Missouri Bullet for 38 and 357

[nix4me]

I noticed Missouri Bullet sells different 158gr SWC bullets for 38 and 357. Seems the only difference is the hardness; Brinell 12 vs 18. What are your thoughts on buying the 357 Brinell 18 bullets and shooting them in both 38 and 357 cases? One gun, Taurus 357 Mag.

 

[Rule3]

I usually just buy the softer alloys. I shoot more target loads and an have no real need to crank up the 357 Mag. I do have some of them for those "special occasions"

I have asked Brad (owner) about why the 45 ACP bullets are the same hard alloy as the 357 Mag. I makes no sense to me.? He has run some softer 230 gr RN in the 12 BHN. But as bust as they are now it is a long wait for special orders.

Anyway, I just as soon use the softer 12 BHN which is still hard enough in 38 and target 357.

 

[ljnowell]

I buy the harder ones for full bore 357 mag. I also load them down to 38 special levels and do not experience any leading. Thats primarily because they fit my guns well, and because when I use them I use Power pistol loaded near max for 38 spcl.

 

[moxie]

I've had better luck with the BHN 18 bullets in both calibers.

 

[SDGlock23]

I've used that exact bullet in 38 Spcl and 357 Mag with no issues, I'd go with the harder alloy.

 

[Hondo 60]

The 18 BHN bullets are too hard for 38 Special.
IF the bullet is .002-.003: bigger than the barrel, you may get away without leading.

If it's not perfect, you will get some leading.

 

[Magnum Shooter]

The softer alloy works with both for me but, I only crank up the 357 with jacketed bullets.

 

[maclords]

I've used both and now will stick with the softer ones for all pressure/velocities. I guess both ways have worked for different people.

 

[627PCFan]

I use the 18BHN .357 SWC's, and can use the same in 38 specials in the my 357 without leading. When I switch to the same 38 specials in my 638, i get plenty of leading for the 1st .5 inch of the barrel.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

BNH 12 for the 38 specials
BNH 18 for the 38/44's and 357 Magnums.

I get a bit of leading with the 18's in my 357 Maximums but other than that they are good bullets.

 

[nix4me]

Thanks for all of the posts. I think I will just use both types and not try to use just one. The 12's for 38 and 18's for 357.