Can you ID this?

[ddcrawford]

I found a box of these I forgot I had that I bought years ago at a gun show. Is it a standard design from a commercially available mold? It is sized to .358 weighs 153 gr and is .672 OAL.

129484

[Cmm_3940]

You found unlubed boolits at a gun show?

[jonp]

I've bought cast at a gunshow before but never unlubed ones. 358443 or 6?

[leftiye]

Yup, it'sa boolit.

[Tatume]

Hello DD,

Welcome to the list.

Your bullet appears to have a bevel base, which is typical of commercially cast bullets. However, I don't recognize the design. I wouldn't hesitate to lube them and shoot them. If you don't have a lubri-sizer, just get a bottle of Lee Liquid Alox (LLA). Put 50 bullets in a small bowl, squirt a small amount (emphasis on small) on them, and turn the bowl to distribute the lube. Then spread them out on a flat surface (I use a sheet of aluminum foil on the workbench) and let them dry 24 hours (or more). Then load and shoot. LLA works best at moderate velocities, so if it was me I'd limit loads to upper-level 38 Special velocities.

Take care, Tom

[dubber123]

Either of the Lyman #'s you mention are flat base, so it's not either one of those.

[runfiverun]

the nose looks saeco.
I'd look at balisticast [sp?] for the mold source.

I know it ain't a magma mold.

[Dan Cash]

Why does it look as though it has been pushed through a micro groove barrel?

[bedbugbilly]

Can't help on the ID but I do like the design of it! It's probably a good thing nobody knows for sure (yet) or I'd be looking for the mold!

[ddcrawford]

They are lubed, I just cleaned it off this one for the picture. Thanks for the info!

[mdi]

Nearly every mold manufacturer makes a 38 caliber semi-wadcutter of 140 to 160 grains. Unless someone is really into mold designs and can spot the small differences for each manufacturer (or has an identical mold) it'll be difficult to ID that bullet. Just use the data from any reloading manual for a lead 158 gr. SWC...

[MtGun44]

I was thinking a Lyman 358446, but it has a crimp groove, so it is something else.
Functionally, the lack of crimp groove could be a problem.

Bill

[bangerjim]

Load 'em and shot 'em. I love 38's! If I had them, I would strip the old grease off and power coat them.

banger

[Artful]

if you really want a mold of that boolit - get with custom maker like accurate

[Hickok]

Nice and silver, that would sure enough take a werewolf down!:kidding:

[jonp]

Either of the Lyman #'s you mention are flat base, so it's not either one of those.

yeah, the band's are not right either but I gave it a shot. They are the closest I could come up with.

[FLHTC]

H&g #12

[mdi]

Interesting design though. Large diving/front band and no crimp groove. Could it possibly have been run through a sizer and obliterated the crimp groove? :confused:

[scottfire1957]

Why does it look as though it has been pushed through a micro groove barrel?

Reflection from the towel on which it is sitting.

[cajun shooter]

It appears to be BB type of bullet and if it is, they are easy to reload if you don't open the case mouth enough but are terrible for proper bore seal. Depending on the bullets length, it may have been designed to take a roll crimp just over the edge of the top band and cut out the need for a crimp groove.

[SSGOldfart]

H&g #12
yep or a copy of it anyways

[mdi]

I tried yahoo search and google search but could not find anything on H&G #12 bullet molds. Anyone direct me to a site where I can see a pic?

[Bullwolf]

I tried yahoo search and google search but could not find anything on H&G #12 bullet molds. Anyone direct me to a site where I can see a pic?

Cast Boolits member Texasflyboy (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/member.php?559-Texasflyboy) has done a lot of research on Hensley & Gibbs moulds. He is pretty much the person to ask about all things H&G.

I believe he maintains the Hensley & Gibbs website below as well:

http://www.hensleygibbs.com

From the link above.


#12 - .38 Caliber. 150 grains at full length #12A. (Similar to Ideal design #360271, for customer).Two rounded grease grooves, no crimp groove. Available in three lengths-- #12A at .640" length~150 grains, #12B at .605" length=140 grains, and #12C at .570" length=130 grains. "A. E. Berdon of Lake land Florida using seating depth of .235", crimps on flat" Available in plain base and gas check base as #12GC and #12BGC.

http://www.hensleygibbs.com/molds/12c.jpg


Hope that helps some


- Bullwolf

[mdi]

Yep, thanks fellers...

[GP100man]

I don`t think it`s a H&G #12 , the bands on the #12 are equal width, the base is flat & the OPs boolit the front band is clearly WIDER!!

Things that make you say HHhhumm!

I feel it`s either an early design of some manufacturer or a complete custom design of sorts.

[FLHTC]

I don`t think it`s a H&G #12 , the bands on the #12 are equal width, the base is flat & the OPs boolit the front band is clearly WIDER!!

Things that make you say HHhhumm!

I feel it`s either an early design of some manufacturer or a complete custom design of sorts.

The H & G #12 has three weights. Considering the thickness of the sprue plate in the photo, I would bet that is the 130 grain we're looking at. The bands in the photo aren't equal width if you enlarge it.