Cast Results - First Shoot

[TechAlG]

First time out with my own work. I've been shooting commercial cast for years, so I figured it was time to make my own. Started with a Lee 125 Gr, .358" RNFP. Mine drop at at 135 Gr.

Started with 38 Special loads, in my S&W Model 13 (357 Mag). Worked up from 3.0 Gr of Titegroup to 3.5 Gr, 6 rounds of each, offhand, at 15 yards.

Group Results:
3.0 4"
3.1 3.75"
3.2 3.5"
3.3 3"
3.4 2.5"
3.5 2"

None of these groups were any worse than I've seen with commercial cast, and a 2" group made my day. It is at least as accurate as I am.

Tried the same loads in my Charter Arms snubnose 38 Special. For some reason, I can't seem to hit very well with this gun, but the 3.5 gr load brought my group down to 6". I'll take it.

Now, for the really fun part. I loaded a batch up in 9mm, for my Ruger P95 DC. (The barrel slugs at .357", which is probably why commercial 9mm isn't too accurate for me). At 3.0 gr, my group was 1.75". Looks like I have some more casting to do.

No leading is evident, whatsoever. The guns are a bit more smoky, probably due to the LLA.

Now to make the Lee 102 Gr .356" RNFP work the wife's .380...

[MtGun44]

Yep, Alox is reported to be the smoke source.

Good job. The Lee 105 is a WONDERFUL design for 9mm and .38 Spl, only very limited
experience with the .380 with this one, all good - except for one too hot load of Clays that
we won't talk about here.

Bill

[mooman76]

It's common for a snubbie not to shoot that great. Your's was quite exeptible though.

[TechAlG]

It's common for a snubbie not to shoot that great. Your's was quite exeptible though.

A 6" group, offhand, at 15 yards. You have no idea how happy this makes me with this gun. This is the first handgun I ever shot; it was my dad's service revolver when he was in LE. He could shoot soda cans every shot at 25 yards; I have been lucky to hit a paper target.