Hard Cast versus Soft

[Northrunner]

For my .38 I have been using HSM 158 gr. LSWC. For my .357 I use Hornady 158 gr. FP/XTP. I need some more of the LSWC but my supplier is out. They do have the same thing in a "hard cast". Is there a down side to using the hard cast? I would not think my .38 or the .357 would care which I used for targets. I could push them faster than the softs without leading problems in the .357. They might work good as a defensive load (think black bears) in the woods.

Any thoughts? Anybody know the BHN rating of these HSM 158 gr. LSWC hard cast?
How fast could I push them in my .357 before I get leading problems?
Thanks...

 

[ljnowell]

Without knowing the BHN for sure it would be hard to tell how fast you can push them. You seem to be happy with your current provider, but if you are willing to try I can give you plenty of advice on Missouri Bullet Company's bullets, especially in 357/38.

 

[rcmodel]

+1 on Missouri Bullets.

http://www.missouribullet.com/index.php

He can provide BNH 12 for .38 Special, and BNH 18 for .357 Magnum.

You may run into leading problems trying to use hard-cast bullets in the low pressure .38 Spl. because they will be too hard to obturate, or bump up to fill the chamber throats & bore at that pressure level.
Gas cutting & melted lead will result.

rc

 

[Jesse Heywood]

I have had no problems shooting the MBC 357 Action, 158 gr. LSWC, 18 BHN. I have pushed them to 1,200-1,300 fps.

 

[MMCSRET]

I cast my own; as an example, I use 50/50 wheel weights and lead. BHN is very soft, certainly not over 10. My bullets are plain base sized to fit the revolver, lubed with a good quality lube(varies from time to time). I have no problem pushing them to full velocity potential using 2400, A#9, H110; in 357, 41, 44 Mag, in revolvers and carbines.
It matters more how your bullets fir your gun than it does how hard they are; ask me how I know, I made all the mistakes and wasted a lot of hard alloy before I figured it out.