Need Some Load Advice

[BigRix]

Looking to load my very first home cast boolits.

Ideal 358416, weighing in at 155 grains, sized .358 for a .38 Special.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss208/BigRix/Casting/747d1bf6.jpg

This will be shot in my Colt Official Police.

I can find no load data for this boolit but I was planing to use the starting data for the Lyman 358311. I will be loading Unique and would like your advice on a starting load of 4.0gr to 4.2gr.

Before I knew anything about case volume I would not have questioned this decision but I am loading this boolit deep and crimping over the front driving band.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss208/BigRix/Casting/ea42ae13.jpg

If you have shot this boolit before I would especially like to hear from you.

Thanks

[HATCH]

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=45463

I don't have that exact mold but I would start out at 4.5 grains and settle on 5 grains.
4.7 grains is a decent load with a 158 grain.
Pretty much can shoot it in anything.

I load 5.5 grains but its a +p+ load. I shoot in a N - frame. I wouldn't shoot the 5.5 in my j- frame but I have shot 4.5 - 4.7 in my j-frame with no issues.

[zxcvbob]

I haven't shot that bullet but have shot other deep-seated 158 grain bullets (like the Lee 158- RF) 4.5 grains of Unique is a good load, so starting at about 4.2 should be OK. Max load is anywhere from 4.6 to 5 point something, depending on what manual you read.

4.8 is probably a good place to stop.

[canyon-ghost]

Hey, you're first homemade ammo looks pretty good! Bullets are nicely done. Move over guys, we got another bullet caster now.

Ron

[noylj]

Use load data for a heavier bullet. There should be LOTS of 158-160gn data.
With a lead bullet, a 155 is basically exactly the same as a 158 anyway.
Off the Alliant web site:
38 Special
158 gr Speer LSWC:
Minimum OAL(inches) : 1.44
Bbl Length: 6"
Primer: CCI 500
Powder: Unique
Charge Weight (grains): 4.7 Max
Velocity (fps): 815

Reduce by 10% for starting load. If your COL (OAL) is less than 1.44", then reduce another couple of grains

[zxcvbob]

Reduce by 10% for starting load. If your COL (OAL) is less than 1.44", then reduce another couple of grains
Reduce another couple of TENTHS

[Char-Gar]

Frequently on this board, we have folks who are concerned they can't find load data for a specific cast bullet. There are many, many cast bullet designs out there for which there is no specific data.

That really isn't an issue as there is plenty of data for cast bullets in the caliber and weight range of the bullet in question. There is no lack of such data.

Unless one is pushing the pressure red line with a bullet there is really no need for specific data. There are so many variables in bullets, alloys and firearms that a person should always start with the load book suggested starting loads and work up. Do this and just about any cast bullet data of the same caliber and weight range will suffice.

In your case Lyman 358311 would be a good place to get starting data.

In the days of yore, the above was understood and didn't produce the angst that the current crop of shooters seem to have.

[MT Gianni]

Chargar asid what you need to know. The only thing I would add to weight is to match bearing surface.

[1Shirt]

Yep, agree with Charger! (as usual)
1Shirt!:coffee:

[btroj]

Chargar, that is exactly how I get much of the load data I use. I agree entirely that as long as you are not redlining things it doesn't matter much if the bullet is slightly heavier or lighter.
This is where common sense comes into play.

[Owen49]

I just sent a chunk of cash off to ebay for a vintage Ideal 358416 mould with handles. I found one about 3 years ago with handles at the same place. To my knowledge, they only came in single cavity so I'll make a double cavity by bribing a friend with porkchops, fried taters & homemade wine to come over and cast with me. I intend to cast from reclaimed shot and lube with a beeswax and tallow mixture and push them downrange with FFFg to see what happens.