After handloading automatic pistol for about a year, I'm ready to start on .38/.357. I measured and sorted 500 cases while I watched LSU/Alabama on the tube last Saturday- :banghead:
Most were 1.2765, 1.277 and a couple of groups longer. A few less than 1.2765 I may trim down for .38. The manual lists 1.280 as the trim length, but only a handful were that long to begin with. (Before measuring, I sized, uniformed the flash hole and uniformed the primer pocket).
I was going to trim to 1.277, but last night all the ones that were 1.277 are now 1.2765! Thermal change? I'm using a Wilson Sinclair trimmer, so I can pretty well hit whatever length I want to. I'll be loading 158 gr Gold Dots and, if David Long makes them soon, 158 grain (or so) Precision Bullets. Which brings up my questions:
1: will a 1.2765 trim work well in .357? Can't list the exact load, but my experience has been best groups are maybe a step or 2 down from max.
2: will a Lee FCD with its roll crimp work on a lead non-cannelure bullet? If he makes the Precision Bullets, Long's existing .38 product indicates to use a taper crimp. I think I read the Lee FCD will produce a cannelure if there is none. Is that correct? If I cant get them I'll probably go Rainier or lead wadcutters- haven't decided at this point.
Thanks for reading..........
Most were 1.2765, 1.277 and a couple of groups longer. A few less than 1.2765 I may trim down for .38. The manual lists 1.280 as the trim length, but only a handful were that long to begin with. (Before measuring, I sized, uniformed the flash hole and uniformed the primer pocket).
I was going to trim to 1.277, but last night all the ones that were 1.277 are now 1.2765! Thermal change? I'm using a Wilson Sinclair trimmer, so I can pretty well hit whatever length I want to. I'll be loading 158 gr Gold Dots and, if David Long makes them soon, 158 grain (or so) Precision Bullets. Which brings up my questions:
1: will a 1.2765 trim work well in .357? Can't list the exact load, but my experience has been best groups are maybe a step or 2 down from max.
2: will a Lee FCD with its roll crimp work on a lead non-cannelure bullet? If he makes the Precision Bullets, Long's existing .38 product indicates to use a taper crimp. I think I read the Lee FCD will produce a cannelure if there is none. Is that correct? If I cant get them I'll probably go Rainier or lead wadcutters- haven't decided at this point.
Thanks for reading..........