Shot Mold Single-cavity ball mold. Riflemen used shot molds to manufacture or cast their own rifle shot. Round lead balls were made in the mold. The soldier poured hot molten lead into the mold's cavity. After the lead had cooled, the shot was removed and a new ball cast. Iron. L 12.1 cm The George C. Neumann Collection, Valley Forge National Historical Park, VAFO 1788