Input on mold selection.

[SlowMec]

Hi

I´m looking for a heavy (180gr) boolit for my R Blackhack .357mag (6 1/5")

It´s for Silhouette and other long range shooting.
Not hunting or SD.

I like a "do it all boolit" (who doesn´t?)

I´ve been looking at these:

http://noebulletmolds.com/NV/product_info.php?cPath=35&products_id=1146&osCsid=dn3c2blm7qdlnj5plfn1bpfpf2

http://noebulletmolds.com/NV/product_info.php?cPath=35&products_id=94&osCsid=dn3c2blm7qdlnj5plfn1bpfpf2

The reason i´m looking at HP is that i think that the slighter lighter HP can have it´s uses when i don´t need knockdown power, ie at paper targets.

Any input on this?

Other recommendations?

[Tatume]

Other recommendations?

Yes. I suggest you at least take a look at LBT and Accurate Molds. Either of these fellows will cut an excellent mold for you that will be optimized for your gun. The molds you are considering appear to be very nice also. Looks like you're going to have some fun.

Take care, Tom

[SlowMec]

Any input on shape?

I´m looking on fairly big flat noses.
Should i rethink that for better accuracy at longer ranges?

SWC?
(Mr E. Keith style?)

[Tatume]

Personally I like the Long Flat Nose (LFN) shaped bullets. I've gotten several from Veral (LBT) and Tom (Accurate), and have been pleased with all. If you want big flat noses then consider the Wide Flat Nose (WFN) bullets. These tend to be very accurate at shorter ranges, but are not optimal for long range. Since you said you want to use them for long range silhouette shooting, the LFN bullets are probably the very best.

[Ben]

This one will be your friend if you like the hvy weight 357 g/c bullets .

http://noebulletmolds.com/NV/product_info.php?cPath=35&products_id=94&osCsid=dn3c2blm7qdlnj5plfn1bpfpf2

[SlowMec]

Ben:

That´s one of my candidates! (see link in post #1).
Do You feel that it´s useful on longer ranges, up to 200 meters?

[Jupiter7]

+2 NOE 180wfn works great in everything I've used it in. Also like the 175grn RD design especially as dual use for lever guns.

[SlowMec]

Okey...
I got 2 wotes for wfn and 1 for not so wide fn.

Accuracy on long range is the game here, please share Your thoughts.

[Ben]

Ben:

That´s one of my candidates! (see link in post #1).
Do You feel that it´s useful on longer ranges, up to 200 meters?

I can't say, as I've never shot any at that distance.

Ben

[SteveS]

I've been working with the Saeco #354. I haven't shot it past 50 yards (very accurate) but two friends who do shoot long range have tried it and both bought molds.

[youngmman]

Personally I like the Long Flat Nose (LFN) shaped bullets. I've gotten several from Veral (LBT) and Tom (Accurate), and have been pleased with all. If you want big flat noses then consider the Wide Flat Nose (WFN) bullets. These tend to be very accurate at shorter ranges, but are not optimal for long range. Since you said you want to use them for long range silhouette shooting, the LFN bullets are probably the very best.

I shoot the LBT 180 WFN which is basically a longer version of the 160 WFN and both shoot extremely well.

[SlowMec]

OK, it seems like a wide flat nose isn´t the best choice for long range.
Thanks for that great info.

So:

This one may be the ticket?

http://noebulletmolds.com/NV/product_info.php?cPath=35&products_id=1146&osCsid=dn3c2blm7qdlnj5plfn1bpfpf2

Or is the meplat to wide?

[jmort]

The RCBS .357-180-SIL has been highly recommended by Cbrick
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/160766/rcbs-2-cavity-bullet-mold-357-180-sil-38-special-357-magnum-358-diameter-180-grain-silhouette-gas-check

His is review is at the bottom of the reviews

[youngmman]

OK, it seems like a wide flat nose isn´t the best choice for long range.
Thanks for that great info.

So:

This one may be the ticket?

http://noebulletmolds.com/NV/product_info.php?cPath=35&products_id=1146&osCsid=dn3c2blm7qdlnj5plfn1bpfpf2

Or is the meplat to wide?

The meplat looks about the same as the LBT 180 WFN. The RCBS .357-180-SIL looks better from that stand point. Veral Smith at LBT can cut any sort of mold you want and probably has done a great Silhouette bullet. I would contact him and ask.

[SlowMec]

But i´m thinking about a HP so i can shoot a slightly lighter boolit when the need arises.

RCBS Sil don´t come with HP... Hmmmm.

[Echo]

RCBS Sil don´t come with HP... Hmmmm.
Yes, but a couple folks on this forum can fix that, too...

[SlowMec]

Yes, but a couple folks on this forum can fix that, too...

Yeah, but that tiny meplat on the Sil boolit. A Hp on that? i don´t know.... :confused:

[williamwaco]

As Tricky Dicky would have said:

"I would like to say this about that":

In my experience with handgun bullets, with any bullet I have ever tried, the hollow point version is noticeably more accurate than the solid.

( There are lots of theories about why. I do not have an opinion about any of them, but I have observed the effect with around a dozen cast revolver bullets and one .30 cal rifle bullet. )

I would strongly recommend the hollow point version of what ever you select.

[SlowMec]

williamwaco:
Do You have boolit recomenation?

180gr -ish
HP and solid
Gas check
Use: Sil. and long range ( out to 200 meter)
I will tumble lube it.

For a R BH 6 1/5 bbl, near max charge.

[williamwaco]

williamwaco:
Do You have boolit recomenation?

180gr -ish
HP and solid
Gas check
Use: Sil. and long range ( out to 200 meter)
I will tumble lube it.

For a R BH 6 1/5 bbl, near max charge.

No. I don't have any experience in that range of bullet weights.

The heaviest bullet I ever used was the Ballisti-cast 651 - around 162 gr
Many years ago I had the Lyman 358429 alleged to be Keith's favorite it was listed at 170 grains but I only cast hollow points with a VERY deep hollow.
They were almost a hollow tube. The cavity was .150 by .5 deep. It knocked the weight down to about 155 grains.

I used it for varmint hunting. At 50 yards from a 6" Smith, with a maximum charge of 2400, it would make a 30 pound jack rabbit look like he had been shot by a .243 60 grain hollow point.

I would recommend that bullet but it doesn't quite meet your weight requirement.

[SlowMec]

My fixation on 180gr is the need to move that darn ram at 200 meters.
A HP could be to soft on the ram to do the job.
But on paper at long range a HP is the right medicine, perhaps even loaded i bit faster due to lower weight.

[dragon813gt]

Will 170 grains work? If so look at a MP 359640. It was run not that long ago so there is a good chance Miha has some in stock. That bullet is accurate for me in both revolvers and and levers.

[SlowMec]

Intresting... Does it have two crimp grooves? (it looks like that?)

Do we have any Sihouette shooter here that can give input on boolit weight?