Understanding the Lee 20 Gauge Slug Mold
Introduction to Lee Precision
Lee Precision holds a prominent position in the reloading community. Their reputation is built upon a foundation of providing reliable, innovative, and often remarkably affordable reloading equipment. Their products cater to both seasoned reloaders and those new to the craft, making the hobby accessible to a wider audience. The Lee 20 Gauge Slug Mold is a testament to their commitment to offering quality tools at a reasonable price point.
Mold Specifications
This mold, like many in Lee’s catalog, is known for its simplicity and ease of use. It is constructed from durable materials designed to withstand the high temperatures associated with casting molten lead. The design of the mold focuses on producing a consistent and reliable slug, and the overall construction makes it ideal for those new to casting bullets.
Examining the physical characteristics of the mold is vital. The Lee 20 Gauge Slug Mold creates a slug designed for optimal performance and downrange effectiveness. The actual weight of the slug, however, can vary slightly based on the alloy of the lead used and the precise casting temperature. This variation allows the reloader some degree of customization.
Components
The Lee 20 Gauge Slug Mold comes with all the necessary components to produce slugs. The main parts are the mold blocks themselves, which are typically made from aluminum. They are connected by a hinge and the sprue plate that sits on top to form the bullet shape when the lead is poured. The mold will include the handles which allows for ease of use and prevents you from getting burned by the hot aluminum. These handles are critical for proper alignment, ensuring a consistent cast.
Benefits of Using the Lee 20 Gauge Slug Mold
When it comes to benefits, the advantages of using the Lee 20 Gauge Slug Mold are multifaceted. The most immediately noticeable advantage is the cost-effectiveness. Compared to the often-expensive cost of factory slug ammunition, reloading with the Lee mold offers significant savings over time. This economic benefit allows shooters to practice more frequently, refine their skills, and gain valuable experience without breaking the bank.
Beyond the financial benefits, there is the significant advantage of customization. Reloading grants you complete control over your ammunition, allowing you to tailor your slugs to match the specific requirements of your shotgun. You can experiment with different powder charges, wads, and even alter the slug alloy itself to achieve optimal performance.
Consistency is another crucial benefit. The Lee 20 Gauge Slug Mold, when used correctly, can produce slugs that are remarkably consistent in weight and shape. This consistency translates into improved accuracy and predictability on the range and in the field.
Finally, reloading offers independence from the fluctuations of the ammunition market. During times of shortages or increased demand, factory slug ammunition may be difficult to find or excessively expensive. Reloading ensures a continuous supply of ammunition, allowing you to maintain your shooting and hunting activities regardless of external factors.
Setting Up and Using the Lee 20 Gauge Slug Mold
Safety Precautions
Safety should always be the foremost consideration when working with molten lead and firearms. Lead melts at a relatively low temperature, but it can still cause severe burns. Always wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection, heat-resistant gloves, and a long-sleeved shirt. Work in a well-ventilated area to prevent the inhalation of lead fumes. Never leave a melting pot unattended, and always keep children and pets away from the workspace.
Required Equipment
You’ll need some essential equipment to start casting and reloading. Firstly, you’ll require a melting pot, ideally one with a temperature control feature. You’ll also need a reliable source of lead, which can be purchased in the form of ingots, reclaimed wheel weights, or other lead alloys. A lead thermometer is essential for monitoring the temperature of the molten lead.
To measure your powder charges accurately, you will need a reloading scale. A reloading scale ensures the proper amount of propellant is added to the shell each time. Finally, you’ll need reloading components like empty hulls, primers, wads designed for slugs, and propellant designed for the 20 gauge. You’ll also need shotgun primers.
The Casting Process
The process of casting the slugs is straightforward with the Lee mold, but it requires patience and attention to detail. Begin by melting the lead in your melting pot. Heat the lead to the temperature recommended by your reloading manual.
Once the lead is molten and at the correct temperature, prepare the mold. Clean the mold with a brush and apply a small amount of graphite to the mold blocks. This helps facilitate slug release. Position the mold with the sprue plate on top and the handles locked together.
Carefully pour the molten lead into the sprue hole at the top of the mold, filling the cavities completely. Allow the lead to cool. Cooling time will depend on the mold’s temperature and the temperature of the lead, but it typically takes a few minutes.
