Elevating Your Ammunition Craft: The Lee 90486 18-Cavity 00 Buckshot Mold

Are you an avid reloader constantly seeking ways to optimize your ammunition production? Do you want to craft high-quality shotgun shells with consistent performance, tailored precisely to your needs, all while achieving significant cost savings? For those dedicated to the art and science of reloading, the Lee Precision 90486 18-Cavity 00 Buckshot Mold stands as an indispensable tool, expertly engineered to streamline the creation of one of the most versatile and potent shotgun loads: 00 Buckshot.

This advanced mold is not just another piece of equipment; it's a gateway to self-sufficiency in ammunition crafting, offering unparalleled efficiency for serious reloaders. It addresses the common challenge of sourcing affordable, high-quality buckshot components, empowering users to produce their own with precision and consistency.

What Makes the Lee 90486 Mold an Essential for Reloaders?

The Lee 90486 is specifically designed to cast 18 linked pellets of 00 buckshot in a single pour. This innovative linked design is a game-changer, eliminating the tedious process of counting individual pellets and vastly accelerating your loading process. Imagine the time saved: with each cast, you produce enough pellets to load two 12-gauge shotshells. This level of productivity is a core reason why experienced reloaders consider this mold a cornerstone of their workbench.

Key features that set this mold apart:

• 18-Cavity Linked Design: This unique configuration produces a connected string of 18 pellets per cast. Simply snip the three strands, and you have the perfect payload for a 12-gauge shell, ensuring consistent pellet count and distribution.
• High Efficiency: The ability to cast 18 pellets at once dramatically cuts down on casting time, allowing you to build up a substantial inventory of buckshot in a fraction of the time it would take with smaller, individual cavity molds.
• Precision Engineering: Lee Precision is renowned for producing high-quality, durable molds that yield consistent, perfectly formed pellets. The 53.8-grain weight per pellet ensures uniformity, which translates directly into predictable performance downrange.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Producing your own buckshot with this mold is one of the most economical ways to stock up on 00 buck. The initial investment in the mold quickly pays for itself through the savings on factory-loaded ammunition or pre-made buckshot components.
• Customization Potential: Having control over your buckshot supply allows for unparalleled customization of your shotshells. You can experiment with different powders, wads, and crimp types to create loads optimized for specific applications, whether it's hunting, home defense, or competitive shooting.

The Power of 00 Buckshot: Versatility and Application

Why is 00 buckshot such a popular choice, and why would you want to mold your own? 00 buckshot, typically comprising eight or nine pellets with a nominal diameter of .33 inches, is highly regarded for its versatility and effectiveness across a range of scenarios.

Common applications for 00 buckshot include:

• Hunting: It is a classic choice for medium to large game, where its multiple projectiles offer a higher probability of striking vital areas.
• Home Defense and Self-Defense: Its stopping power and pattern spread make it a formidable option for personal protection in close-quarter scenarios.
• Target Shooting and Training: For those practicing with defensive loads, reloading 00 buckshot offers an economical way to maintain proficiency without breaking the bank.
• Survival and Preparedness: In times of uncertainty, having the ability to produce your own ammunition ensures self-reliance.

By producing your own 00 buckshot with the Lee 90486 mold, you gain complete control over the quality and supply of this critical ammunition component, ensuring you're always prepared.

Mastering the Art of Casting with Your Lee Mold

For those new to lead casting or looking to refine their technique, the process with the Lee 90486 mold is straightforward and rewarding. The mold itself is crafted from robust cast metal, designed for longevity and consistent heat retention, which is crucial for uniform casts.

A general overview of the casting process involves:

• Lead Preparation: Start with clean, molten lead at the appropriate temperature. Many reloaders use lead pots with precise temperature control for optimal results.
• Mold Preparation: Before casting, the mold should be properly heated (often by dipping it into the molten lead briefly or placing it on top of the lead pot) and "smoked" with a match or lighter to deposit a thin layer of carbon, which helps with bullet release and fill.
• Pouring: Carefully pour molten lead into the sprue plate opening until all 18 cavities are filled and a small pool of lead forms on top of the plate.
• Cooling and Opening: Allow the lead to solidify briefly. Once it changes from a shiny liquid to a dull solid, swiftly open the mold and release the cast string of pellets. The linked design means the entire string of 18 pellets drops out together.
• Trimming: Use a pair of side cutters or snips to separate the linked pellets into sets of three strands (six pellets per strand) or individual pellets as needed for your specific reloading recipes.

Important Note: The Lee 90486 mold does not come with handles. You will need to acquire compatible Lee Precision Mold Handles, such as Lee Manufacturing #90005 (SKU 40939), which are sold separately. These handles are essential for safe and efficient operation of the mold, providing a comfortable grip and leverage for opening and closing.

Why Trust Lee Precision for Your Reloading Needs?

Lee Precision has been a cornerstone of the reloading community for decades, earning a reputation for producing innovative, high-quality, and affordable reloading equipment. Their commitment to empowering reloaders, from beginners to seasoned veterans, shines through in products like the 90486 mold.

