Mould differences

[bones507]

Hey guys
Well i have been casting with my buddy some more and the 9mm rounds we made have come out real good so far. We made some 230 gr 45,s this week but hes getting a star lube sizer and we are waiting till he gets it to lube them instead of the pan lube process which i dont care for.
My main question is how long do the Lee Moulds hold up for before they start to wear out ? I see the prices on Lyman Moulds are higher but not drastically and Saeco moulds are the most expensive. I know you get what you pay for, trust me i know this,lol. But on average how long is say a 6 cavity moulds life span and what are the signs it starting to go ?
I am finding myself enjoying this more and more as i learn more and would like to kick myself for not doing it years ago.
Also with lubing, this liquid allox, you just tumble them in a bag and then do it again the next day ? Is that basically how it works ?
thanks

[TEXASFIVEGUN]

bones507 I have found that if you lube the Lee molds each time you use them and a couple of time during use you can get about five gallons of bullets from one.

[AxeHandle]

Notice how your eyes have started cutting to the bullet molds on the back side of trade tables at gun shows that before the "change" you would have never noticed? Picking them up all the while trying to conceal your interest with that look of disgust on your face... Handling them with your fingertips as if they might get some sort of unspoken contamination on your hands... It is a wonderful hobby... ;D

[kooz]

I've got some LEE molds that are still going strong after 10,000 + bullets. Lube the pins sparingly every so often with a graphite based lube and dont beat the mold to death to get the bullets out and you will be fine. LEE has some excellent molds . The .45acp 230gr TC you mention is an excellent bullet.

[bones507]

Well 10,000 bullets or 5 gallons worth seems like quite a bit and for $40 or less, you cant complain. Im waiting to get my own furnace and stuff so i can do it at my own house. My Wife was giving me grief over the lead fumes and whatnot but i told her i will cast in the backyard so that seemed to molify her, lol.
The lubing process is the only part im not nuts about.