You'll find that bullet moulds vary considerably. I've got three different Lee 6-cavity moulds for the 148gr Tumble lube double-ended wadcutter. They run from 145g to 152gr. Not really a significant variation. Just a slightly different setup on the production equipment and cutting tools.
I've seen significant variation in different moulds through the years with other manufacturers such as RCBS, Lyman, Redding, Saeco, and others.
In regard to the wrinkling, try heating your mould by dipping the corner of the mould in the lead and seeing if it will start to smoke.
I have found that it takes considerable pre-cleaning of the aluminum moulds before the first casting session to get good results, and usually the second session casts considerably better bullets. This is due to the cutting lubricant that is neccessary for machining the aluminum moulds. This is not just a "Lee" thing; I've seen it with other aluminum moulds.
For "breaking in" a new set of Lee moulds, I boil some water in a quart boiler on the stove, and then remove it from the heat and put a teaspoon or so of Dawn liquid detergent (or whatever brand the wife bought) and then a dab on the bullet moulds. After dipping it in the detergent/water and allowing the mould to heat up, I then use an old tooth brush to throughly clean the mould. (Kinda like cleaning a blackpowder firearm!). After a thorough cleaning, I wipe it dry with paper towels.
I then use a propane lighter to smoke the cavities. Before beginning casting, I dip the foward bottom edge of the mould in the lead and when the lead will no longer "stick" and clump on the mould, it's heated sufficiently to start casting. You'll also probably notice some "smoke" coming from the mould. This will be additional cutting oil you may have missed "burning off" the mould. You will then need to "lube" the mould as mentioned below to prevent galling of the steel sprue plate and index pins. I use 50/50 alox bullet lube per Lee's recommendation. If you don't, you'll void the warranty and Lee might refuse to replace a truly defective mould. (Of the one's I've sent back, they did replace gladly !!!).
It will still take 2-5 "drops" to get the mould up to proper temp. and condition. If you are still getting "wrinkled" bullets, repeat the "clean up", as you missed something.
Also, be careful when you lube the moulds. You MUST lube the moulds and occasionally while casting use a course heavy cloth to wipe off any lead smears that build up on the top of the mould and sprue plate. Then a very slight smear of bullet lube will keep the moulds running smooth. Also, a slight amount of lube touched to the index pins is necessary (6-cavity), or a slight smear on the "wedges" of the 2-cavity mould index ridges.
No need to store the Aluminum moulds with a bullet in the cavities. Just lightly wipe the steel arms on the handles and top of the sprue plate with a lightly oiled cloth.
A 3-5grain variation in "throw weight" on a moulds is within normal manufacturing tolerance.. Your mould is just a slight amount undersized.
Disregard the small difference.
Usually, they tend to throw to the heavy side. Especially with Lyman.
