Lee Precision Double Cavity Bullet Mold .501-440-RF for .500 S&W Magnum: Crafting Precision Projectiles

For the dedicated handloader and shooting enthusiast, the ability to produce custom, high-quality ammunition is not just a hobby; it's a pursuit of ballistic perfection and economic independence. The Lee Precision 90991 Double Cavity Bullet Mold, casting .501-inch, 440-grain Round Flat Nose (RF) bullets specifically for the formidable .500 S&W Magnum, stands as an essential tool in this endeavor. This robust yet lightweight aluminum mold empowers you to create your own projectiles, offering unparalleled control over your ammunition's performance while significantly reducing costs.

Why Handload and Cast Your Own Bullets?

In an era where ammunition costs can fluctuate and specific calibers might be scarce, handloading and bullet casting offer a compelling solution. But beyond mere economics, what are the primary advantages?

• Significant Cost Savings: The most immediate and tangible benefit is the drastic reduction in per-round cost. Factory-loaded .500 S&W Magnum ammunition, particularly specialized loads, can be expensive. By sourcing lead, primers, powder, and cases (often reused), and casting your own bullets with a mold like the Lee Precision 90991, you can cut your ammunition expenses by 50% to 80%. This means more trigger time and more practice without breaking the bank.
• Customization and Performance Tuning: Casting your own bullets allows for unparalleled customization. You can experiment with different lead alloys to alter hardness, select specific bullet weights (like the 440-grain offered by this mold), and choose bullet shapes (the round flat nose, or RF, is excellent for terminal performance and feeding). This level of control enables you to fine-tune your loads for optimal accuracy, recoil management, and terminal ballistics for specific applications, whether it's hunting, target shooting, or plinking.
• Self-Sufficiency and Availability: Relying on factory ammunition means being subject to market availability and pricing. When you cast your own bullets, you gain a degree of self-sufficiency. You're less impacted by supply chain disruptions or price hikes, ensuring you always have access to the ammunition components you need, especially for a powerful and sometimes niche caliber like the .500 S&W Magnum.
• Enhanced Understanding of Ballistics: The process of handloading and bullet casting offers an invaluable learning experience. You gain a deeper understanding of internal, external, and terminal ballistics, lead alloys, bullet design, and the intricate relationship between various components. This knowledge can elevate your shooting skills and appreciation for firearms.
• Reduced Wear on Firearm Barrels: For many shooters, especially those who frequently shoot large volumes, cast lead bullets can be gentler on barrels compared to jacketed bullets, potentially extending barrel life. While cleaning is still essential, the softer nature of lead can reduce wear, especially when properly lubricated and sized.

Unpacking the Lee Precision 90991 Double Cavity Bullet Mold: Features and Benefits

The Lee Precision 90991 mold is engineered to make bullet casting efficient, precise, and accessible. Its design incorporates several key features that make it a standout choice for the handloader.

Precision Engineering for .500 S&W Magnum

This mold is specifically designed to cast bullets for the monstrous .500 S&W Magnum, one of the most powerful production handgun cartridges in the world. The mold produces .501-inch diameter, 440-grain Round Flat Nose (RF) projectiles. This specific bullet profile and weight are ideal for the .500 S&W Magnum, offering excellent momentum for large game hunting and delivering substantial energy transfer. The .501-inch diameter ensures a proper fit in the bore, promoting gas seal and accuracy.

Double Cavity Design for Increased Efficiency

One of the most significant advantages of this mold is its double cavity design. Unlike single cavity molds, which produce only one bullet per pour, the double cavity mold allows you to cast two bullets simultaneously. This effectively doubles your production rate, significantly speeding up the casting process and allowing you to build up a substantial inventory of cast bullets much faster. For high-volume shooters or those preparing for hunting seasons, this efficiency is invaluable.

