358242 in 38spl for long line

[Agentr]

Desperately trying to get an old K38 shooting well with something other than a HBWC or WC. I have tried some other varieties but still having trouble getting under 3" at 50yds. I heard from a buddy that the Lyman 358242 120g RN shoots incredibly well in the K 38. He has since misplaced his mold (loaned it out and forgot who) so no I am looking to try some. Anybody got some of these 358242 120g RN made up and sized .358? I am willing to send you a few bucks to try 50 or so rds.

[Hamish]

Agent, also place this same post in The Boolit Exchange, subforum in the Swapping and Selling forum:

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/forumdisplay.php?49-The-Boolit-Exchange

Good luck.

[fecmech]

Agentr--I would be happy to send you some Lee 120TC bullets that shoot less than 2"@ 50 yds out of my K-38. PM me with your address.

[Le Loup Solitaire]

Hi and welcome to the forum. The lyman 358242 is a design that has been around for a long rime. I have used it in my K-38s, my M28s and 9mm Luger. It shoots well in all. By well I mean accurately; no hot rod loads, just medium MV from 700 to 900 fps. It is easy to cast and feeds reliably. I use straight wheelweight metal- No need to quench or heat treat and no special lube required. it also works well in the 357 Mag but again have used it only in light to moderate loadings as previously mentioned from 25 to 50 yards. Its worked well for me as decribed so never had a need to push it faster. LLS

[Agentr]

Thanks for all the input. It's been helpful. I have found the magic bullet. LEE 358-140-SWC 1.24" at 50 yards... repeatable! 3.4g 700X, std OAL, rem SPP, Mixed Brass Ransom Rest. A close second at 1.74" was the Lyman 358242 (sized at .358) 3.5 BE ...etc..! I tried this bullet with the 700X load as well. It just shot better with BE. the 140-SWC shot better w/ 700X. Both shot OK with 231/Hp38. Let me know if anyone has more questions on results.Tried the 358477 (I have approx 1000 of them) and never could break the 3" mark with these. Keith style 158g were abysmal at best. An honorable mention goes the the 358 125 RNFP. 3.5"-4"...surprising for a cowboy bullet. Note* ALL testing done at 50 yds from Ransom Rest. All bullets tried with all of the following 3.5g BE, 4.2g BE... 3.4g 700X, 3.8g 700X,.... 3.7g, 3.4g 231/Hp38 Bullets tested: 358477, 358429, 358242, 358156, LEE Designs: 120g TC, 140g SWC, 158g SWC,125g RF, 150g SWC, 158g RN, H&G #50 (almost as good result as 140g SWC) THe only bullet that came close was the HBWC in any variety you want (loaded 3.1g 700X)