Lee Single Cavity 12ga 7/8oz Slug Mold with Handles Review

Is the Lee Single Cavity Mold 12ga 7/8oz. Slug W/handles All Talk?

The Lee Single Cavity Mold 12ga 7/8oz. Slug W/handles promises affordable, high-quality slug production for reloaders, but does it deliver? As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of hands-on experience, I approached this mold with a healthy dose of skepticism. My experience has taught me that the cheapest option isn’t always the best option when it comes to performance and longevity.

I was drawn to this particular mold because I’ve been looking to experiment with different slug loads for my smooth-bore shotgun, primarily for target practice and potentially some hog hunting. Factory slug ammunition can be expensive, and I wanted a cost-effective way to explore different slug designs and powder combinations. After all, the ability to tailor a load to a specific firearm and intended use is a huge advantage.

Unboxing the Lee Single Cavity Mold 12ga 7/8oz. Slug W/handles, my initial impression was mixed. The aluminum mold blocks felt surprisingly lightweight, a welcome change from some of the heavier iron molds I’ve used in the past. The included wooden handles felt solid enough, though I immediately wondered about their long-term durability under extended use.

Compared to a Lyman double-cavity mold I use for pistol bullets, the Lee mold seemed almost… simplistic. I considered a brass mold from a premium brand, but the price difference was significant, and I wanted to see if this Lee mold could provide acceptable results at a fraction of the cost. Ultimately, the price point and promise of a unique “drive key” design that purportedly improves slug rotation in smooth-bore barrels swayed my decision.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I was excited to see if the Lee Single Cavity Mold 12ga 7/8oz. Slug W/handles could live up to its claims, but I also harbored some concerns about its long-term durability and the single-cavity design’s potential impact on production speed. Only real-world testing would reveal the truth.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Single Cavity Mold 12ga 7/8oz. Slug W/handles to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Lee Single Cavity Mold 12ga 7/8oz. Slug W/handles at my local shooting range, using a dedicated casting setup with a propane burner and lead melting pot. The weather was mild and dry, ideal for casting, but even under these conditions, the learning curve was steeper than I anticipated. I decided to document my experience in a small notebook, jotting down ideas for improvement in future casting sessions.

The aluminum mold heated up quickly, as advertised, but it also cooled down rapidly, making it tricky to maintain a consistent casting temperature. The first few slugs were misshapen and unusable, requiring several adjustments to my casting technique. I needed to find the right balance of mold temperature, pouring speed, and sprue plate cutting.

After some experimentation, I started producing reasonably consistent slugs. I noticed that the wooden handles got quite hot after extended use, requiring me to wear thick gloves for protection. The single-cavity design was, as expected, slow, making it a time-consuming process to produce a substantial number of slugs.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Lee Single Cavity Mold 12ga 7/8oz. Slug W/handles, I have a better understanding of its strengths and weaknesses. The mold continues to produce consistent slugs, provided I maintain a careful watch on the mold temperature and casting technique. While reloading supplies are more abundant now than they were a few years ago, the option to make my own slugs for a fraction of the cost of store-bought rounds is extremely valuable.

Despite its lightweight construction, the mold has held up surprisingly well. There are some minor scratches and dings on the aluminum blocks, but nothing that affects its performance. The wooden handles, however, are showing signs of wear, with some slight cracking near the attachment points.

Maintenance is relatively simple. After each casting session, I clean the mold with a brass brush and a solvent to remove any lead residue. I also apply a thin coat of mold release to prevent the slugs from sticking. Regular cleaning and proper storage are crucial for preserving the mold’s performance and longevity.

Compared to my previous experiences with iron molds, the Lee mold is significantly easier to handle due to its lighter weight. However, the single-cavity design means that it takes considerably longer to produce a batch of slugs. Overall, the Lee Single Cavity Mold 12ga 7/8oz. Slug W/handles outperforms my expectations for a budget-friendly mold, but it’s not without its limitations.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Single Cavity Mold 12ga 7/8oz. Slug W/handles

Specifications

The Lee Single Cavity Mold 12ga 7/8oz. Slug W/handles is designed for reloaders seeking an affordable way to produce 12-gauge shotgun slugs. Key specifications include:

• Caliber: 12 Gauge. This dictates the shotgun for which the slugs are intended.
• Bullet Weight: 7/8 oz (382.8 grains). This is a standard weight for 12-gauge slugs and directly impacts recoil and trajectory.
• Slug Diameter: .681 inches. This diameter is slightly undersized to allow for easy loading into standard 12-gauge hulls.
• Slug Length: .545 inches. This length is important for determining the correct amount of space to leave for powder in the shell.
• Material: Aluminum Mold Blocks with Wooden Handles. Lee uses aluminum for its molds due to its lightweight properties and resistance to rust.
• Cavity: Single. This means only one slug can be cast per cycle, which impacts production speed.
• *Drive Key: Features Lee’s exclusive drive key design, intended to impart rotation to the slug when fired through a smooth-bore barrel.

