what mold for first casting/shooting practice

[49FMarlin]

can't decide on what mold/boolit size to buy for casting for my security six 6"

its got to be a lee this month, as I've got to buy the die set,primers, cases, final payment on the six, eat, take the wife out (bribe), feed the chickens,dog,

then plan on buying 1 a month till i have a few,

i could go with a lyman next month,

so do i get the
358-105SWC
or the
358-158-RF
as a first buy for casting and shooting practice
until the next month,
when i could go with a lyman

open to suggestions for the first mold to buy for giggles and grins

[OS OK]

358-158-RF…get a six gang. This has a nice crimp groove and that RF makes a clean hole in the target…best of all…that RF hits HARD!
Honestly…I use the same in the .38 (158g.) and .45 for my 1911 (200g.) and the Colt SAA (255g.)

[jonp]

Of the 2 you listed id go with the 358358rf. You could ask for a couple in different weights/profiles and try them before buying the mold.

I actualy like the 358140 swc myself but everyone likes something different. I bet most of the answers will involve a 125gr

[jcren]

You can't beat Lee's tl 358-158 swc for versatility and accuracy in 38/357. I have 3 other 38 molds that just don't get used.

[Cherokee]

358158FN great bullet for 38 and 357, I have loaded and shot thousands with great enjoyment. Get the 6 cavity.

[brstevns]

If you get the RF 358 you will not need to purchase gas checks, just a thought? I use this one in both a 38 spec. and the 357 mag .

[mdi]

For a new caster I'd suggest a two cavity mold. It's easier to control the mold temperature with a two hole, than a long 6 cavity mold. Temperature control of both the melt and mold takes practice and can often be frustrating when you can't seem to get everything lined up and casting right. If you "need" faster production, get a six cavity after you have a handle on troubleshooting poorly cast bullets. A two cavity will produce enough bullets to not be drudgery, much like a single cavity does, but easier to control for a beginner...

I like the looks of a RNFP bullet, but in my casting and shooting, the SWC and the RNFP are so close in performance/accuracy, it's a toss up. If I can put 6, .44 caliber holes in a 3" circle at 25 yards I'll stick with that bullet/load...

BTW; I've often heard it said, "The only way to learn to cast bullets, is to cast bullets...".

[tazman]

I agree with the opinions on using the 358-158-RF. I use that boolit a lot. It shoots consistently accurate in all my revolvers, both 38 special and 357 mag.
I also get good results from the tl358-158-RN and SWC, just not quite as consistent as the RF.

[Cleve Branch]

My cheap butt opinion is go with the lighter boolet, get more boolets per pound if you are just plinkin.

[dudel]

358-158-RF…get a six gang. This has a nice crimp groove and that RF makes a clean hole in the target…best of all…that RF hits HARD!
Honestly…I use the same in the .38 (158g.) and .45 for my 1911 (200g.) and the Colt SAA (255g.)

+1 a SWC would be fine; but this is probably the easiest for someone starting out to cast. Not many angles in that profile.

[Don Fischer]

Best bullet's I've ever shot in a 38 have been 148gr wad cutter's. These days I run a lot of 155 gr SWC.

[FredBuddy]

In case you have a Marlin 1894, the RF cycles very nicely. Just thinking ahead.

[DerekP Houston]

I love the 148gr DEWC in the lee 6 banger, been loading a ton of them lately as it takes a minimal charge of BE to fire.

[Ed_Shot]

+1 for starting with the Lee 358-158-RF. Totally agree with MDI recommending a new caster should start with a 2 cavity mold and recommend you size to .358. My Security Six 6" likes just about anything. The Lyman 358156 with or without a GC and the 358477 are also outstanding.

[waco]

For a new caster I'd suggest a two cavity mold. It's easier to control the mold temperature with a two hole, than a long 6 cavity mold. Temperature control of both the melt and mold takes practice and can often be frustrating when you can't seem to get everything lined up and casting right. If you "need" faster production, get a six cavity after you have a handle on troubleshooting poorly cast bullets. A two cavity will produce enough bullets to not be drudgery, much like a single cavity does, but easier to control for a beginner...

I like the looks of a RNFP bullet, but in my casting and shooting, the SWC and the RNFP are so close in performance/accuracy, it's a toss up. If I can put 6, .44 caliber holes in a 3" circle at 25 yards I'll stick with that bullet/load...

BTW; I've often heard it said, "The only way to learn to cast bullets, is to cast bullets...".


This is good advice. I would also send a few extra dollars and go with an Accurate mold, not the Lyman. You work hard for your money. Spend it on something you KNOW will be done right the first time, to your specs, with your alloy.
Don't ask me how I know.
Waco

[Echo]

This is good advice. I would also send a few extra dollars and go with an Accurate mold, not the Lyman. You work hard for your money. Spend it on something you KNOW will be done right the first time, to your specs, with your alloy.
Don't ask me how I know.
Waco
Big Plus One. Lyman QC has been questionable for a few years. Buying an old Ideal 358429, or 358156 2-banger on eBay is another option.

[dverna]

Never cast with a Lee so maybe aluminum molds are trickier. My first mold was a H&G 10 cavity and had excellent bullets the first casting session. Buying a two cavity mold in that caliber is one you will never use once you get a mold with more cavities = "wasted money". I suggest at least a four cavity.

[rockrat]

Don't forget about Lee's 358-125 rnfp mould. You could start with a 2 cav or go straight to the 6 cav. Little bit longer learning curve, but not too bad.

[gpidaho]

Another vote for the 158gr mould. I have a Saeco 158grRF that is my favorite for 38spl and 357mag. As lee moulds go, I find that my six cavity moulds are easier to work with than the two cavity ones and a BUNCH faster. Welcome along, you'll soon have many moulds to choose from if your like the rest of us. Gp

[MarkP]

I think you would be fine with either as your first mold; I like the 105 for plinking, 158 RF is a nice design. You will most likely end up with both eventually.