed for traditional lube grooves. The actual mold I received was the tumble lube design, which is intended for use with liquid alox or powder coating. I had hoped for grease grooves. It was a surprise, but I decided to adapt and explore powder coating as an alternative.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee 10mm Caliber Six Cavity Mold to the Test

First Use Experience

My first casting session with the Lee 10mm Caliber Six Cavity Mold took place in my well-ventilated garage. I used a propane burner and a lead pot to melt my alloy, which consisted of mostly reclaimed range lead mixed with a bit of tin to improve casting quality. I aimed for a lead temperature of around 700 degrees Fahrenheit and maintained a consistent mold temperature for optimal fill-out.

The mold performed relatively well under controlled conditions, dropping bullets with decent consistency after a few initial warm-up casts. The semi-wadcutter design filled out nicely, though some required a bit of extra attention to ensure sharp edges and clean bases. The speed of casting was significantly increased compared to my single cavity mold.

The mold required a bit of a learning curve to consistently drop well-formed bullets. Initial problems included wrinkles on the bullets due to mold temperature variations and incomplete fill-out caused by inconsistent pouring. I corrected these issues by preheating the mold more thoroughly and maintaining a steady, controlled pouring rhythm.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the Lee 10mm Caliber Six Cavity Mold has proven to be a reliable workhorse, consistently producing high volumes of bullets. The aluminum mold blocks have held up well, showing minimal signs of wear and tear. This speaks volumes about the durability of the Lee design.

The only noticeable wear has been some minor discoloration on the mold faces from the high temperatures. The mold halves still align perfectly, and the sprue plate continues to cut cleanly. Proper storage and regular cleaning are essential to maintaining the mold’s performance.

Maintenance involves using a mold cleaner and a soft brush to remove lead residue after each casting session. Applying a light coat of anti-seize compound to the sprue plate helps to prevent lead from sticking and ensures smooth operation. Compared to my previous experiences with other molds, the Lee 10mm Caliber Six Cavity Mold has outperformed in terms of casting speed and overall volume.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee 10mm Caliber Six Cavity Mold

Specifications

• Caliber: 10mm Auto. This mold is specifically designed for casting bullets for the 10mm Auto cartridge, a powerful and versatile round.
• Bullet Weight: 175 grain. The 175-grain bullet weight is a popular choice for the 10mm, offering a good balance of penetration and energy transfer.
• Bullet Type: Semi Wadcutter (SWC). The SWC design is known for its clean hole punching in paper targets, making it ideal for target shooting.
• Fabric/Material: Aluminum. Aluminum provides excellent heat retention and allows for faster casting cycles.
• Additional Features: 6-Cavity. The six-cavity design dramatically increases the rate of bullet production.
• Cavity Depth: 6 inches. The cavity depth is adequate for the 175 grain bullet design, allowing for complete fill-out and consistent bullet weight.
• Ballistic Coefficient: 0.141. This affects the bullet’s flight characteristics at longer ranges; generally, a higher number is better.

These specifications are crucial for achieving consistent and accurate results when reloading ammunition. Bullet weight and design directly impact ballistic performance, while the mold material and cavity design influence casting efficiency and bullet quality. The choice of aluminum ensures rapid heating and cooling, leading to faster production cycles, while the six-cavity design allows for efficient mass production of bullets.

Performance & Functionality

The Lee 10mm Caliber Six Cavity Mold performs admirably, consistently producing usable bullets with proper technique. The mold heats up quickly and maintains a stable temperature. This contributes to uniform bullet weights and reduces the occurrence of casting defects.

The biggest strength lies in its ability to churn out a large number of bullets in a relatively short amount of time. A potential area for improvement would be tighter tolerances in the mold cavities to minimize variations in bullet diameter. Overall, it meets expectations for a mold in its price range, providing good value for the money.

Design & Ergonomics

The aluminum mold blocks are lightweight and easy to handle, even during extended casting sessions. The mold is simple in design and easy to operate. This minimizes fatigue and maximizes productivity.

The absence of handles requires the user to purchase and install them separately. However, Lee offers affordable handle options, allowing users to customize their setup to their preferences. The Lee design is user-friendly, even for novice bullet casters.

Durability & Maintenance

The Lee 10mm Caliber Six Cavity Mold is built to last, provided it is properly maintained and cared for. The aluminum blocks are resistant to corrosion, and the sprue plate is made from hardened steel for long-term durability. With proper care, this mold should provide years of reliable service.

Cleaning involves removing lead residue and applying a light coat of lubricant to prevent sticking. The mold is easy to disassemble and reassemble for thorough cleaning. Regular maintenance will ensure optimal performance and extend the life of the mold.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee 10mm Caliber Six Cavity Mold does not come with any accessories beyond the mold blocks and sprue plate. Handles must be purchased separately, allowing users to choose the handle style and material that best suits their needs. Customization options are limited to handle selection and the use of different lead alloys to adjust bullet hardness and weight.

The mold is compatible with Lee handles, as well as some aftermarket handle options. The lack of included accessories helps keep the price down, making it an affordable option for budget-conscious reloaders. It’s also possible to modify the mold by lapping the cavities for slightly larger diameters or by modifying the sprue plate.

Pros and Cons of Lee 10mm Caliber Six Cavity Mold

Who Should Buy Lee 10mm Caliber Six Cavity Mold?

This Lee 10mm Caliber Six Cavity Mold is perfect for reloaders who shoot the 10mm Auto cartridge frequently and want to cast their own bullets. It’s an excellent choice for budget-conscious reloaders who are looking for an affordable way to increase their bullet production volume. It is also great for those wanting to experiment with powder coating.

Those who prefer traditional lube grooves or demand extremely tight tolerances in bullet dimensions should consider higher-end mold options from other manufacturers. Someone looking for a complete kit with handles included should look at other brands or be sure to purchase handles separately when buying this mold.

Must-have accessories include Lee handles, a lead pot, a propane burner, and a bullet sizing die to ensure consistent bullet diameter. It’s also recommended to invest in a good quality lead alloy and a mold release agent to prevent sticking and improve casting quality.

Conclusion on Lee 10mm Caliber Six Cavity Mold

Overall, the Lee 10mm Caliber Six Cavity Mold is a solid performer that offers excellent value for the money. It is an affordable, efficient, and durable option for reloaders who want to cast their own 10mm bullets. It increases output, yet it maintains a reasonable price.

The price is definitely justified by the increased productivity and the potential for long-term cost savings compared to purchasing factory-made bullets. The money you save in the long run far outweighs the initial investment in the mold and associated equipment.

I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for an affordable and reliable way to cast their own 10mm bullets. The Lee 10mm Caliber Six Cavity Mold provides a significant increase in production volume compared to single-cavity molds. It makes it an excellent choice for high-volume shooters and reloaders. Invest in this mold and start casting your own bullets today!