These specifications are crucial because they directly affect the slug’s performance, accuracy, and compatibility with your shotgun and reloading equipment. The 7/8 oz weight is a good compromise between manageable recoil and sufficient energy for hunting or target shooting.

Performance & Functionality

The Lee Single Cavity Mold 12ga 7/8oz. Slug W/handles performs its intended function of producing 12-gauge slugs, but its single-cavity design limits production speed. The slugs cast from this mold are consistent in weight and dimensions, provided the user follows proper casting techniques. The aluminum mold heats up quickly but also cools down rapidly, requiring careful temperature management.

The drive key feature is a unique aspect of this mold, though its effectiveness in improving accuracy with smooth-bore barrels is debatable. Some users report improved grouping, while others see little or no difference. The Lee mold’s strengths lie in its affordability and ease of use, while its weakness is its slow production rate.

Ultimately, the Lee Single Cavity Mold 12ga 7/8oz. Slug W/handles meets expectations for a budget-friendly mold, but it is not a substitute for more expensive, multi-cavity options for high-volume reloaders. It’s a good entry point for those new to slug casting or those who only need to produce a small number of slugs.

Design & Ergonomics

The Lee Single Cavity Mold 12ga 7/8oz. Slug W/handles features a simple and functional design. The aluminum mold blocks are lightweight and easy to handle, reducing fatigue during extended casting sessions. The wooden handles provide a comfortable grip, but they can become hot after prolonged use.

The mold is relatively user-friendly, but there is a learning curve involved in mastering the proper casting technique. New users may need to experiment with different mold temperatures, pouring speeds, and sprue plate cutting techniques to achieve consistent results. Once mastered, the process becomes relatively straightforward.

Durability & Maintenance

The Lee Single Cavity Mold 12ga 7/8oz. Slug W/handles is reasonably durable for its price point. The aluminum mold blocks are resistant to rust and corrosion, but they are susceptible to scratches and dings. The wooden handles are the weakest point of the design, as they are prone to cracking and splitting with heavy use.

Maintaining the mold is relatively simple. Regular cleaning with a brass brush and solvent is essential for removing lead residue and preventing sticking. Applying a thin coat of mold release before each casting session can also improve performance and extend the mold’s lifespan.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Single Cavity Mold 12ga 7/8oz. Slug W/handles comes with the mold blocks, wooden handles, and sprue plate. There are no other included accessories.

Customization options are limited, as the mold is designed to cast a specific slug design. However, users can experiment with different lead alloys and powder combinations to tailor their slug loads to their specific needs. Some users may also choose to modify the drive key design for improved performance. This mold is compatible with standard casting equipment, such as lead melting pots, ladles, and sprue cutters.

Pros and Cons of Lee Single Cavity Mold 12ga 7/8oz. Slug W/handles

Who Should Buy Lee Single Cavity Mold 12ga 7/8oz. Slug W/handles?

The Lee Single Cavity Mold 12ga 7/8oz. Slug W/handles is perfect for reloaders on a budget who want to experiment with casting their own 12-gauge slugs. It’s also a good choice for those who only need to produce a small number of slugs for hunting or target practice. Casual reloaders and those just getting into slug casting will find this mold a good starting point.

This product is not suitable for high-volume reloaders or those who require maximum production speed. Competitive shooters or anyone needing a large quantity of slugs quickly should consider investing in a multi-cavity mold. Someone who expects extreme durability will likely be happier with a high-quality steel or brass mold from a premium brand.

Must-have accessories include a lead melting pot, ladle, sprue cutter, and a supply of lead alloy. Mold release is also highly recommended to prevent slugs from sticking. Safety glasses and gloves are essential for protecting yourself from hot lead.

Conclusion on Lee Single Cavity Mold 12ga 7/8oz. Slug W/handles

The Lee Single Cavity Mold 12ga 7/8oz. Slug W/handles is a budget-friendly option for reloaders looking to cast their own 12-gauge slugs. While it’s not the fastest or most durable mold on the market, it offers a good balance of performance and affordability. The unique drive key feature is an interesting addition, though its effectiveness may vary depending on the shotgun and load.

The price is definitely justified for what you get. For reloaders looking to get started in slug casting without breaking the bank, this is an excellent starting point.

I would personally recommend the Lee Single Cavity Mold 12ga 7/8oz. Slug W/handles to anyone looking for an affordable and easy-to-use way to produce their own 12-gauge slugs. It’s a great option for casual reloaders, experimenters, and those on a tight budget. Give it a try and see if you can unlock the potential of custom slug loads for your shotgun.