Mastering Muzzleloader Ammunition: The Lee .375 Double Cavity Round Ball Mold

For enthusiasts of traditional shooting, black powder firearms, and the art of crafting your own ammunition, the Lee 90420 Double Cavity Round Ball Mold for .375 Diameter Muzzleloaders offers an unparalleled solution. This isn't just a tool; it's an investment in precision, self-sufficiency, and the pure satisfaction that comes from creating your own projectiles. Designed specifically for the discerning muzzleloader shooter, this mold addresses common challenges such as the high cost of commercially produced round balls, the desire for consistent projectile quality, and the profound enjoyment of a hands-on reloading experience.

Are you an avid black powder shooter looking to save money on ammunition? Do you demand superior accuracy from your muzzleloader and want to ensure every shot is consistent? Perhaps you're keen to delve into the rewarding world of casting your own lead projectiles? The Lee .375 Double Cavity Round Ball Mold is engineered precisely for individuals like you. It's the ideal choice for anyone seeking to produce high-quality, perfectly spherical .375 diameter balls for their black powder rifles, pistols, or smoothbore firearms.

Why Choose the Lee .375 Double Cavity Round Ball Mold?

When considering equipment for casting your own lead balls, several factors come into play: precision, durability, ease of use, and the quality of the final product. Lee Precision has a long-standing reputation for manufacturing reliable and affordable reloading equipment, and this mold is no exception. It's designed to help you achieve excellent results, shot after shot.

• Exceptional Accuracy: The core purpose of a quality mold is to produce consistent, perfectly round projectiles. This Lee mold excels in this regard, ensuring that each .375 diameter ball is uniform in size and weight (approximately 79.16 grains). This consistency is critical for achieving optimal accuracy with your muzzleloader, whether you're target shooting, plinking, or hunting.
• Unique Tangential Cut-Off: One of the standout features of Lee's round ball molds is the innovative tangential cut-off design. Traditional molds often leave an objectionable "nib" or sprue on the ball where the lead was cut from the sprue plate. This nib can negatively impact accuracy. The tangential cut-off on the Lee mold cleanly shears the lead, eliminating this unsightly and performance-hindering artifact, resulting in a perfectly smooth, spherical ball. This attention to detail contributes significantly to improved projectile aerodynamics and, consequently, better shot placement.
• Dual Cavity Efficiency: Time is valuable, and this mold helps you maximize your casting sessions. With its double-cavity design, you can cast two .375 diameter balls simultaneously. This doubles your production rate compared to single-cavity molds, allowing you to build up a substantial supply of ammunition more quickly and efficiently.
• Durable Aluminum Construction: The mold block itself is crafted from high-quality aluminum. Aluminum is chosen for several reasons: it heats up quickly and evenly, ensuring consistent pour temperatures; it's lightweight, making the mold easy to handle during long casting sessions; and it's durable enough to withstand repeated heating and cooling cycles without deforming. When properly cared for, this aluminum mold will last for countless thousands of cast balls.
• Complete Package: Unlike some molds that require separate purchases for handles or sprue plates, the Lee 90420 mold comes as a complete kit. It includes the aluminum mold block, a precision-machined sprue plate, and comfortable wooden handles. This means you're ready to start casting almost immediately upon receiving your mold, provided you have your lead melting pot and lead supply.

How Do I Make My Own Muzzleloader Balls with This Mold?

Casting your own lead balls for muzzleloaders is a straightforward and rewarding process. Here’s a basic overview of the steps involved, highlighting where the Lee .375 Double Cavity Round Ball Mold fits in:

1. Gather Your Equipment:
   • Lee .375 Double Cavity Round Ball Mold: Your essential tool.
   • Lead Melting Pot: An electric pot is recommended for consistent temperature control.
   • Lead Ingots: Source clean, soft lead. Wheel weights can be used but require more processing.
   • Casting Flux: Helps remove impurities from molten lead.
   • Safety Gear: Crucial! Heat-resistant gloves, eye protection, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes are a must. Work in a well-ventilated area.
   • Heat Source: For the melting pot.
   • Container for Cooled Balls: A bucket of water can be used to quench the balls, but air cooling is also an option for round balls.
2. Prepare the Mold: Before your first casting session, it's beneficial to "break in" the mold. This involves smoking the mold cavities and sprue plate with a candle flame or using a mold release agent. This creates a thin layer of carbon or lubricant that helps the lead flow smoothly and prevents sticking. Ensure the mold is clean and free of any debris.
3. Melt the Lead: Place your lead ingots into the melting pot. Turn on the heat and allow the lead to fully melt. Once molten, add a small amount of casting flux. Stir it in thoroughly; the flux will cause impurities to float to the surface, which you can then skim off. Maintain the lead at the recommended casting temperature for optimal flow and fill.
4. Heat the Mold: It's crucial that the mold is at a consistent temperature, ideally close to the lead's melting temperature. Cold molds will result in poorly formed, wrinkled, or incomplete bullets. You can pre-heat the mold by placing it on top of your melting pot or dipping it quickly into the molten lead for a few seconds.
5. Pour the Lead: Hold the heated Lee mold firmly by its wooden handles. Position the sprue plate beneath the pouring spout of your melting pot. Carefully open the pour valve and allow the molten lead to fill both cavities completely, overflowing slightly onto the sprue plate.
6. Cut the Sprue: Wait a few seconds for the lead to solidify in the cavities. The molten lead on the sprue plate will appear dull when it's ready. With a gloved hand or a wooden stick, swiftly cut the sprue by pushing or tapping the sprue plate across the top of the mold. The tangential cut-off will ensure a clean break without a nib.
7. Release the Balls: Open the mold handles, and the two perfectly formed .375 diameter round balls will drop out. You can drop them into a bucket of water for quick cooling or onto a soft cloth to air cool.
8. Repeat: Close the mold, check for any lead residue, and repeat the process. With the double cavity design, you’ll quickly accumulate a significant number of ready-to-use round balls.

