Cast Bullet & Bullet Mold Questions

[steveumd]

I am down to my last box of Carroll Bullets 160 grain .357 lead bevel base SWC. I liked this bullet.

Does anyone have a recommendation of a substitute? --> Indoor target load .38SPL

Also, a recommendation of a bullet mold and alloy recommendation for an accurate .38SPL (.357)? --> same, Indoor target load .38SPL

Thanks to all who reply.

Steve

 

[DukeInFlorida]

Um.... buy a mold that creates something similar, and MAKE YOUR OWN from wheel weights.

Be sure to attend our cast bullet workshop in the Spring. Soup to nuts how to do it!

In the meantime, I'm sure we have some people close to you who would let you participate next time they are running a mold.

 

[Patriot]

I am down to my last box of Carroll Bullets 160 grain .357 lead bevel base SWC. I liked this bullet.

Does anyone have a recommendation of a substitute? --> Indoor target load .38SPL

Also, a recommendation of a bullet mold and alloy recommendation for an accurate .38SPL (.357)? --> same, Indoor target load .38SPL

Thanks to all who reply.

Steve

148gr WC Lyman 358091, 358063.

http://www.castpics.net/Lymans/Lymans.htm

 

[NavelOfficer]

Saeco has a #388 or #393 http://redding-reloading.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=88:bullet-moulds-charts
Hensley and Gibbs #48, 51, 290 and 801BB give you the bb and swc. #49 might work, too. http://hgmould.gunloads.com/casting/hgmoldchart.htm
RCBS doesn't seem to have a bb, but they do have the following SWC or CM bullets 140g to 158g: 82032, 82065, 82304 and 82305
https://shop.rcbs.com/WebConnect/Ma...=CategoryDisplay&categoryId=C12J059&route=C12
Although not bb, Lee has the 358-158-RF. The RNFP or TC profiles will not make the crisp, clean hole in paper, but they chamber much more readily from your speedloaders.

I've got an NEI 148 358 that makes a 162g TC bullet that is super slick on the reloads. The Lee 356-125-TC should drop a bullet for .358" applications albeit a bit lighter than you desire. Neither have the bevel base though.

Does your indoor range require cast bullets? If not, have you ever considered a lead-free approach all together, namely SinterFire frangibles? They have a SF38-125-RNFP and a SF38-108-RHHP that work quite well for me. Since I do enough casting, I don't suppose the lead-frees remove any appreciable lead exposure from me, but it is another option for the reloader without the lead issue.

 

[steveumd]

Thanks Patriot and Naval Officer for the posts. I have been reloading the lead because of cost and the decent performance I have achieved. I have not loaded frangibles and will have to give them a try.

I intend to take the casting class in the spring. It has been a while since I have dug out the furnace, pigs and cast my own. I appreciate the advice and your sharing your knowledge/experience.

Steve

 

[Bob J]

I have to say my favorite is the 358429.... Normally not a bevel base but nice and heavy (168 grains) and a good shooter... Classic Keith design..... Only caveat is some revolvers require crimping on the front drive band.... Good discussion thread on the "best" 38spl/357 cast bullet here:

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=93198&highlight=358429

Would recommend that you look into the group buys over on Cast Boolits.... The multicavity molds available there make a lot of great bullets in a very short amount of time....

NOE has a 5 cavity group buy 358429 mold you can buy here:

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=91999

I typically cast these straight WW water dropped and they work great..... Have not tried a softer alloy so can't comment on other alloy options....

Be sure and slug your barrel and size your bullets appropriately.... Highly recommend using an M Die for belling your brass.... Makes it easy to load (no need for a bevel base) and ensures the bullet maintains the correct diameter....

Highly recommend Duke's workshop.... Lots of great insight into the process and hands on experience.....

 

[DukeInFlorida]

Just so we are all on the same page, the lead projectiles that you would be casting are BULLETS, not heads. Some people who cast them refer to them as BOOLITS. Either is fine (as far as I am concerned), but referring to them as heads implies that you call the whole assembly a bullet, which isn't correct.

Regarding alloy: I would suggest that either straight wheel weights, or a mixture of 50% wheel weights and 50% pure lead (results in slightly softer bullets) would be fine for your needs. It depends on how much pure lead you have available.

I hear that BadLuther is going to be officially making some of his linotype and pure lead available for sale soon. Anyone interested should PM him asap.

Thanks Patriot and Naval Officer for the posts. I have been reloading the lead because of cost and the decent performance I have achieved. I have not loaded frangibles and will have to give them a try.

I intend to take the casting class in the spring. It has been a while since I have dug out the furnace, pigs and cast my own heads. I appreciate the advice and your sharing your knowledge/experience.

Steve