Lee 358-105 SWC in 9mm

[tomme boy]

Anyone try this boolit in a 9mm? What was the result?

[Echd]

Mine should be here tomorrow, so I'm likewise interested.

[Artful]

I've used it for years - works well in Browning Hipower, SigSauer, Taurus and a few others - seating depth may need to be adjusted to your weapon.
I also use in 38 spl, 357 mag and have even been know to put it in light loads in 358 wcf Savage 99 [smilie=1:

[10milg29]

I just ordered one of these. I've heard of nothing but great accuracy in 9mm. We shall see!

[MTtimberline]

I'm looking up the bullet profile now as this has me curious...

[acguy45]

I have this mold and it works very well in 9mm, plus the fact its a lighter weight bullet really stretches out a pound of lead. I just wish I got the six cavity mold I can definitely shoot them up faster than I cast them.

[tomme boy]

For the ones that already have them. What are your molds throwing for diameter?

[fatelk]

My older 2 cavity mold (105swc) drops at about .359. I was pleasantly surprised because many of my other Lee molds were more on the smaller side. I haven't loaded any in 9mm yet though.

BTW, that .45 mold I bought from you recently is perfect; One of the nicest molds I've used!

[bgokk]

I have the 6 cavity and with both WW/little tin and 50/50 (WW/Pb) they drop right at .359"
The WW Weigh 108.9 G the 50/50 weigh 110.0 G

[MtGun44]

My first mold, bought in 1976, used to feed my Browning HP for a long time.

Good mold, pretty much a scaled down H&G 68 for the 9mm.

Bill

[evan price]

Have it in six cav. Size it 357. Works great even in 380.

[dudel]

I have one (2cav) I bought for .380. Have not tried it in 9mm; but now you guys got me thinkings. Seems like a good way to stretch the lead.

[gefiltephish]

I bought this mold recently for 380. The bullets will not work in our Sig 238 though. Tried 'em in the Smith 642 and they worked fine, but poi was a couple of inches lower than 158's at only 7yds. I took the remainder that I had already cast and powder coated them and will load them for 9mm, but haven't fired any yet. Like others, I figure if nothing else it'll help stretch my lead out.

[Beerd]

A couple of Lee bullets

94151
..

[garym1a2]

I tested some a week ago powder coated them, loaded with tha light charge of bulseye and they seems quite accurate. Very soft recoil. Nice big round holes in paper.

I only shot 18 of them and no malfunctions in my Glock 34.

Only downside is I propablly will not make minor power facture with it.

[acguy45]

my mold drops them at between .359/.360 I size them to .358 to run in my 9mm. I don't recall the weight as I haven't cast any out of this mold in awhile. I have been getting the stuff together to try my hand at powder coating as I am getting slight leading in my 9mm.

[Echd]

Received my mold today and cast several hundred. I don't know why but Lee molds seem to break in so much faster than anyone else's- 2 pours and I was getting keepers, and I think outside of the first two casts I threw back maybe 4.

Either way, it's a cool looking bullet, but bullets that light are a bit outside of my comfort range. I have some load data for .38 spec that will work fine, but what can a .357 do with these?

I have several pounds of power pistol that I have never found a use for, and would really like to use them in SOMETHING, but I'm not sure if it's appropriate. It's a 10mm and .40 powder first and foremost, but I shoot neither of those, and was hoping I could use it in .357.

[A pause for the COZ]

Yes indeed I do. I love this little whacker of a boolet. I use them in my 38, 357, .380 and now my 9mm.
here is a image of some I powder coated for my 9. But my gun seems to prefer them sized to .356 standard lubed, then a light coat of LEE tumble lube.

These also make a good load for a Rossi 357, lever gun Out to 50 yards. out to a 100 yards they tend to loose stability. But to 50 they shoot clover leafs.

Get your self a 6 cavity and drop a pile of boolets fast.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d66/Kelly2215/101_9121_zpsb4b64e6e.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d66/Kelly2215/100_8351.jpg

[Thumbcocker]

.38 or .357 brass in the Rossi?