Benefits of choosing Lee Precision:

• Legacy of Innovation: Lee Precision continually introduces designs that make reloading more accessible, efficient, and enjoyable. The linked buckshot mold is a prime example of their forward-thinking approach.
• Durability and Reliability: Lee molds are built to last, often outliving their owners if properly cared for. Their robust construction ensures consistent performance over thousands of casts.
• Unbeatable Value: Lee products consistently offer an excellent balance of quality and affordability, making high-volume reloading accessible without a prohibitive upfront cost.
• Comprehensive Support: Lee provides extensive resources and parts support, ensuring that reloaders can maintain their equipment and find answers to their questions.

Investing in a Lee Precision mold means investing in a tool backed by a company that understands the needs of reloaders and is dedicated to supporting their passion.

Who Benefits Most from the Lee 90486 Mold?

This mold is an ideal investment for a specific demographic of firearm enthusiasts and reloaders:

• The Dedicated Shotgunner: If you shoot a 12-gauge shotgun regularly for hunting, sport, or self-defense, and consume a significant amount of 00 buckshot, this mold will drastically reduce your ammunition costs.
• The Proactive Prepper: For those building a robust survival or preparedness inventory, the ability to produce your own critical ammunition components like 00 buckshot is invaluable, ensuring self-reliance in any situation.
• The Precision Reoader: If you demand ultimate control over your ammunition's performance and enjoy fine-tuning loads for specific applications, casting your own buckshot allows for unmatched consistency and customization.
• The Cost-Conscious Shooter: With factory ammunition prices fluctuating, taking control of your component production offers significant long-term savings, making shooting more affordable.
• The DIY Enthusiast: If you derive satisfaction from crafting your own gear and ammunition, the process of casting your own buckshot is a deeply rewarding aspect of the shooting hobby.

Whether you're looking to optimize your hunting loads, ensure a steady supply for home defense, or simply enjoy the process of crafting your own ammunition, the Lee 90486 mold provides the tools for success.

Maximizing Your Output and Pellet Quality

Achieving perfectly formed buckshot pellets consistently requires attention to a few key details. The Lee 90486 mold, with its precise cavities, makes this easier, but user technique plays a vital role.

• Lead Quality: Use clean, consistent lead. Impurities can lead to poorly formed pellets or sticking. Many reloaders mix pure lead with small amounts of tin or antimony to achieve desired hardness and better mold fill.
• Temperature Control: Both the lead and the mold need to be at the correct temperature. Lead that's too cold will result in incomplete fills ("wrinkled" pellets), while lead that's too hot can cause "frosting" or lead to slower solidification times. A good lead melting pot with temperature control is highly recommended.
• Consistent Pouring: A steady, continuous pour into the sprue plate is crucial. Avoid hesitation or pouring too slowly, which can cool the lead prematurely.
• Sprue Plate Pressure: Ensure the sprue plate is firmly seated against the mold body to prevent lead leakage and ensure clean cuts when the sprue is cut.
• Mold Maintenance: Keep your mold clean. After use, allow it to cool, then clean any lead residue or carbon buildup. Store it in a dry place to prevent rust. Occasionally, applying a very thin coat of rust preventative can extend its life.

By adhering to these best practices, you'll maximize the lifespan of your Lee 90486 mold and consistently produce high-quality 00 buckshot pellets that perform reliably in your shotgun shells.

Conclusion: A Strategic Investment for Serious Reloaders

The Lee 90486 18-Cavity 00 Buckshot Mold represents a strategic investment for any serious reloader or shotgun enthusiast. Its innovative linked-pellet design significantly boosts casting efficiency, allowing you to produce 00 buckshot faster and more cost-effectively than ever before. From ensuring consistent pellet weight to empowering you with the ability to create custom loads, this mold from Lee Precision offers a blend of performance, durability, and value that is hard to match.

For those ready to take their reloading to the next level and achieve true self-sufficiency in ammunition production, the Lee 90486 is an indispensable addition to your reloading bench. Find this essential tool and all your reloading supplies at DEGuns.com, where quality and expert support are always a priority.

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Lee Precision 00 Buckshot 18-Cavity Mold Specifications

Attribute	Specification	Notes
Brand	Lee Precision	Trusted name in reloading equipment
Series	00 Buckshot 18	Specifically designed for 00 buckshot
Model	Mold	18-Cavity Linked Design
Gauge Compatibility	12 Gauge	Produces pellets for 12-gauge shotshells
Capacity per Cast	18 Linked Pellets	Produces enough for two 12-gauge shells per cast
Pellet Grain Weight	53.8 Grains (approx.)	Ensures consistent performance and patterning
Mold Material	Durable Cast Metal (e.g., Steel/Iron)	Built for longevity and consistent heat retention
Function	Casting Buckshot Components	For reloading shotgun ammunition
Weight (Mold Only)	1.18 lbs	Lightweight yet robust design
Required Accessory	Lee Precision Mold Handles (Mfg #90005, SS #40939)	Not included with mold; sold separately
Product UPC	734307904869	Unique product identifier
Manufacturer Part No.	90486	Lee's internal product code