MI2600
Member
If you ever have the opportunity to load .38LC, or any other caliber, with heel bullets...PASS IT UP!
I just spent the better part of four hours loading 50 rounds. First, you have to find the cast bullets. I found Gad and Alpha Bravo Mfg as sources. Because of backlogs, and me being a exceptionally smart shopper, I ordered 300 bullets from each. During that process, I learned my .38LC dies can't be used to crimp the bullets. I had to order a special crimper from Old West Bullet Moulds...another $50+.
The Alpha bullets came in fairly promptly. (I have no idea what Gad has been doing the last two months.) Of course the bullets weren't lubed. Another new experience! These bullets are lubed on the outside of the case, not inside as usual. Messy. While that was drying, I trimmed some .38 Spl brass down to .900 per instructions.
After the usual sizing, flaring, etc, I went through 4-5 sources for a AOL. All differed. The bullets have two cannelures, however, only the one near the base was .358". Using the other would bulge the case so it wouldn't chamber. That means only a little less than 3/16" is actually in the case.
The next and most irritating task was figuring out the crimp die set-up. The special crimp die is a modified Lee crimper with a height-adjustable shell holder. Let the swearing begin!! Maybe I'm a little dense, but it took me the better part of an hour to figure it out. (Well, that includes a couple coffee breaks to quell my frustrations.)
That accomplished, I finished. In total, I ruined three bullets and kinked one case in the process. For my first attempt I can honestly say it was about as much fun as whipping yourself with barbed wire.
I just spent the better part of four hours loading 50 rounds. First, you have to find the cast bullets. I found Gad and Alpha Bravo Mfg as sources. Because of backlogs, and me being a exceptionally smart shopper, I ordered 300 bullets from each. During that process, I learned my .38LC dies can't be used to crimp the bullets. I had to order a special crimper from Old West Bullet Moulds...another $50+.
The Alpha bullets came in fairly promptly. (I have no idea what Gad has been doing the last two months.) Of course the bullets weren't lubed. Another new experience! These bullets are lubed on the outside of the case, not inside as usual. Messy. While that was drying, I trimmed some .38 Spl brass down to .900 per instructions.
After the usual sizing, flaring, etc, I went through 4-5 sources for a AOL. All differed. The bullets have two cannelures, however, only the one near the base was .358". Using the other would bulge the case so it wouldn't chamber. That means only a little less than 3/16" is actually in the case.
The next and most irritating task was figuring out the crimp die set-up. The special crimp die is a modified Lee crimper with a height-adjustable shell holder. Let the swearing begin!! Maybe I'm a little dense, but it took me the better part of an hour to figure it out. (Well, that includes a couple coffee breaks to quell my frustrations.)
That accomplished, I finished. In total, I ruined three bullets and kinked one case in the process. For my first attempt I can honestly say it was about as much fun as whipping yourself with barbed wire.