[acguy45]

Yes indeed I do. I love this little whacker of a boolet. I use them in my 38, 357, .380 and now my 9mm.
here is a image of some I powder coated for my 9. But my gun seems to prefer them sized to .356 standard lubed, then a light coat of LEE tumble lube.

These also make a good load for a Rossi 357, lever gun Out to 50 yards. out to a 100 yards they tend to loose stability. But to 50 they shoot clover leafs.

Get your self a 6 cavity and drop a pile of boolets fast.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d66/Kelly2215/101_9121_zpsb4b64e6e.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d66/Kelly2215/100_8351.jpg


those came out really good did you tumble them or use an ESC gun on those?

[A pause for the COZ]

.38 or .357 brass in the Rossi?

I use the same load with both 38 and 357 brass. Shooting makes no difference.
The 357 brass does cycle in the action much better though so I have been loading those more often.

[A pause for the COZ]

those came out really good did you tumble them or use an ESC gun on those?

Harbor Freight gun, I wanted to learn by getting as consistent coating as possible. Besides they had a 20% off coupon :-)

[45-70 Chevroner]

I have this mold and it works very well in 9mm, plus the fact its a lighter weight bullet really stretches out a pound of lead. I just wish I got the six cavity mold I can definitely shoot them up faster than I cast them.
That would depend on how long your casting sessions are. LOL. Although I do have it in a six cavity and my first session produced 1500 good ones in about 3 1/2 hours. It's a really nice light boolit for the 38 Special and saves lead too. A load of 3.0grs of Bullseye is a great starting point. I don't have a 9mm so can't comment on that.

[rexherring]

They feed and shoot well in my Bersa .380 and Rossi .38SP. Nice little bullet and always seems to be accurate. Mine also throws them at .359 so I size them .358 for both of my guns.

[acguy45]

I'm going to start out with the dry tumble method when I get back home to see how it works out for me I got a new toaster oven not even unpacked yet and some harbor freight red. My casting sessions are no where near as long as I would like them to be and then I have to take pauses quite often as I find myself away from the house due to training and such.

[45-70 Chevroner]

What is Harbor Freight Red? What is it used for?

[Garyshome]

I couldn't get in my S&W. Boolit too big!

[acguy45]

What is Harbor Freight Red? What is it used for?
it is red powder coat paint from harbor freight tools that a lot of people have been having pretty good results coating they're boolits with from what I have read here.

[Boolseye]

The only issue I've seen with this boolit is feeding problems in my p226, but I think that I just need a firmer crimp.

[Spawn-Inc]

They are a bit of a pain to load for 9mm, but that could just be my dies. Otherwise I like them in 9mm alot, I've shot about 200 of them in my stock glock barrel sized to 0.357".

In the picture below it's over crimped, I just use it to setup my dies.

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo304/Spawn-Inc/Reloading/2013-12-10174301_zps086bd002.jpg

[Boolseye]

Thank you Spawn-Inc.
What is that other boolit–is that a NOE 135?
-BE

[Jal5]

Been having good success with the 105s in my 9mm S&W Shield, just tumble lubed 2x with 45-45-10 over a little Bullseye. Sized to .357
And I use them alot in 38 spl too. Joe

[Spawn-Inc]

Thank you Spawn-Inc.
What is that other boolit–is that a NOE 135?
-BE

yup, works just as good too!

[fralic76]

A friend gave me a 100 of those to try before i buy the mold. I sized them to .356 and lubed with LLA, I put 4.4grs of unique under them. I have not had time to try them out yet. I only loaded 5 to try out first.

[MtGun44]

Be worried about .356 diam. This frequently leads and tumbles, which is why most use .357 or .358.

BUT - it does work fine in some guns.

Bill

[tazman]

I just got back from the range where I put 50 of them through my pt92. No failures to feed and good accuracy. Easy to tell where you hit. Those nice clean holes.

[Bullwolf]

I use the Lee 358-105-SWC in 9mm as well as 38/357.