Lightweight and Fast-Heating Aluminum Construction

Lee Precision molds are famously constructed from aluminum. This material choice is a cornerstone of Lee's molding philosophy, offering several distinct advantages:

• Exceptional Molding Properties: Aluminum heats up quickly and evenly, ensuring consistent fill-out of the mold cavities. This rapid thermal conductivity means less waiting time between pours, contributing to higher casting rates.
• Lightweight Durability: Despite being lightweight at just 0.98 lbs (including handles and sprue plate), aluminum molds are remarkably durable and resistant to wear and tear. They can withstand repeated heating and cooling cycles without warping or degrading.
• Reduced Fatigue: The lightweight nature of the mold reduces operator fatigue during extended casting sessions, making the process more enjoyable and less strenuous.
• Quick Cooling: Just as it heats quickly, aluminum also dissipates heat efficiently. This rapid cooling helps the bullets solidify faster, allowing for quicker bullet drops and continuous casting.

"As-Cast" Usability: Minimizing Post-Casting Work

A hallmark of many Lee Precision molds, including the 90991, is that most bullets cast from them can be used "as cast" without the need for sizing. This is a massive time-saver for reloaders. While some might still choose to size their bullets for specific applications or to apply gas checks/lubrication, the ability to bypass this step for general use greatly streamlines the bullet preparation process. This feature speaks volumes about the precision with which Lee molds are manufactured, ensuring consistent bullet dimensions straight out of the mold.

Complete and Ready-to-Use Package

The Lee Precision 90991 mold comes as a complete package, ready for immediate use. It includes both the handles and the sprue plate. This means you don't need to purchase these essential components separately, offering excellent value and convenience. The integrated sprue plate efficiently cuts off the excess lead from the casting, and the sturdy handles provide a secure grip and easy manipulation of the mold during the casting process.

Essential Equipment for Bullet Casting with Your Lee Mold

To maximize the potential of your Lee Precision 90991 mold, you'll need a few additional pieces of equipment to ensure safe and efficient bullet casting:

• Lead Melting Furnace: A dedicated electric lead furnace is highly recommended. It provides a consistent temperature for your lead alloy and often features a bottom-pour spout for easy and safe mold filling.
• Lead Source: High-quality lead or lead alloy (e.g., wheel weights, linotype, pure lead mixed with antimony/tin for hardness). Always ensure proper ventilation and safety when melting lead.
• Lead Thermometer: Crucial for maintaining the correct lead temperature for optimal mold fill-out and consistent bullet quality.
• Bullet Lube and Sizer (Optional but Recommended): While Lee molds often produce "as-cast" bullets, a dedicated bullet sizer and lubricant applicator can improve accuracy and prevent leading in the barrel, especially for high-velocity cartridges like the .500 S&W Magnum. Lee offers affordable sizing dies.
• Safety Gear: Absolute must-haves include heavy leather gloves, eye protection, long-sleeved shirts, and denim pants. Proper ventilation (e.g., a fan pulling air away from you) is paramount to avoid inhaling lead fumes.
• Casting Dipper (for ladle pouring, if not using bottom-pour furnace): If your furnace doesn't have a bottom pour, a dipper is used to transfer molten lead to the mold.

The Mighty .500 S&W Magnum: An Overview

The .500 S&W Magnum, introduced by Smith & Wesson in 2003, is renowned as one of the most powerful commercial handgun cartridges ever produced. It was designed to be the ultimate big-game hunting revolver cartridge, capable of taking down virtually any North American game animal and even dangerous African game.

• Immense Power: It generates immense muzzle energy and velocity, significantly surpassing cartridges like the .44 Magnum or .454 Casull. A 440-grain bullet, as cast by the Lee 90991 mold, will deliver incredible knockdown power.
• Versatile Applications: While primarily known for hunting large and dangerous game (bear, moose, cape buffalo), the .500 S&W Magnum also appeals to enthusiasts who enjoy shooting powerful handguns, as well as those seeking a unique reloading challenge.
• Reloading Benefits: Given its power and typically higher factory ammunition costs, the .500 S&W Magnum is an excellent candidate for handloading and casting your own bullets. Reloading this cartridge allows for tailoring loads to reduce recoil for target practice or maximize energy for hunting.

