Does this new LEE Mold look OK to you

[derek45]

I own a bunch of bullet molds, from LEE, RCBS, Lyman, NOE and ARSENAL, none have chatter marks like this.

Lee 6-Cavity Bullet Mold 452-255-RF







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I expected LEE to make it right, I opened a trouble ticket, and was disappointed in the reply


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MIDWAYUSA stepped up, sent me a UPS label, and fully refunded my money.

What a pity, seemed like the prefect design for my new toy....

 

[Tilos]

Does this new LEE Mold look OK to you !?! (gunloads.com)

 

[troy fairweather]

I'd try it just cuz, will it make the bullets stick or maybe they will fall out.pc may stick to them better or at least alox.

 

[AJC1]

Smooth as a porcupine....

 

[Mark_Mark]

I own a bunch of bullet molds, from LEE, RCBS, Lyman, NOE and ARSENAL, none have chatter marks like this.

Lee 6-Cavity Bullet Mold 452-255-RF

View attachment 1108558

View attachment 1108559

View attachment 1108560

.
.
.

I expected LEE to make it right, I opened a trouble ticket, and was disappointed in the reply

View attachment 1108561
.
.
.
MIDWAYUSA stepped up, sent me a UPS label, and fully refunded my money.

What a pity, seemed like the prefect design for my new toy....

View attachment 1108562

nice grip on the 73! refinished?

I’m buying some of there .454 ball mold, hope I don’t have the same chatter marks

 

[Blkhrt13]

When midway made it right did you have to send them the mould? If not I would try a pour. Worst you can do is waste a little bit of lead if you can’t get them out.

 

[Frulk]

I just went out and checked all nine of the Lee molds that I have and none have these marks.

 

[dartor]

I have over 40 Lee molds, in 2 and six cavity. None of them look anything like yours and it happens to be the most current one I purchased. A 457-405R 2 cavity with chatter just like yours. I powder coat (clear) and size to .458". They look funky but they shoot well.

 

[Y-T71]

I happened to pick up the same mold shortly after the one OP posted.

It arrived with the same rough finish in the cavities.

I let the seller know (it was brand new; never unboxed from an individual) and he gave me an opportunity to return and refund.

I decided against that because I wanted to see for myself what the mold would do (all of my other 12 Lee molds have mirror smooth cavities)

Much to my surprise this turned out to be a great mold: all the bullets fall out with a little shake, no tapping needed.

Bullets drop at a nice .454-5" and weight an avg of 255.7 gr with 50/50 alloy.

 

[Mark_Mark]

I happened to pick up the same mold shortly after the one OP posted.

It arrived with the same rough finish in the cavities.

I let the seller know (it was brand new; never unboxed from an individual) and he gave me an opportunity to return and refund.

I decided against that because I wanted to see for myself what the mold would do (all of my other 12 Lee molds have mirror smooth cavities)

Much to my surprise this turned out to be a great mold: all the bullets fall out with a little shake, no tapping needed.

Bullets drop at a nice .454-5" and weight an avg of 255.7 gr with 50/50 alloy.

View attachment 1108569

View attachment 1108570

are these molds milled out? if so, tool change please

 

[1976B.L.Johns.]

none have chatter marks like this.

Immediate panic here.
I have the same unused mold. Just have not had time to cast lately.
Grabbed it to take a look.

Here is what mine looks like...

 

[1976B.L.Johns.]

I would want it replaced!

 

[Y-T71]

are these molds milled out? if so, tool change please

According to the response OP got from Lee, the rough finish (chatter marks) are a sign of a brand new tool that hasn't been dulled yet.

 

[Y-T71]

I would want it replaced!

Yeah, when I opened it up and had a look I was very disappointed.

However, after reading many replies on a couple of different forums that OP posted this on that suggested trying it first I changed my mind and decided it was worth a shot.

It was inexpensive enough that I became comfortable taking a chance.

I also planned on powder coating from the start so, as long as I could get them to release from the mold I figured I should be G2G.

 

[Mark_Mark]

According to the response OP got from Lee, the rough finish (chatter marks) are a sign of a brand new tool that hasn't been dulled yet.

what??? well they should work on their process! Sure, it might make just find bullets but, they sell Seconds for a reason. You eat with your eyes 1st!

 

[Y-T71]

what??? well they should work on their process! Sure, it might make just find bullets but, they sell Seconds for a reason. You eat with your eyes 1st!

I agree.

Poor QC and customer service on Lee's part.

 

[AJC1]

According to the response OP got from Lee, the rough finish (chatter marks) are a sign of a brand new tool that hasn't been dulled yet.

Chatter is a ridgity issue not a tool issue. It may be a tool problem and we're calling it wrong. No idea but if they work good with no drop problems I'd use it. I would not accept anything but perfection from boutique mold makers or something like Redding.

 

[Mark_Mark]

I agree.

Poor QC and customer service on Lee's part.

Lee is going DownHill!

 

[troy fairweather]

are these molds milled out? if so, tool change please

I think it was from a new tool, sharp tools can be grabby in softer materials. I know breaking the edge on a drill bit helps smooth out when drilling and keeps the bit from quarkscrewing.

 

[tightgroup tiger]

I think it was from a new tool, sharp tools can be grabby in softer materials. I know breaking the edge on a drill bit helps smooth out when drilling and keeps the bit from quarkscrewing.

That's when you find out the spindle bearings are getting worn.

 

[Blkhrt13]

That's when you find out the spindle bearings are getting worn.

Or the ways are loose.

 

[Duster340]

None of my Lee molds have chatter like that OP. But I have one I reamed out, an old 214 gr SWC to make a 240 gr WFP. Lots of chatter marks, but they shoot great and seem to hold the Lee Alox nicely. Another vote for giving it a try!

 

[buck460XVR]

Lee is going DownHill!

Pretty short trip.
That said, premium quality has never been Lee's strong point, nor has their customer service(at least in mt experience). As in most things in life, you get what you pay for.

 

[Mark_Mark]

Pretty short trip.
That said, premium quality has never been Lee's strong point, nor has their customer service(at least in mt experience). As in most things in life, you get what you pay for.

I like Lee APP and cheap dies!

 

[.38 Special]

In my experience, an occasional dud - which won't be taken care of - is the cost of doing business with Lee. Most of the stuff I've had from them did what it was supposed to. The stuff that didn't, with few exceptions, ended up in the trash when Lee wouldn't make it right.