Broke the sprue handle on my lee 6 cavity

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theonerog

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Damn it! I had dropped about 60 bullets, just starting my session and snap went the sprue handle on my 9mm 125 grain, 6 cavity Lee mold. I have about 1500 rounds through this mold with no problems. All 6 cavities drop bullets that work awesome. I sized the first batch I made, no need as well as these turn out from the mold. Using 98% lead, 2% tin.
Anyone else had this happen to them? I got this mold last October.
 
I hear that happens sometimes. Be careful to bring that up to temp by only filling one cavity at a time, closest to the pivot, and increasing the number of cavities until it's up to temp.
 
I hear that happens sometimes. Be careful to bring that up to temp by only filling one cavity at a time, closest to the pivot, and increasing the number of cavities until it's up to temp.
Click to expand...

That's the ticket.
 
I bought a few molds & handles for them. One of the sprue plate handles was split all the way up & both handles in one of the sets keep falling off. I called Lee & started to get ticked when he started to tell me how to fix them or make my own. When I told him I want happy with his suggestion he was quick to offer replacements but didn't sound happy about it.

I was disappointed in the call because they always seem over egar to take care of me even when I've called to buy parts when I've broke them. I'm hoping it was just a bad day.

I really hate those handles tho. The molds seem nice but I don't have anything to compare them to.
 
The handles and sprue plates were what turned me off on Lee molds. I will never pay money for another one. My experience was that the sprue plates are too soft and the sprue cam will peen over a short time, and the handles are just imported garbage. I have been slowly replacing all my Lee molds with the equivalent lymans, and even though I'm losing 1/3 capacity, the lyman molds have given me non of those problems so far.
 
Last edited:
One thing you can do is drill a small hole where the spru plate touches mold. Cut off a sheet rock screw and screw it in 3/16" perhaps. The screw head is harder than the mold material. Cuts down on wear and tear.
There is a big article on 'cast boolits' about this and 6 cav maint.
I love the 6 cav for 200 gr .452s.
I have cast 10k plus with the one I have, and would gladly buy another if need be.
I also have a Lyman 4 cav, very heavy. Thats why I went with Lee mold.
 
I broke one of mine. Called Lee they sent me a new one took about a week to get it.
Lee and RCBS both have very good costumer service as far as I'm concerned.
Flip
 
Resolution

Just an update. I did contact Lee. The rep just needed a photo of the broken part and in less then a week I got the new handle. I have used it the last few days producing about 2k rounds. Very happy with the service and their honoring of the warranty from Lee. I do have a couple 2 cavity molds, but that 6 cavity mold is so nice. I would love it if they would beef it up a little though. For the price, I still cant complain much. I did purchase a hot plate. I agree that I probably wasn't up to temp in the first place.
 
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