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Trigger_Puller
HB Full Member
| Joined: | 4 September 2008 |
| Location: | Florida USA |
| Posts: | 43 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I load everything! |
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Posted: 15 October 2008 07:38 PM |
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Does anyone have any experience with Lee bullet moulds? I am looking to purchase a couple of moulds for 158 gr. 38 Spl and 200 gr .45 APC SWC and was surprised at how inexpensive they are compared to RCBS and Lyman.
Is there that much difference to warrant the more pricey rivals?
Thanks in advance.
Last edited on 15 October 2008 07:39 PM by Trigger_Puller
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Charley
Administrator
| Joined: | 9 September 2005 |
| Location: | San Antonio, Texas USA |
| Posts: | 2299 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I load everything! |
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Posted: 15 October 2008 09:43 PM |
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Lee molds are aluminum, and the others are iron. Aluminum is easier to machine, and that's much of the cost savings. Aluminum molds do have a shorter life than iron, but with reasonable care will last many years. Follow Lee's imstructions for prepping the mold, including lube, and never, ever strike the mold blocks, and they should last a long time. The type of folks that can break an anvil are better off buying Lyman or RCBS molds, if you can use tools, the Lee's work fine.
I do have molds from SAECO, RCBS, Lyman, Lee and others. I've got more Lee molds than the other manufacturers combined.
____________________
"Barack, the Magic Negro, lived in DC,
"The LA Times they called him that,
'cause he's not authentic like me..." Al Sharpton
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Trigger_Puller
HB Full Member
| Joined: | 4 September 2008 |
| Location: | Florida USA |
| Posts: | 43 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I load everything! |
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Posted: 15 October 2008 09:53 PM |
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Thanks Charley.
How about their bullet lube and have you found the need for sizing the bullets cast from Lee moulds?
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Timberghozt
Board Founder
| Joined: | 11 February 2005 |
| Location: | Salado, Texas USA |
| Posts: | 5389 |
| Photo: | [Download] | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I load everything! |
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Posted: 15 October 2008 10:00 PM |
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I have a Lee 2 bullet mold I got from Mr Mom.It is a 158 grain SWC mold that I load 38 special cases for my 357 mag.They shoot excellent.The one I have requires the use of gas checks.I keep my velocities low and have yet to have a true leading problem.
I have a sizer I bought from Lee as well.so far nothing but good to say about the Lee mold.as Charley said,they are aluminum so be careful with em. 
TG
____________________
"He who fights with monsters might take care, lest he thereby become a monster; For if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." - F.Nietzche
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Charley
Administrator
| Joined: | 9 September 2005 |
| Location: | San Antonio, Texas USA |
| Posts: | 2299 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I load everything! |
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Posted: 15 October 2008 10:25 PM |
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| LLA ( Lee Liquid Alox) is good stuff, ugly, but it works well. Unless you have a strange bore diameter, most Lee molds, especially the tumble lube designs, can be fired as cast. Last edited on 15 October 2008 10:27 PM by Charley
____________________
"Barack, the Magic Negro, lived in DC,
"The LA Times they called him that,
'cause he's not authentic like me..." Al Sharpton
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Paul Tummers
HB Life Member
| Joined: | 18 June 2007 |
| Location: | Berg En Terblijt, Netherlands |
| Posts: | 337 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | rifle |
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Posted: 16 October 2008 12:09 AM |
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I do have one Lee mould, a R.E.A.L. mould in .50 for casting bullets for my Rolling Block rifle.
As stated before, the moulds should be handled with care, lubing instructions followed.
I smoked the mould with a BIC lighter, as Miestro Jerry advised, and it casts good bullets.
I only found out, I must not try to adjust the mould grip joint to well; a very little loose makes is easier to close the mould in line, the adjusting bars can find their way into their recesses easier.
For lubing I use copper grease, designed to withstand high temperatures and pressures.
____________________
There almost always is a way to do things better, more often than not by simplifying.
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