beginner 38 special cast bullets question

Status
Not open for further replies.
larry7293

larry7293

Member
Joined
Jan 8, 2017
Messages
228
In my Lyman reloading book, it calls for reloading 38specials using a cast bullet(158gr) with bullseye powder starting out at 3 grains. My question is can I buy a bullet like this already cast? If I am understanding my manual correctly it gives me a number{358665} which is the number for the mold to cast such a bullet. Lyman only gives me brand names for jacketed bullets.

thanks
 
Google is your friend when it comes to cast lead bullets. There are lots of good casters to buy from. The bullets do not have to be exactly the same bullet as referenced in the load manual. Load up, shoot, have fun.

Lafitte
 
  • Like
Reactions: mdi
Larry,

There are basically 2 factors for you to consider with cast bullets: bullet weight and how much of the bullet is in the case when the bullet is seated. With starting loads, I would not worry about anything other than bullet weight. However, once you start upping the charge weight beyond starting load data charge weights, then you should look into how much of the bullet is inside the case. With revolver loads it is easy; you simply measure from the bullet base to the crimping groove. In the case of the Lyman 358665 bullet, approximately 0.300" of the bullet is inside the case when seated. If you find whatever 158gr bullet you are using is substantially more or less than that, you might want to take that into consideration and act accordingly. Hope that helps.

Don
 
USSR said:
Larry,

There are basically 2 factors for you to consider with cast bullets: bullet weight and how much of the bullet is in the case when the bullet is seated. With starting loads, I would not worry about anything other than bullet weight. However, once you start upping the charge weight beyond starting load data charge weights, then you should look into how much of the bullet is inside the case. With revolver loads it is easy; you simply measure from the bullet base to the crimping groove. In the case of the Lyman 358665 bullet, approximately 0.300" of the bullet is inside the case when seated. If you find whatever 158gr bullet you are using is substantially more or less than that, you might want to take that into consideration and act accordingly. Hope that helps.

Don
Click to expand...
Thanks Don
Could you recommend a good source{ price wise} to order the 158gr bullet from {if I use the bullseye powder 3gr} which would be equivalent or close to the Lyman 358665 bullet?
 
3.0 grains of Bullseye is a good accurate load for .38 swaged lead bullets too. It will also work with 148-158 gr plated bullets.
 
larry7293 said:
Thanks Don
Could you recommend a good source{ price wise} to order the 158gr bullet from {if I use the bullseye powder 3gr} which would be equivalent or close to the Lyman 358665 bullet?
Click to expand...
Walkalong above gave you links for good bullets to load. I think there are more reloaders who buy their Cast bullets than cast their own. The reason Lyman lists every bullet mold is because the mainland sell those molds. Like said above, if the bullet is the same weight and composition using the data is safe. You are not required to use the exact same bullet, that's why they give you a powder charge weight range.

If the bullet is cast and 158gr or close the data us safe to use. Also, with revolver cartridges you crimp into the crimp groove. The COAL listed in the data is for reference, not what you must use. The crimp groove provided by the bullet manufacturer us the correct crimp position for that bullet.
 
Arkansas Paul said:
I second the Missouri Bullets suggestion.
I now cast my own, but was very pleased with their products before I started.
Click to expand...

Looking at the Missouri bullet website I believe I would want the "cowboy#15 38 special since I would be using a henry with a tubular magazine. Not sure what the "RNFP" stands for in the description.
Also could I use the 38match in a tubular magazine? The bullets look fairly flat.

thanks for all your help.
 
larry7293 said:
Not sure what the "RNFP" stands for in the description.
Also could I use the 38match in a tubular magazine? The bullets look fairly flat.

thanks for all your help.
Click to expand...

RNFP stands for round nose flat point.

Either would be safe in a tubular magazine, but the SWC bullets may not feed as well due to the sharp edges.
The RNFP will likely feed more reliably due to there being none of the sharp edges. Everything is rounded off with them.

Some folks have good luck with SWCs in their lever actions though.
 
The old load that almost all bullseye shooters used in the 38 Special was 2.7 grains of
Bullseye with just about any wadcutter bullet. The most accurate seemed to be a
swaged hollow base wadcutter. Guys that mold their own bullets seem to come up
with very accurate stuff as well.
Zeke
 
You have already got good info so I'll just say welcome to THR & let you know that the people at MBC are great to deal with. They also offer us members a discount. They used to offer a sample pack of whatever you want to try. Shipping isn't cheap on small orders but if you can fill a flat rate it makes it more worth while.
 
kingmt said:
You have already got good info so I'll just say welcome to THR & let you know that the people at MBC are great to deal with. They also offer us members a discount. They used to offer a sample pack of whatever you want to try. Shipping isn't cheap on small orders but if you can fill a flat rate it makes it more worth while.
Click to expand...
How do I receive the discount?
thanks
 
I don't remember the code but you can call them & they will give it to you or likely someone will PM you shortly I'd assume.
 
Unless your turned off by the color. Try some powder coated lead bullets. They are less fussy about lube and size. You can push then faster without leading your barrel. Use lead bullet data when loading them.
 
There are hordes of places selling cast bullets on-line. However, you'd be better to buy 'em locally due to shipping costs. Talk to your local gun shop.
"...round nose flat point..." Shaped just like a jacketed HP. There will be descriptions and explanations of terms everything else in your manual. Read it.
The '358665' is just the Lyman mold number. Any 158 grain cast bullet will use the same data.
 
earplug said:
Unless your turned off by the color. Try some powder coated lead bullets. They are less fussy about lube and size. You can push then faster without leading your barrel. Use lead bullet data when loading them.
Click to expand...

Anyone have discount code to use on Missouri bullet website?
thanks
 
Sunray said:
There are hordes of places selling cast bullets on-line. However, you'd be better to buy 'em locally due to shipping costs. Talk to your local gun shop.
"...round nose flat point..." Shaped just like a jacketed HP. There will be descriptions and explanations of terms everything else in your manual. Read it.
The '358665' is just the Lyman mold number. Any 158 grain cast bullet will use the same data.
Click to expand...
Some of the 38sp bullets advertised have a diameter of .358 and other .357. Why the difference in diameter, and does it make a difference?
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

usmc0811
  • Locked
2 different data loads from 2 different books
Replies
20
Views
1K
hdwhit
H
ArchAngelCD
  • Locked
Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook 4th Edition
Replies
7
Views
1K
Iron Sight
Iron Sight
W
  • Locked
Load Question for SWC 38 Special
Replies
6
Views
672
WildeKurt
W
B
  • Locked
Cast vs. plated
Replies
9
Views
1K
SSN Vet
SSN Vet
M
  • Locked
Cast .38 Bullets and Bullseye Powder
Replies
17
Views
4K
ArchAngelCD
ArchAngelCD
Back
Top