Schwing
Member
I have never done any bullet casting before but I am not really content ordering bullets 4-6 weeks in advance and then, occasionally, getting projectiles that are not too great. I have melting tools and ladles that I inherited so really just need molds. I would probably start out with a .38/357 and get comfortable with that before moving on to others.
My first question is off-topic but, since I need to choose molds, I would like to sort this out. I am still really unclear as to whether SWCs are actually more accurate than RN bullets. I know they punch prettier holes but are they more accurate? If I don't care about the holes, is RN better (I fully understand that RN cycle more reliably in semi-autos)?
Having said that, I am looking for mold recommendations. Does anyone have a .38/.357 mold that has been tried and true? I prefer something around 158 grains but I see a lot of molds around 125 grains that claim to be good for 9MM as well.... Good/bad idea? For that matter, I will eventually be casting .380, 9mm and .45ACP so any recommendations there would be appreciated as well. What about aluminum vs. Steel molds?
On another side note, I have a couple of Berettas that have barrels that run a little big (about .357). If I have a mold that throws .358 rounds can I still use those in my other guns that run around .355 or is that going to cause problems?
Thanks for all of you guys who have been helping me out over the last few weeks. I am not new to shooting but have only been reloading for about 8 months. Some of the information I have been able to glean from you long time reloaders has been invaluable.
My first question is off-topic but, since I need to choose molds, I would like to sort this out. I am still really unclear as to whether SWCs are actually more accurate than RN bullets. I know they punch prettier holes but are they more accurate? If I don't care about the holes, is RN better (I fully understand that RN cycle more reliably in semi-autos)?
Having said that, I am looking for mold recommendations. Does anyone have a .38/.357 mold that has been tried and true? I prefer something around 158 grains but I see a lot of molds around 125 grains that claim to be good for 9MM as well.... Good/bad idea? For that matter, I will eventually be casting .380, 9mm and .45ACP so any recommendations there would be appreciated as well. What about aluminum vs. Steel molds?
On another side note, I have a couple of Berettas that have barrels that run a little big (about .357). If I have a mold that throws .358 rounds can I still use those in my other guns that run around .355 or is that going to cause problems?
Thanks for all of you guys who have been helping me out over the last few weeks. I am not new to shooting but have only been reloading for about 8 months. Some of the information I have been able to glean from you long time reloaders has been invaluable.