Question about a couple of Lee molds

[dow]

Man, I hope I put this in the right place. :)

I'm fixing to start casting for 9mm, and I've got a couple of questions that maybe you fellers can help me with. I've slugged my barrel, and it measures about .3565 (Best guess with a set of calipers that measure in thousandths). With that in mind, I'm looking at either the Lee 356-120-TC or the 358-125-RF, depending on how much oversized the molds throw the bullets. I'll be running straight WW if that makes a difference in cast boolit diameter. Anyway, on to my questions.


Does anybody here use either of these molds?
If so, how much oversize are they throwing boolits with straight ww?
SInce I'm planning on sizing to .357, would the 356-120-TC work?
If not, will the 358-125-RF resize to .357. and if so, has anyone run them in a CZ?
Finally, what top punches will work with each of these boolits?


I realize that there might be better choices in boolit molds, but right now, I can't afford NEI or LBT or any of those high priced guys, and like a lot of folks, I'd like to get by as inexpensively as possible for now.

Thanks for your help, and for all of the great information here.

dow

[TAWILDCATT]

I think the 358-125 is to blunt,looks like it for cow boy shooters.you know the 356 trunk was the original bullet for 9mm.I have one in modern bond mold and it worked fine

[Buckshot]

..............What kind of pistol are you loading for? I'd think that any boolit design aimed at the 9x19 in a weight of 115 to 125grs should be a fine one to start with. You were wise to slug the barrel first! The author Mike Venturino some years back spent a looooooooong time trying to get a 9mm pistol shooting. He was sizing to the 'Spec' diam of .355" and his pistol needed them sized to .357".

You can also size down suitable slugs for your semi-auto that were designed for the 38 Special too. That is, if you find your pistol doesn't have any feed issues and such.

http://www.fototime.com/94E23D0AC147FC1/standard.jpg

As an example, my Witness pistol in 38 Super handles this well. The RCBS 38-162gr SWC. I have to size to .358".

..............Buckshot

[dow]

..............What kind of pistol are you loading for? I'd think that any boolit design aimed at the 9x19 in a weight of 115 to 125grs should be a fine one to start with.

I'm shooting a CZ Rami. It's a compact/subcompact gun with a pretty short barrel. Rifling is 1 in 9.75" CZ's are notoriously short throated, although mine will handle most factory ammo without problems. I've been loading Berry's plated 124 gr. HP's and had to set them back some due to the shape since they've got a fairly long bearing surface and a short, straight taper. Here's what they look like:

http://www.berrysmfg.com/images/bullets/thumbs/9mm-124-HP.jpg

Anyway, I'd kind of like to stay away from RN boolits just because I prefer a flat nose or HP. That's why I was looking at the Lee 124 TC and the 125 RF. I think that the RF looks rounded enough to feed reliably, but would still have a flat face... Did I read correctly that that's called a meplat? Odd name.

[dubber123]

If you think it will feed, I'd go with the 125 RF. I think it's alot easier to size them down a bit than to get them to grow if the mold casts undersize. I would say you are looking at sizing at .357 to .358, and the 356 Lee may not cast that fat. Good luck!

[richbug]

From personal experience loading for a CZ.

They will feed anything with factory magazines, even empty cases.

CZ throats are very tight, and to use that TC bullet you need to load very short which decreases available powder space and increases pressure. The RN bullet is a better choice IMHO, or throat your barrel.

[dow]

Thanks, everybody for all for the advice. I placed my order with Midway last night for the 358-125-RF mold, along with a lyman .357 sizer and #430 top punch. Should ship today, and be here sometime next week. If the post office cooperates, my new-to-me gift 450 lubrisizer will be here by then, too.

[USARO4]

I use the Lee 356-120-TC 6 banger. As cast the bullets measure .357, I size them to .356 for use in a Ruger Blackhawk convertible. I like the mold.