Optimizing Your Muzzleloader Performance with Hand-Cast Balls

Using hand-cast projectiles from your Lee .375 Double Cavity Round Ball Mold offers several advantages beyond mere cost savings:

• Unmatched Consistency: When you cast your own balls, you control the lead alloy and the casting process. This allows for a level of consistency in weight, diameter, and sphericity that often surpasses mass-produced commercial balls. This consistency translates directly to improved group sizes on the target.
• Customization Potential: While this mold is for pure lead balls, casting opens the door to experimenting with different lead hardness (though soft lead is generally preferred for muzzleloaders to ensure proper obturation and less barrel wear). It also allows you to ensure a fresh supply of projectiles tailored exactly to your firearm's bore.
• Deeper Understanding of Ballistics: The act of casting your own ammunition provides a deeper understanding of internal and external ballistics. You'll gain a greater appreciation for how projectile quality impacts flight and accuracy, empowering you to troubleshoot and fine-tune your shooting performance.
• Self-Sufficiency: In times when ammunition availability might be uncertain, having the ability to produce your own projectiles for your muzzleloader grants incredible self-sufficiency. You're no longer reliant on external suppliers for your black powder shooting needs.
• Historical Authenticity: For many black powder enthusiasts and historical reenactors, casting your own round balls is an integral part of the traditional shooting experience. It connects you to the methods and practices of frontiersmen and soldiers of yesteryear, adding another layer of authenticity to your passion.

Care and Maintenance for Your Lee Mold

To ensure your Lee 90420 mold provides decades of reliable service, proper care is essential:

• Cleaning: After each casting session, allow the mold to cool completely. Use a soft brush (like an old toothbrush) to gently remove any lead residue or carbon buildup. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the aluminum or the precision-machined cavities.
• Lubrication: Occasionally, a light coat of a high-temperature lubricant or a bit of graphite on the sprue plate pivot and screw can ensure smooth operation.
• Storage: Store the mold in a dry, clean environment to prevent corrosion. A dedicated storage box or bag is ideal to protect the delicate mold cavities from scratches or dings.
• Avoid Dropping: While durable, dropping the mold, especially on a hard surface, can potentially warp or damage the mold blocks, affecting the quality of your cast projectiles.

The Lee 90420 Double Cavity Round Ball Mold for .375 Diameter Muzzleloaders is more than just a piece of equipment; it's a gateway to a more fulfilling and economical muzzleloading experience. It empowers you to take control of your ammunition supply, ensuring consistent quality and superior performance from your black powder firearms. Whether you're a seasoned reloader or just beginning your journey into casting, this Lee mold, available at DEGuns, provides the precision, efficiency, and durability you need to succeed.

Product Specifications & Features Summary

Feature	Description
Brand	Lee Precision – A trusted name in reloading and casting equipment.
Series	Double Cavity Round Ball – Designed for efficient production of spherical projectiles.
Model	Mold – Specifically the 90420 model.
Projectile Type	Round Ball – Ideal for black powder muzzleloaders.
Capacity	2 Projectiles – Casts two .375 diameter balls simultaneously, increasing efficiency.
Function	Mold Projectiles – For home casting of lead bullets.
Material	Aluminum / Wood – Durable aluminum mold block with comfortable wooden handles.
Size	.375 Diameter – Perfectly sized for many muzzleloader firearms.
Grain Weight	79.16 Grain (approx.) – Consistent weight for improved accuracy.
Included	Handle / Sprue Plate – Comes complete with all necessary components for immediate use.
Key Feature	Tangential Cut-Off – Eliminates the objectionable "nib" on cast balls for superior performance.
UPC	734307904203