Tips for Optimal Casting Results with Your Lee Precision Mold

Achieving consistently perfect cast bullets requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to get the best out of your Lee Precision 90991 mold:

1. Prepare Your Mold: Before your first casting session, thoroughly clean your mold. Use a degreaser or dish soap and warm water, then rinse and dry completely. "Smoke" the mold cavities with a match or lighter flame to deposit a thin layer of carbon; this acts as a release agent and aids in initial fill-out.
2. Proper Lead Temperature: This is critical. Too cold, and you'll get wrinkly, incomplete bullets ("frosty" appearance). Too hot, and the bullets might be too soft or you'll experience excessive lead oxidation. A good starting point is usually between 650°F and 750°F (343°C-399°C). Use a lead thermometer.
3. Mold Temperature: Ensure your mold is pre-heated to the correct temperature. Make a few "reject" casts to warm up the mold before you start producing keepers. A properly heated mold will allow the lead to flow smoothly and fill all the details of the cavity.
4. Smooth Pouring: For bottom-pour furnaces, ensure a consistent, full stream of lead. For ladle pouring, use a smooth, even motion to fill the cavities quickly and completely without splashing.
5. Sprue Plate Operation: After pouring, wait a few seconds for the lead to solidify (it will lose its shiny appearance). Then, with a firm, decisive tap with a wooden dowel or a soft mallet, swing the sprue plate open to shear off the excess lead. Do not force it if the lead is still molten.
6. Bullet Drop: Once the sprue is cut and the bullet has solidified sufficiently, open the mold and gently tap the hinge or handles to release the bullets. Allow them to cool on a soft cloth or a special cooling tray to prevent damage.
7. Lead Alloy Consistency: Experiment with different lead alloys to find what works best for your firearm and application. Adding a small amount of tin (1-2%) can improve flow and fill-out, while antimony increases hardness for higher velocities.
8. Ventilation is Key: Always cast in a well-ventilated area. Lead fumes are hazardous. Use fans to direct fumes away from your breathing zone.

The Lee Precision Advantage: Quality and Value

Lee Precision has built a reputation over decades for producing high-quality, innovative, and affordable reloading equipment. Their bullet molds are a testament to this philosophy. When you choose a Lee Precision product, you're investing in:

• Accessibility: Lee strives to make reloading and casting accessible to everyone, from beginners to seasoned veterans, by offering reliable tools at competitive prices.
• Innovation: Features like the double cavity design, aluminum construction, and "as-cast" usability demonstrate Lee's commitment to practical innovation that benefits the user.
• Durability: Despite their affordability, Lee products are built to last, providing years of reliable service.
• Community Trust: Lee Precision is a trusted name in the reloading community, widely recommended for its dependable performance and excellent value.

The Lee Precision 90991 Double Cavity Bullet Mold is more than just a tool; it's an investment in your reloading future. It enables you to take full control of your .500 S&W Magnum ammunition, fostering a deeper connection with your shooting sport. With this mold, you're not just casting bullets; you're crafting precision, ensuring self-reliance, and unlocking significant cost savings, all available to enhance your shooting experience from DEGuns.com.

Product Specifications & Details

Feature	Description
Brand	Lee Precision
Model	Double Cavity Bullet Mold
SKU	90991
Caliber	.500 S&W Magnum
Bullet Size	.501 inch
Bullet Grain	440 Grain
Bullet Shape	Round Flat Nose (RF)
Cavity Count	2 Bullets
Function	Molds Projectiles for Reloading
Material	Aluminum
Included	Handles, Sprue Plate
Weight	0.98 lbs (mold, handles, plate)
UPC	734307909918