New Lee 358-200-RF mold in 1894

[FergusonTO35]

Hey gents. Just noticed Lee now has a 200 grain flat point gas check slug for .357. I've been wanting to try the heavies in my 1894 for awhile but didnt want to drop the change for a "name brand" mold that the gun might not like. My carbine has Micro Groove and likes the Lee 358-158-RF sized to .358 both with and without a gas check. Anybody try this one out yet in their Marlin or other levergun?

[Ben]

New Lee 358-200-RF mold
Can you give us a link to a photo and some details on the mold ?

[Beagle333]

https://fsreloading.com/lee-precision-double-cavity-bullet-mold-358-200-rf-90449.html

Link.

[MBTcustom]

It's a clone of the rcbs 35-200-FN.
If Lee offered this in a 6 cavity mold, wild horses couldn't stop me from buying it. As it is, ho hum.

[FergusonTO35]

So, got any good loads for the RCBS version?

[Beagle333]

NOE has a 5 cav of it.
http://noebulletmolds.com/NV/product_info.php?cPath=35&products_id=358

[Blackwater]

Well dang it, Fergusson, ya' just cost me some MONEY! Went there, and just couldn't resist ordering one! THANKS. I'll be trying it in my Ackleyized Whelen.

[FergusonTO35]

You sound like me: drop serious change on a rifle in an odd caliber (and Ackley'd to boot) but too cheap to spend more than $20.00 on a mold!!

I wonder what powder might be best for scooting this one along at 1500 fps out of my Marlin. H110 is the only magnum pistol powder I have, the 358-158-RF gets along with it just fine. My favorite .357 powder is Blue Dot but it has been extinct for a few years. Wonder if even a fast rifle powder like SR4759 or 4198 might work?

[JesterGrin_1]

Is that not the clone of an RCBS 35-200 for use in say the 35 Remington and 358 Winchester as it looks a bit odd for a pistol boolit?

[historicfirearms]

Blackwater, please let us know the dimensions that the mold casts. I have a RCBS mold in this boolit and it is great in my 35 remington.

[FergusonTO35]

The Lee site lists it as for the .38 and .357.

[gpidaho]

I happen to have a 357 Handi, 357-77 and a 35 Rem, gotta get me one of these, GP

[sandman228]

I saw this mold and was tempted to order it for my 35 marlin but I don't really want to mess with gas checks . I wonder how it would be without them for mild plinking loads ? right now for plinking im shooting they lyman I think its a 358430 195 gr round nose bullet .

[FergusonTO35]

I've been using the Lee gas checked 158 grain SWC without a check in .38 Special +P for a long time with no problems.

[JesterGrin_1]

The Lee site lists it as for the .38 and .357.

They may list it for the .357 Magnum but if it is a copy of the RCBS 35-200 RNFP/GC then it is really meant for the 35 Remington. But it will need to probably be sized to .359 at least but more likely .360 for a Marlin in either the .38 SP/.357 Magnum or 35 Remington in a Marlin due to the bore dimensions of the Marlin bore.

It could probably be used in .38 Sp,357 Magnum or 357 Max in a Contender or a Break Action single shot or bolt rifle due to the length of said Boolit.

[dubber123]

If they were at all faithful in copying the RCBS boolit, it will have a quite long nose, and I am pretty sure it will either require very deep seating, carrier modification, or both to run through a Marlin 1894. It is a fantastic design, and getting 1,500 fps. from a rifle should be doable. I get that velocity with this boolit from a 9-1/2" .357 revolver, but with above SAAMI pressures.

[MBTcustom]

They may list it for the .357 Magnum but if it is a copy of the RCBS 35-200 RNFP/GC then it is really meant for the 35 Remington. But it will need to probably be sized to .359 at least but more likely .360 for a Marlin in either the .38 SP/.357 Magnum or 35 Remington in a Marlin due to the bore dimensions of the Marlin bore.

It could probably be used in .38 Sp,357 Magnum or 357 Max in a Contender or a Break Action single shot or bolt rifle due to the length of said Boolit.

If you've never tried it in a 38/357 you don't know what you are missing. I love that bullet. IT's your one stop shop for all things 35 caliber.
I'm just hoping they make it in a six cavity!!!!!