For 9mm I size boolits at .358 & tumble lube with 45-45-10. It works quite well.

Here is another pic of the 358-105-SWC in 9mm.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=91449&d=1360126151






- Bullwolf

[Jal5]

Bullwolf those look just like mine :) except my brass isn't nearly so shiny! going downstairs to load up a bunch this afternoon. Joe

[KCcactus]

I've been using the Lee 105gr, sized .356, in my Springfield XD9. It works well. It also makes a nice plinking round in 38/357.

[tomme boy]

What is everyone seating these to in your 9mm? I am having feed problems with mine.

[tazman]

What is everyone seating these to in your 9mm? I am having feed problems with mine.

I needed to seat mine a little deeper than I would have expected to get them to feed. Only a little of the top drive band exposed. Similar to the large picture posted above.

[sandman228]

I casted up 850 of these a few weeks ago loaded 50 of them in 357 cases 10 each with 5 different powders . herco and 2400 seemed to shoot the best out of my s&w 686, I also used 4227,700x,and bullseye . I loaded 50 of them in 9mm cases (sized at .356)with 3.8 gr of pb and attempted to shoot them from my sr9c . it was a jam o matic every other shot jam I attempted 2 mags full it was pointless . they did however shoot great out of the 9mm cylinder in my ruger blackhawk 357-9mm convertable

[tomme boy]

I tried and tried to get these to work in my gun. I played with the length and crimp all over the place. As long as I only loaded 6 in my 13 round mag, they would work. The gun is a clone of the CZ 75 compact.

[tazman]

What did the ones that didn't load correctly do exactly?

[220]

I haven't had any success with these in 9mm, tried some that I hiteked the other day feed fine accuracy was still terrible 25m groups could be measured in feet but they were at least all on the target this time.
Out of a 686 revolver using 38 cases I can keep 10 shot groups under 2" at 25m.
In 357 cases from a marlin 1894 pushing them at around 1100fps 50m groups are 1 1/2".
Shot a few rabbits with this combination and it works well.

[tomme boy]

Stove piping. When they made to the chamber they shot good. But I don't like my handguns to be a single shot.

[MtGun44]

Work perfectly for years in a Browning HP.

Bill

[kenn]

Is there a commercial bullet that this is close to for using a base starting point to work up a charge from for 9MM? I've got bullseye and unique and will start casting from this mold very soon and would like a good starting point in both of those powders. Will be shooting through a walther 9mm.

This is the only thing I can find (from Handloader Issue #255). It has load data for a 104gr bullet (close enough) but I see some stating 3.0 to start which is well off 4.0 below.



Warning! Notes: Test gun was a SIG Sauer P226 9mm Luger with a 4.4-inch barrel. All velocities measured approximately 10 feet from muzzle using an Oehler Model 35P chronograph. Ambient temperatures varied from approximately 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Loads assembled using Winchester 9mm Luger brass and CCI 500 standard Small Pistol primers. No reduction in overall cartridge length (OAL) is recommended. Any change in components requires powder charge reduction. This data is intended for use only by persons experienced in the proper and safe practice of handloading ammunition. (Handloader Issue #255 - October-November, 2008)



Be Alert: Publisher cannot be responsible for errors in published load data.




Wt.
Bullet
Powder Manufacturer
Powder
Charge
Velocity (FPS)


104
Lyman 356632
Alliant
Bullseye
4.0
1128


Remarks: overall loaded length (inches): 1.03


104
Lyman 356632
Hodgdon
Titegroup
3.8
1115


Remarks: overall loaded length (inches): 1.03


104
Lyman 356632
Accurate
AAC-5
5.5
986


Remarks: overall loaded length (inches): 1.03; poor accuracy

[tomme boy]

Those look like max loads

[tazman]

This is a page from the Lyman cast bullet handbook 4th edition. It is for the Lee 102 rn boolit but should be reasonably close since it is only 3 grains difference.

106565

[kenn]

Thanks, Tazman!

