Lee Black Powder Minie Mould - Single Cavity .500" 360 gr

Cast your own black powder rifle balls with the Lee Black Powder Minie Mould, a single-cavity mould designed for shooters who reload ammunition for historical and traditional firearms. This .500" mould throws 360-grain projectiles, a classic weight for caplock and flintlock rifles. Whether you're preparing for a rendezvous, competition shoot, or serious hunting season, casting your own minies gives you complete control over bullet weight and quality—and the satisfaction of shooting ammunition you've made yourself.

Lee built this mould from aluminum, a choice that matters during long casting sessions. Aluminum heats and cools faster than steel or iron, which means less time waiting between pours and more consistent casting cycles. The material also weighs roughly a third less than traditional steel or iron moulds, reducing hand and arm fatigue when you're pouring dozens or hundreds of rounds. For hunters and reenactors who value efficiency and comfort at the casting bench, those differences add up.

The single-cavity design keeps casting straightforward—one ball at a time, which suits the deliberate pace of muzzleloader reloading. Lee CNC machines the cavity for precision roundness and consistent sizing. Keep in mind that while moulds are calibrated for specific alloy weights, slight variations can occur from batch to batch, which is normal in the casting world and won't affect safe, accurate shooting.

Key Features

• Single-cavity design for controlled, one-at-a-time casting
• Aluminum construction resists rust and reduces fatigue during extended sessions
• Faster heating and cooling cycles compared to steel or iron moulds
• Approximately 33% lighter weight than traditional metal moulds
• CNC-machined cavity for precision roundness and consistent bullet sizing
• Produces .500" minies at 360 grains per bullet

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What firearms use .500" 360-grain minies?

This mould is designed for traditional black powder rifles—caplock and flintlock arms—that chamber larger-diameter, heavier projectiles. Consult your rifle's manual to confirm bore diameter and recommended bullet weight before casting.

Why choose aluminum over steel or iron moulds?

Aluminum heats and cools faster, which speeds up your casting rhythm and reduces the downtime between pours. It also weighs significantly less—about one-third the weight of steel moulds—so your hand and forearm won't tire as quickly during long casting sessions. The tradeoff is durability; aluminum is softer, but Lee's CNC machining helps maintain cavity precision.

What alloy should I use, and why does weight matter?

The mould is sold according to a suggested alloy weight for that specific cavity size. Slight variances in your alloy composition or hardness can occur naturally, which is normal and won't affect safe, accurate shooting. Experimentation with wheel weight or other lead-tin blends will help you dial in your preferred hardness and performance.

Is this mould suitable for beginners?

The single-cavity design makes it approachable for first-time casters—there's no complexity in managing multiple cavities. If you're new to casting, pair it with a basic lead pot and ladle, and take time to learn proper pouring technique for consistent results.