[sghart3578]

I can't speak for 35 Remington but it would have to go a long way to beat the NOE 360-180 WFN in my 1894CS. That NOE bullet sized to .360" is amazing.

I will be watching the reviews from you guys closely as I could always use another mold. Who couldn't, right?


145084

[JesterGrin_1]

If you've never tried it in a 38/357 you don't know what you are missing. I love that bullet. IT's your one stop shop for all things 35 caliber.
I'm just hoping they make it in a six cavity!!!!!


I would think that it would be a bit long for a Revolver in .357 Magnum unless it was seated deep but if so would it not take up needed case space for powder?

[JesterGrin_1]

I have that mold and it is a good shooting boolit. Not as good as the Hornady 180Gr XTP/HP in my JM Marlin 1894 in .357 Magnum but pretty close. Another plus for the NOE 360-180 WFN is if one needs them they can make them and as far as I know Hornady has stopped production of the Hornady 180Gr XTP/HP at this time.


I can't speak for 35 Remington but it would have to go a long way to beat the NOE 360-180 WFN in my 1894CS. That NOE bullet sized to .360" is amazing.

I will be watching the reviews from you guys closely as I could always use another mold. Who couldn't, right?


145084

[MBTcustom]

Load it in 38 special brass and kick it in the pants!

[JesterGrin_1]

Load it in 38 special brass and kick it in the pants!

I had a strong suspension you were going to say that lol.

[Slowpoke]

They may list it for the .357 Magnum but if it is a copy of the RCBS 35-200 RNFP/GC then it is really meant for the 35 Remington. But it will need to probably be sized to .359 at least but more likely .360 for a Marlin in either the .38 SP/.357 Magnum or 35 Remington in a Marlin due to the bore dimensions of the Marlin bore.






It could probably be used in .38 Sp,357 Magnum or 357 Max in a Contender or a Break Action single shot or bolt rifle due to the length of said Boolit.

The RCBS version runs thru my .357 Win 94 just fine seated to the crimp groove, the magazine will hold 9.

And you are right it shoots wonderful out my ten inch Contender's .357 mag and max.


Never tried it in a 38sp case.

-------Good luck

[Djones]

It's a clone of the rcbs 35-200-FN.
If Lee offered this in a 6 cavity mold, wild horses couldn't stop me from buying it. As it is, ho hum.

This would be my dream mold! The Lee spru plate lever is great on their six cavity molds.

I have the RCBS but I am a sucker for a mountain of Boolits.

[Djones]

https://fsreloading.com/lee-precision-double-cavity-bullet-mold-358-200-rf-90449.html

Link.

How did you guys find out about this mold?

[FergusonTO35]

Well fudge, Henry just came out with a steel frame .357 that doesn't weigh a ton. I examined one at the fun store yesterday and it is SWEET. Now I have to get one of these molds for sure!

[gpidaho]

Don't you guys buy them all up before next payday dang it. Got to get me one. And yes, another vote for a six cav. Don't know what took me so long to start buying them instead of the slow twos. GP

[northmn]

I have been waiting for one for some time. When I got my 35 waffle top I bought it because I thought it would be good with cast. I started adding up the cost of casting and said to heck with it. This makes it a bit more practical. With gas checks which I could use in my 357 carbine it could be driven full bore with the correct alloys. Will see.

DP

[bikerbeans]

That bullet on top of a healthy charge of AA1680 in my 336-357 maximum should make a good 100 yard whitetail stopper.

BB

[hicard]

bikerbeans, how did you come up with a 336-357 maximum?

[WALLNUTT]

Cost of casting? Come on,everybody knows casting saves money. Right fellas?

[bikerbeans]

bikerbeans, how did you come up with a 336-357 maximum?

A bought a marlin 1894cs 357 mag barrel and installed it on a 336-35 frame. I had modify the carrier, breech bolt and extractor to get the rifle to cycle reliabily. Also had to mod the mag tube a little to align the barrel band screws.