[220]

This is a page from the Lyman cast bullet handbook 4th edition. It is for the Lee 102 rn boolit but should be reasonably close since it is only 3 grains difference.

Would be if the Lee came out at 105gr mine are 110 or a little heavier and a few others I know with the same mould get similar weights.
Given this I just start with 115gr data.

[tazman]

Would be if the Lee came out at 105gr mine are 110 or a little heavier and a few others I know with the same mould get similar weights.
Given this I just start with 115gr data.

That works too.

[kenn]

Thanks for the data, guys, on bullet weight.

For what it's worth, a gentleman that goes by the name of FortuneCookie45LC and makes a TON of videos on Youtube, stated he's getting 111 to 112 grains for clip on wheel weight from his 358-105. As you've stated, I think I'll find 115 grain recipes for LSWC TC and go with that as a starting point as there are tons of recipes for that in Bullseye.

For Example:



9mm Luger / 9mm Parabellum (Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook 3rd Edition) Reloading Data

Printable Version (http://www.loaddata.com/members/search_printable.cfm?metallicid=5480&MW=115&PM=&PT=bullseye)


http://www.loaddata.com/images/database/9mm%20Parabellum%20%28Lugar%2940.gif


Warning! Notes: The trim-to length should be adhered to closely. A short case or crimp on the mouth can cause problems with headspace. Most popular cast bullet for this caliber is #356402. Cases: Federal (except where otherwise specified in remarks); trim-to length: .751"; primers: CCI 500 (except where otherwise specified in remarks); primer size: Small Pistol; Lyman shell holder: No. 12; cast bullets used sized to .358" dia.; firearm used: Universal Receiver; barrel length: 4"; twist: 1-10"; groove diameter: .358"



Be Alert: Publisher cannot be responsible for errors in published load data.




Wt.
Bullet
Powder Manufacturer
Powder
Charge
Velocity (FPS)


115
Cast #358345
Alliant
Bullseye
3.8
1035


Remarks: sugg. start load; OAL: .997"; case: Win; primer: Win 1 1/2-108; 22,800 cup


115
Cast #358345
Alliant
Bullseye
4.9
1200


Remarks: max load; OAL: .997"; case: Win; primer: Win 1 1/2-108; 31,000 cup

[Idz]

The 358-105-swc sized to .357 at OAL 1.000 in lead feeds fine in my Glock17 but stovepipe jams in my Beretta 92FS. When I powder coated them they still don't work in the 92FS and now occasionally stovepipe jam the G17. I think the OAL is too short to kick the nose down and chamber the round. The plain lead must slip better when the nose hits the chamber and the PC sticks a little bit more.

[gefiltephish]

This is a page from the Lyman cast bullet handbook 4th edition. It is for the Lee 102 rn boolit but should be reasonably close since it is only 3 grains difference.
106565
Except that swc's generally seat much deeper than RN.

[tazman]

Except that swc's generally seat much deeper than RN.

When you compare these 2 boolits, I don't think there is going to be a significant difference in seating depth. Both boolits are very short.
My seating depth was only about 10-12 thousandths different.

[sigep1764]

Is this boolit similar in length to the Lee 356 120TC? The tc is fairly accurate in my 9s but I am looking for a second mold to test accuracy and punch cleaner holes.

[tazman]

The Lee 120 tc measures .574 from my mold.
The Lee 105swc measures .534 from my mold.
However, the bearing surfaces are identical in length. This is the part that would be inside the case.
The nose on the 120tc is a bit longer and heavier than the 105swc.

106887

[sigep1764]

Thanks Tasman. That info and pic was exactly what I was looking for.

