Need help in making decision

[BSkerj]

I need some input. I have the chance to either buy a used Lee TL358-148 WC (6x) for 25.00 w/o handles, or a RCBS 38-148-82031 for 44.80 w/o handles. Both prices are at my door. I recieved 150 bullets from the Lee's owner.The mould is described as used but not abused. Looks to be a good bullet. The RCBS mould looks hardly used. Any and all opinions welcome...thanks

 

[BruceM]

Personally, I'd go with the RCBS mold.

Bruce

 

[Paul5388]

Bruce could have added what I consider to be a reason for that choice. The RCBS bullets can be sized and lubed in a lube/sizer or they can be tumble lubed. There isn't any option with the Lee bullet.

There's also the preference for iron vs aluminum that may have a bearing on durability. I have Lee 6 cavities and they make a good bullet. I just don't know how long they will do that.

The Lee 6 cavity handles will fit either mould, but you may have to do a little sanding for a good fit in the RCBS.

 

[Skip Sackett]

The Lee mold will work fine but, I have had some issues with them filling out properly with the "TL" configuration. Everything has to be just right.

I have never used an RCBS mold but have heard good things about them.

If it were me, I'd take option #3. There is always an H&G #50 on ebay for sale. You won't get a better mold than that. Some of them are even 10 cavity! Just make sure you eat your Wheaties before you use one of those babies!

 

[BruceM]

I didn't state a reason for choosing the RCBS mold because I didn't want to go into my experience with a Lee mold. I personally have had great success with Lyman molds which are made from iron, not aluminum. Similarly, when I encountered a problem with either a Lyman or RCBS product, their customer service has been great and I got an answer relative to the problem which made sense. My single experience with Lee-not so much.

Bruce

 

[Skip Sackett]

Not to me

My single experience with Lee-not so much.

Bruce

Bruce,
I remember your problem with Lee. Sorry for that. I also knew that was the reason for your suggestion!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I agree the RCBS mold would be a better choice if only because of it's construction materials. You will be hard pressed to wear the RCBS out. BTW, IMO the RCBS mold is a better value price-wise.

 

[dave b]

The 6 hole mold is a good one. You can make it rain bullets. You can tumble lube them, and size them with a cheap Lee sizer, or shoot them as cast. Both molds can make good bullets , but if you are making 38 wadcutters , I suspect you would like the volume of the 6 holer. I seldom use my iron molds anymore.

 

[BSkerj]

Thanks...got best of both worlds...traded some lead ingots for the Lee and will send money for the RCBS.

 

[dave b]

A little more free advice. Get some Bullplate sprue plate lube, and lube the hinges, pins and sprue plate surfaces a small amount. Do it with the cavities filled so as not to get any lube in The BullShop them.

 

[shortrange]

I guess I am alone here, but I have had great success with the Lee tumble lube 148 wadcutter. You do need to lube the mold and take a little care with it. This has been the most accurate bullet I have used in my mod 14. Have a 2 cavity and a 6 and use straight clipons.