Once the slugs have cooled, remove the sprue plate. Open the mold and tap the handles gently to release the cast slugs. Inspect each slug for any imperfections, such as air bubbles or incomplete fills. Discard any imperfect slugs and remelt the lead.
Reloading Process
The reloading process, which transforms cast slugs into usable ammunition, requires several steps. The first step involves hull preparation. If using fired hulls, begin by cleaning and inspecting them for damage. Using a reloading press, resize the hulls and remove any spent primers.
Insert a new primer. Next, you must select your preferred propellant and measure it. Consult a reputable reloading manual for the appropriate powder charge for your chosen components. Carefully pour the measured powder charge into the hull.
Choose a slug wad suitable for your chosen slug and powder charge. The slug wad is critical for proper slug performance. Seat the wad into the hull, using the reloading press.
Carefully seat the cast slug into the hull. Ensure that the slug is seated firmly against the wad. Crimp the shell to secure the slug. Depending on your press, you may use a roll crimp or a star crimp. A tight and consistent crimp is vital for optimal ballistic performance.
Powder and Load Data
Always approach reloading with caution and a thorough understanding of the process. Start with the minimum recommended powder charges and gradually work your way up, observing signs of overpressure such as flattened primers, hard extraction, or bulging cases. Always consult reputable reloading manuals for safe and accurate load data. The data provided here is for illustrative purposes only, and you should NEVER use them without referencing a reliable reloading manual.
Powder types commonly employed in 20 gauge slug reloading include those that are designed for shot shells in general. Consult your reloading manual for specific recommendations on your chosen powders.
Here are a couple of examples of starting load data. *Remember to always consult a reliable reloading manual before using any load data.*
Example A
Using a specific powder, with your specific slug weight, wad, hull, primer, and powder weight, you might experience a certain velocity.
Example B
Consider a different powder with slightly different variables. Always remain mindful of safety, and reference your chosen reloading manual.
Testing and Evaluation
Before relying on your reloaded slugs for hunting or self-defense, it’s critical to test and evaluate their performance. Safety is still paramount at the range. Always wear eye and ear protection. Keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction at all times.
Begin by patterning your slugs at a target range. Fire groups of five or more shots at a distance of fifty yards, recording the point of impact and group size. If you are using a scope or red dot sight on your shotgun, use these sights to aim for accuracy.
If your group size or point of impact is not satisfactory, you can adjust your load. Experiment with different powder charges within the safe limits outlined in your reloading manual.
Consider chronographing your loads. A chronograph will measure the muzzle velocity of your slugs, providing valuable data for evaluating their performance.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
The advantages of reloading with the Lee 20 Gauge Slug Mold are substantial. You’ll experience significant cost savings, allowing you to shoot more for the same budget. Reloading provides the freedom to customize your ammunition to suit your specific needs. You’ll likely discover increased accuracy due to the consistency provided by the mold. Finally, you gain a sense of self-reliance, knowing you can produce your own ammunition.
Disadvantages
However, there are also potential disadvantages. Reloading requires an initial investment in equipment. Reloading demands a degree of patience and a learning curve. If not handled responsibly, mistakes in reloading can lead to unsafe ammunition. Reloading is also a time-consuming process.
Troubleshooting
Even experienced reloaders encounter issues. If you experience incomplete slugs, it could indicate that the lead isn’t hot enough, that your mold isn’t clean, or that you are not pouring the lead properly. If you encounter wrinkles or poor surface finish, try adjusting your pouring speed or lead temperature.
If you experience problems with reloading, always stop and carefully inspect your components. Poor accuracy can stem from many things, including incorrect powder charges, improper crimping, or incompatible components. Excessive recoil can be the result of an overloaded charge.
Conclusion
The Lee 20 Gauge Slug Mold is an outstanding tool for anyone seeking to optimize their 20 gauge slug shooting experience. This mold allows you to reload affordable slugs while maintaining control over your ammunition.
We encourage you to embrace reloading and the Lee 20 Gauge Slug Mold.
Resources
For further information, visit Lee Precision’s official website: [Insert Link Here]
You can find helpful advice and tips in online reloading forums.
Here is one to get you started: [Insert Link Here]
By following this guide, you can unlock the full potential of the Lee 20 Gauge Slug Mold and enjoy the benefits of reloading for years to come. Reloading allows you to tailor your loads to your shooting needs while saving money.