BB

[Michael J. Spangler]

Subscribed for updates.
I have a new to me 1982 336 in 35 remington that needs a boolit. I also have a sweet little 1894C that I would love to run this through. I doubt it's going to feed though. I know my 358429s won't feed in mag brass seated to the crimp groove.
Maybe I need an NOE 180

[JesterGrin_1]

Update. They are now in Stock. :) And yes I did place an order for one. But I am not looking forward to maybe having to open the cavities up to produce boolits of at least .360 Diameter. :)

[Michael J. Spangler]

nice!
I'm going to call my local dealer and have him order one asap. Keep the updates coming

[JesterGrin_1]

nice!
I'm going to call my local dealer and have him order one asap. Keep the updates coming


Just an FYI You can order it direct from FS Reloading by using the link provided originally.

[Michael J. Spangler]

I'm not in too much or a rush. Thank you though. My local deals is a casting candy store. He stocks every lee mould and also some custom runs he had done. He gets deliveries in all the time so I'll just go through him. I like to give him some business to help keep him open and supplying the locals with their casting crack.

[JesterGrin_1]

It is great to hear that you have shops like that in your area. It is kind of funny though that in and around a big area like San Antonio TEXAS there is nothing.


I'm not in too much or a rush. Thank you though. My local deals is a casting candy store. He stocks every lee mould and also some custom runs he had done. He gets deliveries in all the time so I'll just go through him. I like to give him some business to help keep him open and supplying the locals with their casting crack.

[Michael J. Spangler]

Thats is funny. a couple miles away from Cape Cod MA is the last place I think would have better reloading/casting than anywhere in Texas......
Thats one win for living here :mrgreen:

[JesterGrin_1]

Thats is funny. a couple miles away from Cape Cod MA is the last place I think would have better reloading/casting than anywhere in Texas......
Thats one win for living here :mrgreen:

And that a few months of the year there you do not Melt but then again you can freeze lol. I will never forget one time being up north and hear on the radio do not have exposed skin or it may freeze in seconds. Now that made an impression on a South TEXAS Boy lol.

[Spruce]

This mold is also being discussed on in the Molds, Main., and Design thread. Sounds like a good one, might have to look at one myself for 35Rem.

[GooseGestapo]

In stock where?

[rking22]

Titan reloading has them, I get mine in the mail tomorrow !!!!

[Lefty Red]

I like 4227 in my 357 Rifle. Best groups.

Jerry

[Camba]

I ordered one last week from FS Reloading link. I can't wait to cast a few.

[JesterGrin_1]

And they are now back in stock at FS Reloading https://fsreloading.com/lee-precision-double-cavity-bullet-mold-358-200-rf-90449.html

[Pereira]

I ordered one last week, waitin on delivery now.
Wishin it was here today, as it is rainin and I'm off work.

Oh well patience grasshopper

[Camba]

I've got mine and I tested casting a few. They look great!
Very similar to the RCBS 35-200-FN.
Mine casted at 200+/-2 gr and the thickness was 0.359+ inches.


Very good looking boolit.
I was hoping to get a used RCBS for $50 and I ended up getting this Lee mould that pretty much cast the same slug.
Camba

The picture below is the test results of using this mold with my BLR-81 in 358 Win and the following load:
203 Gr Lee 358-200-RF boolit, GC
19.5 gr Blue Dot
CCI-250 LRP
50 Yard target, 5-shot group
146741
Camba

[rosewood]

Had been wanting a Lee mold for my .35 remington CVA single shot and didn't realize they made one. Just discovered this thread and found it on Lee's webpage. It is now on my Christmas wish list. I looked at the $80 RCBS but being I am a frugal reloader (aren't we all), casting to save money, I would prefer a $20 Lee mold.

Anyone tried this out in the .35 remington yet? What kind of accuracy have you gotten? Since it is a gas check I would assume it is safe to push it over 2000fps.

Thanks,

Rosewood

[rosewood]

I am betting since my contender .357mag has a super long throat, I can seat this out long and stuff a little more powder behind it. The throat is so long, every bullet I have tried in it will not reach the rifling and still be in the case.

[missionary5155]

Howdy Rosewood
Try a 357 Max brass (1.6) in that 357 chamber. Maybe someone re chambered that barrel. Then there is the Dan Wesson 360 brass (1.4) . Between those two you should be able to come up with a brass long enough to reach the rifling.
Mike in Peru

[stubbicatt]

You sound like me: drop serious change on a rifle in an odd caliber (and Ackley'd to boot) but too cheap to spend more than $20.00 on a mold!!