[Pablo 5959]

The 358-105-swc sized to .357 at OAL 1.000 in lead feeds fine in my Glock17 but stovepipe jams in my Beretta 92FS. When I powder coated them they still don't work in the 92FS and now occasionally stovepipe jam the G17. I think the OAL is too short to kick the nose down and chamber the round. The plain lead must slip better when the nose hits the chamber and the PC sticks a little bit more.
I have been running these through my 92fs and P226 without any issues. Unless I get stingy with the powder.
I don't think I ever even measured them. Just made a dummy and made sure it cycled.
Then use the same dummy to set the seat.
http://i1321.photobucket.com/albums/u543/Pablo5959/imagejpg4_zps6dcc059e.jpg (http://s1321.photobucket.com/user/Pablo5959/media/imagejpg4_zps6dcc059e.jpg.html)
I must have run 5K through each gun with 45-45-10 sized at .357 before starting to play with the HF Red.
http://i1321.photobucket.com/albums/u543/Pablo5959/imagejpg2_zps780156b1.jpg (http://s1321.photobucket.com/user/Pablo5959/media/imagejpg2_zps780156b1.jpg.html)
Now moved on from HF to better PC paint.
I can see the holes punched with these even at 25yds.

[.5mv^2]

My 105 SWCs weigh in about 110. They load pretty short in 9mm I started low because of the limited volume in the case as they are less than an inch long. Setting them out to the crimp groove would cause them to not load in some of my 9mms.

I load them in 380, 9, 38spl and 357 mag.
I can hit my 40 yard 6x12" gong regularly with my wifes old glock 19.
http://veloliner.com/loading/380938357.JPG

[Stilly]

So for those of you that are running this, where do you recco to go look for load data?

I have WSF and Power Pistol that I am looking to load these with. I would prefer WSF, but also, what are your OALs? I am getting around 1" or maybe a tad under.

Nice pics BTW. PC pills are always nice to look at.

[tazman]

I was getting an OAL of right at 1.0mwhen I was using that boolit.
Start your data search with 115 grain starting loads and work up till you get where you want to be. That should work fine.

[Stilly]

Thanks. What about powder?

I was looking to start out at 5.0gr of WSF. Currently I have some that are at 5.2gr of Power Pistol but i think they are compressed at around 1.0 OAL. I might have even noticed a slight bulge around the base of the bullet after seating and crimping. I do not know how anyone gets in 5.5+ of PP with this bullet so they are clearly using different projectiles. I was thinking of just going with 4.0gr if I can not find any decent 115gr data. I think this pill when used in .380 is mixed with about 2gr of PP.

I really have to use WSF since I have an 8# bottle dedicated for the 9mm round. But I should have some Extreme plated 115gr coming and then these should all work, but for myself, I like to toy with these little pills.

BTW, Apparently the Lyman Cast Handbook- 4th manual lists data for this mold, but it is listed in the 38/357 section and not the 9mm section...

Since I am just feeling out PP, is it wrong to maybe start at 4.0gr to eliminate this bulge?

Thanks for the reply Tazman.

[tazman]

4.8-5.0 grains of WSF should be a good start load with that boolit.
The bulge won't be caused by powder. It is because the base of the boolit is expanding the case at that point because the walls of the case are thicker there than at the mouth.
I think 4.0 of Power Pistol would be too low to function the gun, but you could load a very few and try it. I think your load of 5.2 would work better.

[rintinglen]

I did not have good luck in the 9mm with this boolit. It gave frequent FTF problems in both my S&W 39 and Sig P6. I had no problems with the 358-242 122 grain Ideal mold that I bought, so I consigned the Lee 105 to the mold box. Now I can't find it! Was going to use it in 38 special starter loads for my Grand Daughter.

[Stilly]

Hmmm.

I WAS going to give a startup of around 5.0gr of WSF.
Everything seemed to pass the plunk test with the P320 barrel but the G-17 barrel was not liking the longer COAL. I have to keep it to just below 1.0 I think for the G-17 to like it.

I DARE say that the P320 could even feed 9x21 if I had some. But I will not try it, it just seemed to have no issues at all plunk test wise.

I will look for the Power Pistol loads and start with around 4.0 or more and I will load 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 Etc up to around 5.5 if I can muster it. Then I will pay close attention to the feeding/cycling and see when it works with no issues. Then maybe document that and keep it as a load to make some more of.

