New Winchester "Trails End" Model 94 .357 Magnum - Recommend a Mould!

[X-man]

Hey Guys,

I just recently picked up a new (leftover) Winchester Model 94. It is the "Trails End" model with the octagonal bbl, colour-case hard finish and original style curved steel butt plate.

I've go a mess of 1X fired .38 Spl and maybe 500 pcs. of 1X fired .357 Mag brass kicking around. The only mould I have that would work for now is an old RCBS SWC that drops a 150gr bullet.

Was looking at picking up another mould, maybe with a gas check design, to drive my cast loads a little faster. The RCBS mould is a plain base design.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thx. :)

[fecmech]

I have a 94AE in .357 that shoots the Lyman 358429 "Keith" plain base bullet fairly well at 1660 fps. I entered 2, 10 shot groups into one of informal bench rest board shoots. One was 3.25" and the other was 2 7/8" at 100 yds. Not exactly a BR gun but you sure could not blame any missed deer on the gun or the load! With a healthy dose of 296/H110 behind that RCBS 150 gr it might just surprise you.

BTW I spent 15 months at Harmon AFB in 64-65 at Stevensville Newfoundland

[timkelley]

Try that old RCBS SWC in it. My Win 94 loves any SWC boolit I've run thru it.

[X-man]

I have a 94AE in .357 that shoots the Lyman 358429 "Keith" plain base bullet fairly well at 1660 fps. I entered 2, 10 shot groups into one of informal bench rest board shoots. One was 3.25" and the other was 2 7/8" at 100 yds. Not exactly a BR gun but you sure could not blame any missed deer on the gun or the load! With a healthy dose of 296/H110 behind that RCBS 150 gr it might just surprise you.

BTW I spent 15 months at Harmon AFB in 64-65 at Stevensville Newfoundland

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm goin to try the RCBS, but was just looking for an excuse to buy another mould!:D

Fecmech,

Small world, huh? While the last US presence in the province ended in the late 80s -early 90s, when they turned over their Argentia base (provided support to your nuc subs, etc...) the Stephenville base remains in operation as a civilian airport. Its a fully up-to-date, modern facility. Aside from local/domestic flights, a lot of private aircraft and charter flighths land there. Along with Gander, it is a popular landing place for the rich and famous doing a trans-Atlantic run in their G5s, or the jet-set from Europe flying over for a weekend of skiing at Marbel Mt. our luxuriating in their multi-million dollar "chateau" around the Humber Valley.

Did you end up with a local wife like so many other Yanks? I remember chatting with a couple of others on the old Shooters.com board who did!

Anyhow guys, thanks again for the replies!:)

[fecmech]

I had just married my wife before being transferred to Harmon in '64. I rented a little cottage about 2 miles out of town for 2 months in the summer to bring her up and stay with me. We really enjoyed that time and the area around Stephenville together. The winters were sure long and plenty of snowfall, over 250" both winters I was there. Returning from a vacation in England in 1999 we flew right over the base, I couldn't believe it. Good luck with your Winnie.

[HiVelocity]

Listen, you can't beat Ranch Dog's molds, check it out.

I have four of his molds, outstanding!

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=109679

Just my $.02 worth.

HV in SC

[NHlever]

The Lyman 358156 shoots very well in my 94 Legacy .357 mag over heavy doses of H-110, or light charges of TiteGroup if you are looking for a gas check mold. Mine also feeds the big RCBS 35-200-FN seated tot he crimp groove too, though I haven't done much load work with it. Here are some targets shot at 50, and 100 yards with the 358156, and some j-word bullets. Be advised the load you see is really hot I guess. It was listed as a max load in the Lyman #49 manual using a 158 jacketed bullet, but it is over max in all other loading books I've checked since, and I probably will back that one off!