Problems with Lee mold

[Columbus]

I have a Lee traditional mini mold (.575/500) that I just can't get consistent results from. In one run I'll probably have to discard half of what I cast because they're oversize and I can't load them. I"ll have some that come out .575 to .577 and a bunch of others all the way up to .580/.581 - what am I doing that would result in this? On top of that I need three hands, one for the mold, one for the mallet and another for the screw driver to keep tightening the cutoff plate and the core pin.

 

[deerstalkert]

i to have one that acts like that. i have developed the habit of looking at the entire joint between the halves before pouring.
the geometry between the halves and handles is just a tad off and sometimes lets them close unevenly. mine is a .535 and sometimes it will cast .542. and i hate trying to get those down the bore!

 

[Flintlock]

Try some liquid metal in the screw hole and snug down. Did you try calling them and telling them about the problem, they might very well ship you a new one. You could always order a sizer but think they are most likely fine as they are or try pouring with the lead at a bit lower temp.

 

[Flintlock]

Try some liquid metal in the screw hole and snug down. Did you try calling them and telling them about the problem, they might very well ship you a new one. You could always order a sizer but think they are most likely fine as they are or try pouring with the lead at a bit lower temp.

They used to claim their molds were guaranteed, so call them.

 

[Columbus]

They used to claim their molds were guaranteed, so call them.

I did contact them and they told me .580 was within their specs. I have three other Lee molds with no issues but this thing is a pain.

 

[Freedom]

Very lightly tap or bump aound the mould with your spur cutter-stick as you close it, every time. The hollow base pin can sometimes use a little "help" as the mold halves closes around it. Guys trying to use a glove to open their mold usually have problems with Lee and bullet consistency.

Never drop a bullet or spur from a mould, back into the pot. Splashes will fuse tiny drops of lead onto the mould faces, preventing them from closing properly.

 

[Uncle Miltie]

I really like Lee round ball molds but found their large bullet molds to give poor results. The blocks are small, made of aluminum, and if you are casting more than just a few bullets they heat and expand to a point where uniform bullet diameters are no longer obtained. I would suggest using mold blocks that are larger and heavier to cast bullets with preferably made of iron or bronze.

 

[dave951]

I'll say it again- Lee round ball molds are good, Lee minie molds, no way. There is too little mass in the mold blocks for large caliber minies and the metal on the base plug plate is woefully inadequate. When I was trying to work with a Lee, the symptoms you're describing are the start of the mold beginning to fail.

Get a Moose mold and be happy.

 

[bang]

I've cast many mini balls in lee molds. Temp and pour time is critical to get good pour and consistency. I opened the spout on my bottom pour to .098, #40. Helps a heap when casting large projectiles. Run the the temp on the pot at 8 at the least. Soot and preheat the mold. I find that heat enough to keep the sprue puddled for 3 to 5 seconds makes best cast.