Same with WSF, although I found some load data that I took from another lrn bullet for that. The bulge looked like the shell had a muffin top. That was why I was asking about that. It could have been that I crimped too hard too though.

[Motor]

We got the round nose Lee (102gr?) Got them for .380 auto. It took some experimenting to get them to work in 9x19. They worked good in the short barrel .380 but would lead the 9x19 barrel.

Most of the leading was in the last inch of barrel. I had to hard cast them and lube them twice just to work with a minimum load that would cycle the action.

I'll gladly use the extra 20gr of lead that the 124gr needs.

Motor

[JimP.]

5.0 red dot....works well in my glock 19

[Stilly]

We got the round nose Lee (102gr?) Got them for .380 auto. It took some experimenting to get them to work in 9x19. They worked good in the short barrel .380 but would lead the 9x19 barrel.

Most of the leading was in the last inch of barrel. I had to hard cast them and lube them twice just to work with a minimum load that would cycle the action.

I'll gladly use the extra 20gr of lead that the 124gr needs.

Motor

Ahh. I PC everything. I figured it was a given for most folks now a days but yeah, I cast and then PC everything.

The nice thing about this mold is how it is so versatile. You drop it at .358 and resize down to .356 if need be, but mostly at .357 it seems for many 9mm and .38/.357. PC takes care of all the leading issues typically... It is a win win except for finding published load data all over the place, it is kind of missing that, but I know I see folks shooting it all over so it is just a matter of getting everyone to share the data a little more.

[gwpercle]

I wanted to get a light load for a WWII 1944 mfg. Walther P-38, something that wouldn't batter the old pistol.
Used the 105 grain Lee, sized to .357, conventional lube in the groove.3.5 grains of Red Dot would not give 100 % functioning.
Moved up to 4.1 grains...much better, but not 100% in a friends Springfield-Armory pistol.

4.3 grains of Red Dot worked out the best, functions in the P-38 and three other 9mm's , accurate too.

Gary

[VJERAN]

Please help. I made bullets mold 358 - 105- swc, Lee, and I do not have accuracy in 9mm. Full with powder Vihtavuori N310 and N 320 and see the results in the photo. Disaster. I cut them to the size of .356. I have a gun Springfield XDM 5.25 9 mm. Does anyone have any advice on how to improve the accuracy in my gun?168860 I168861168862 shoot in 25 m!

[whisler]

Try sizing to .357 and see if they chamber. How much VV N310 are you using?

[.5mv^2]

Are they leading your barrel.

I size them .358" for all my guns that I use this bullet for.

Perhaps you are shooting them too hot?

Hope you can figure it out.

[Artful]

Have you slugged your barrel? - have you shot them as cast without sizing - just hand lubed?

[Shiloh]

Won't chamber reliably for me. Single shot?? They shoot well.

Shiloh

[Artful]

Won't chamber reliably for me. Single shot?? They shoot well.

Shiloh
What are trying to shoot it in? And you have, of course, played with the OAL I assume.

[Shiloh]

Glock.
Yeah, I've played with the depth. Best is with the same length brass with a bit of the boolit edge riding on the feed ramp..
What I haven't tried is an extro power recoil spring. Probably won't do that.

The LEE 125 gr RNFP works great.

Shiloh

[VJERAN]

The Company set their'm the problem. I put a weaker spring on the shutter and I filled with gunpowder min load. - It turned out ok. big difference of lead bullets and copper.

[yondering]

Not the 105 SWC, but the newer TL356-95-RF is a great little bullet in the 9mm. I bored out the tumble lube grooves in mine, since I powder coat, but it shot well as it came from Lee too. This little bullet is very accurate in my Glocks, and feeds fine seated to 1.000".

I'm using it for two different loads - a light plinker at 1050 fps using Clays or American Select, and also a +P load at 1,500 fps (from G19 barrels) using Silhouette. Both loads give great accuracy and shiny clean barrels. The 1050 fps load is about the minimum velocity to cycle a Glock, and may or may not cycle other semi-autos.