[mikld]

I agree with both Snuffy's posts. For a beginning caster there is enough things to think about than the added "difficulty" of a 6-banger (mold temp, melt temp, alloy, mold cleanliness, etc.). I'd suggest a 2 cavity mold to get your casting techniques down pat, and when that gets too slow, get a 6 cavity mold (I haven't found the need after casting for 8 years. I enjoy casting bullets and if it takes me an extra 1/2 hour to get my "quota", oh well, 1/2 hour more fun).

Alox lubing is no more messy than you want to be. I thin my xlox with mineral spirits and it dries unsticky and is easier to apply (a light coat is all that's necessary). I don't slop it on my bench or get it on my hands and I wipe it off my fingers with paper towels, so it's not a mess...