20 August 2002, 23:42
John Y CannuckMultiple cavity mould trouble
I have used Lee, and Lyman single cavity moulds for many years, no troubles. Then I bought a double cavity Lee in 44 Mag. The mould blocks do not align, unless I turn the mould over, and tap them into place with my wooden sprue plate stick. It doesn't happen until I've made about 15 -20 bullets.
Has anyone else had any problems? Is this the norm for multiple cavity moulds?
21 August 2002, 02:13
Bad Ass WallaceCheck the joint in the handles; it is only a press circular clip and can sometimes work loose to cause misalignment.
I have several Lee moulds and eventually replaced the centre pivot with a proper bolt with lock nut.
22 August 2002, 11:05
arkypeteJohn Y Cannuck
I have greatfully placed every Lee mold that I have ever purchesed in the aluminium recycling bucket.
I've not got the patience to work with Lee molds when I have access to Lyman, Saeco, NEI, RCBS that work every time that I use them.
I have likened using Lee molds to wearing barbed wire jocky shorts. There is a certain satisfaction making them work but there's an easier way to do the same job.
Jim
22 August 2002, 11:44
aladinI'd pitch the Lyman two cavities into the junk pile. Designed by bean counters- they're poor Q. And considering their Ideal tradition and excellent designs, that's a sad state of affairs.
The Lee I can work with. Cheap, easy to tune- and Lee will make good on them. I do understand guys' frustration at them though-- I've had a few 'ringers' too, but Lee took care of it.
I've written some pieces around the Net per tuning the Lee's-- as I call'm the 'Lee-ment'. Usually a mold can be made to operate like a first rate tool-- provided it already casts dimensions of use.
22 August 2002, 14:36
John Y CannuckWell, I ordered a Lyman four cavity, it's F'n expensive next to the Lee. I hope I don't have similar problems. I will look at the hinge pin next time I get a chance, I do my mould work at my cottage.
22 August 2002, 15:59
TCLouisI use Lee, Saeco, Lyman, RCBS, and Lachmiller and on any given casting session am expecting trouble of some kind. Usually never happens though.
When I'm rolling along with my Lee 2 cavity 44 Mag mold (most accurate 44 bullet I cast)sometimes I have to give the blocks or handle a slight tap with my casting mallet ( fancy name for shaped 2X4) to get them to close correctly/cpmpletely . . . what the heck bullets hang in almost all of the others occasionally so I just kinda take it in stride and "run ball".
LouisB
Just an opinion of course!
29 August 2002, 09:49
andrew375Make sure to keep the mould properly lubricated, as per the instructions.