Mold Diameter Tolerance

Our bullet mold tolerance is stated diameter, +.003/-.000 inch. We gauge our bullet molds with a "go/nogo" gauge, which tends to result in bullet molds that run on the high side of the tolerance. You could probably use one of our standard molds at as-cast diameter with good results.

If the bullets are oversize or out of round the mold is not fully closing. A build up of lube, splash of lead, or a burr on the mold block faces are holding them apart. Inspect the mold block faces and carefully remove anything that might hold the mold apart. Make sure to lubricate the locating pins with solid alox/beeswax bullet lube, Lee part number 90007. If these steps are followed the bullets will cast dimensionally correct.

Real Bullets as per page 30 in the Catalog
Rifling-Engraved-At-Loading
Unique Cleaning Action
Easier, Faster to Load!
More Accurate

A solid bullet that loads easily even after many firings because of its unique cleaning action. Will not tumble. A perfect hunting bullet with heavy loads. Easy to cast. Shoots accurately even in greatly oversize barrels.

Real bullets are cast with a kind of taper in that each of the 4 drive rings is larger than the previous ring. This allows for easy starting into the barrel, and yet assures that the bullet will be tight in the rifling.
.45 bullet is .452 at the base and .467 near the nose
.50 bullet is .502 at the base and .517 near the nose
.54 bullet is .542 at the base and .557 near the nose
.58 bullet is .577 at the base and .592 near the nose
.44 bullet is .442 at the base and .457 near the nose