I wonder what powder might be best for scooting this one along at 1500 fps out of my Marlin. H110 is the only magnum pistol powder I have, the 358-158-RF gets along with it just fine. My favorite .357 powder is Blue Dot but it has been extinct for a few years. Wonder if even a fast rifle powder like SR4759 or 4198 might work?

I assume your Marlin is 357 magnum? There is data out there for 2400 and 4227 that is pretty reliable. 4759 is extinct, discontinued. It is a pretty stout "stick" or more accurately, "log" type powder, and getting enough of it in the case to be effective might be a challenge, let alone getting consistent charges without weighing each one.

I have read elsewhere that once one approaches bullet weights in excess of 180 grains, the rate of twist of the rifling may become a limiting factor on success if one seeks accuracy.

[FergusonTO35]

Yes, my Marlin is a .357, I believe it has a 1:16 twist. Most seem to prefer the 1:16 of the Marlin over the 1:30 of the Rossi.

[rosewood]

Howdy Rosewood
Try a 357 Max brass (1.6) in that 357 chamber. Maybe someone re chambered that barrel. Then there is the Dan Wesson 360 brass (1.4) . Between those two you should be able to come up with a brass long enough to reach the rifling.
Mike in Peru

Nope, it was a brand new barrel, directly from factory on warranty replacement. Had to wait 6 months for them to make it. I dropped in a .357 max brass that I borrowed from a friend and it would not close. The Dan Wesson might work though, just haven't invested in the brass yet. Got tons of .357 mag.

[Camba]

I bought a 6-cavity mold from MidSouth Shooters Supply. They are available!

[rosewood]

Just got my mold Monday. Cast some last night, tumble lubed and sized and GC in my Lee push through at .358. The boolits look good. Now the question is, does someone sell the Lee sizing die in .359? I have the .358 for .357 mag etc, but am hesitant to modify it, but then again, do you guys think with it being gas checked I really need to size it at .359? No I haven't slugged my bore, but it is on my to do list.

Next question. How can I install/crimp on the GCs without pushing through the Lee Die? The boolits are dropping from the mold between .360 and .359. If I can crimp them without sizing, that may be my answer.

Thanks,
Rosewood

[Irascible]

I just bought a 1951 Model 336A in 35 Remington. I immediately bought an RCBS mould for this bullet. It will only cast at .358 with an alloy of 9WW + 1 Pure + 2% tin. It's too small for me. Also, the gas check is below the shoulder which annoys me and is unnecessary as there is plenty of room for the bullet to be seated out further. I'm currently waiting for NOE to make another run of Ranch Dogs bullets for the 35 Rem and 356 Win. Much better dimensions and dual crimp grooves.

[Irascible]

Has anyone tried the Mountain Mold's Standard 35 design? It's listed on the home page at the top of the std designs list.

[7-30 Waters]

NOE Molds has a .359 sizing bushing.

[FergusonTO35]

The Lee mold is now available at Midway. I may be getting a .35 Remington 336 soon, if I do then this is the first boolit it will eat.

[358 Win]

Like Camba, I bought my six cavity LEE from Midsouth Shooters Supply and cast almost 1,000 of them. They weigh 197 grains unlubed and checked. Diameter is just a skosh under .360". Real pretty boolet and that six cavity mold makes a bunch of bullets in short order. Just a wee bit shorter than the RCBS 35-200 bullet which I cast also. Bought the LEE to increase my rate of production. My plan is to use the LEE boolet in my four .35 Remingtons, three .358 Winchesters, or my two .35 Whelens. I also have an 1894C Marlin and an 1894CBL and if it won't feed when loaded in Mag cases I'll load it .38 Special cases like I do with my Lyman 358627 218 grain gas checked SWC made for the 357 Maximum. Oh what a fun and interesting hobby we all have!

358 Win

[Whit Spurzon]

Any 357 range reports with this bullet?

[P Flados]

Any 357 range reports with this bullet?

My 10" TC 357 maximum loves them, see

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?283606-New-LEE-design-358-200-RF