Lee Original Minie Ball Bullet Mould - Single Cavity .575 dia 500 gr

The Lee Original Minie Ball Bullet Mould is a single-cavity casting tool designed for shooters who handcast ammunition for traditional rifle cartridges and historical firearms. Built from rust-resistant aluminum, this .575-diameter mould produces 500-grain minie balls—the conical, hollow-based projectiles standard in Civil War-era and modern-day blackpowder rifle shooting. If you're reloading for a Sharps, Springfield, or other period firearm, or pursuing living history marksmanship, a purpose-built mould beats jury-rigged alternatives every time.

Aluminum construction delivers real advantages during long casting sessions. The material heats and cools faster than iron or steel, which means you spend less time waiting between pours and more time producing rounds. That thermal responsiveness also translates to more consistent bullets—less chance of density variation or surface defects when casting temperature stays stable. The lighter weight compared to traditional iron moulds reduces hand and arm fatigue, a genuine benefit if you're casting large batches for a season of shooting or competition.

Lee machines the block halves on CNC equipment to hold tight tolerances on diameter and roundness. That precision matters for shooting: undersized or out-of-round projectiles won't chamber properly or fly true, so a mould that produces consistent geometry is worth having. Whether you're supplying yourself for a hunting season, feeding a blackpowder competition schedule, or exploring the mechanics of traditional ammunition, this single-cavity mould is a straightforward, reliable tool.

Key Features

• Single-cavity design for steady, focused casting work
• Rust-resistant aluminum block for durability and thermal efficiency
• Faster heat cycling than iron or steel moulds, reducing wait time between casts
• Lightweight construction minimizes hand fatigue during extended sessions
• CNC-machined block halves for consistent diameter and roundness
• Produces .575-diameter, 500-grain minie balls for blackpowder rifles

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What firearms does this mould fit?

The .575-diameter minie ball is sized for traditional blackpowder rifles, including Civil War-era and reproduction arms like the Springfield Model 1855 or 1861, Sharps rifles, and other period muskets and rifles. Always verify your rifle's bore diameter and chamber specs before casting ammunition for it.

Why is aluminum better than iron for bullet moulds?

Aluminum heats and cools more quickly than iron or steel, which reduces the time you spend waiting between pours and helps maintain a stable casting temperature. The lighter weight also reduces fatigue during long or repeated casting sessions, letting you work longer without hand and arm soreness.

Is this mould for beginners or experienced casters?

Lee's moulds, including this one, are accessible to casters at any level. The CNC-machined precision and straightforward single-cavity design make it reliable whether you're learning the basics or optimizing an established casting practice.

What weight bullet does this produce?

This mould casts 500-grain minie balls, a standard weight for mid- to large-bore blackpowder rifles firing the .575 diameter.