Lee MOLD DC 459-500-3R

[Martini2]

Question was I believe has anyone had first hand experience with that Lee -500 R Bullet. Simple answer is yes. I fired it at the Q in '12. It hit that Buffalo steel 7 out of 8 times at 800+ yards. The "error" was I believe mine. Now don't set yer keys on fire, I'll qualify that reply. I found that when new and handled tenderly the aluminum Lee mold MAY yield satisfactory result at distance. The HOWEVER is that as many will relate Lee molds have a half life of about 500 casts (give er take 1K ) I kept track of the bullet weight and roundness and over time (as expected) the molds (yep bought two, their cost effectiveness got me) slowly started to yield out of round casts. The actual design with deep grease grooves and all might prove better IF mold blocks were more traditional cast iron. On one mold aluminum tape shims were adhered to the mold faces to restore the roundness of
boolets so cast. This admittedly was a smoke and mirrors fix. The bottom line is that both time and money may be better invested in a mold that will stay true till a barrel or two are worn out. As we all know consistency in loading is KING. The Lee molds are fantastic for experimenting with different weights and less critical rounds and making short casting runs. Bottom line is pick a popular bullet (suited to long range precision) in durable constructed mold so every trip to range is not one of those experiments. Lee molds will get ya going but eventually your own experience will drift to tried and true designs and mold material$. Cry once and pay for as much mold as you can save up for. It will pay bigger dividends later.