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View Full Version : Need advice sizing 38 Super 150 SWC.



zanemoseley
05-09-2016, 12:30 PM
Ok here's the deal. I got a Sig 38 Super 1911 and got the trigger upgraded and match bushing installed for NRA bullseye use. I got several commercially cast bullets to try from Meister, Bayou and Dardus. The Meister 150 SWC and Bayou 150 SWC appear to be either the same mold or at least very very close to the same. Only difference I can see aside from the powder coat / lube difference is the sizing diameter, the Bayou is .3555 and the Miester is .358. The Meister's shot much better for me, in fact the height locking nut on the Ransom Rest was a bit loose on the first couple shots which accounted for the high flyers, if it wasn't for that I think I may have had a 10 shot group in one large hole. So that leads me to believe my gun likes larger OD bullets, this confirmed what I read about lead 38 super bullets which are typically a bit larger OD than 9mm bullets. I haven't slugged the bore. I just ordered the 38S-150-SWC-BB mold from Magma.

Here's the two commerical bullets I tried, the Bayou is the green one, the Meister is the other.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y218/zanemoseley/0509161049-1_resized_zpsg8aw0s41.jpg (http://s6.photobucket.com/user/zanemoseley/media/0509161049-1_resized_zpsg8aw0s41.jpg.html)

Here's a 10 shot ransom rest test of the Meister bullets with 3.0 grains of WST. Again the 2 high flyers were caused by the height adjustment lock nut being loose. After we tightened it they all grouped together. I wish I had more loaded to test a second group.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y218/zanemoseley/0509160614-1_resized_zps3xcnw8c0.jpg (http://s6.photobucket.com/user/zanemoseley/media/0509160614-1_resized_zps3xcnw8c0.jpg.html)

Here's the 10 shot Bayou group with the same 3.0 WST charge. Nowhere near as good as the Meister

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y218/zanemoseley/0509160614a-1_resized_zpshatvryhq.jpg (http://s6.photobucket.com/user/zanemoseley/media/0509160614a-1_resized_zpshatvryhq.jpg.html)

And here's the profile of the 150SWC mold I just ordered.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y218/zanemoseley/Magma%2038S-150-SWC-BB_zps7vb0wbyi.jpg (http://s6.photobucket.com/user/zanemoseley/media/Magma%2038S-150-SWC-BB_zps7vb0wbyi.jpg.html)

So here's my question. Magma states that the mold produces bullets in the range of .357-.358 and lists a sizing diameter of .357. With my barrel liking fatter bullets will I be better off shooting them as cast to preserve as much diameter as possible or should I size them to .357 to make them as uniform as possible? I have been using the Lee push through sizing dies so I'm tempted to get the die to try both ways but figured I'd get some advice from you guys, this is only my second caliber to cast for.

runfiverun
05-09-2016, 02:16 PM
you do know magma molds are made for their casting machines and need their handles, and a different sprue plate to work for hand casting.

other than that get the mold and cast some with it.
measure them.
you'll know what to do after that.

I have about 20 magma molds and they all cast real close to their stated diameter with ww and 1.5% tin alloy, even though they are cut for 2/6/92 alloy.
now the good part.
if it casts a tick small those large flat drive bands will lap out .001 or so with little to no drama.

zanemoseley
05-09-2016, 02:33 PM
I've already got one mold from Magma for my 45. They will drill for RCBS handles for next to nothing. The first one I got had the sprue plate included. I went ahead and got the .357 Lee sizing die. I will try both "as cast" and .357 sized.

runfiverun
05-09-2016, 06:08 PM
cool,,, your on top of it.
I just wanted to make sure you weren't disappointed when the mold came.
they are top notch molds for sure.

wv109323
05-09-2016, 07:30 PM
Without knowing your actual bore size, it is hard to answer your question. Cast a few boolits with your mold and see what diameter they turn out to be. If larger than .358 size them to .358. I would buy the .358 sizer since you know your gun likes that diameter.
I don't think there would be an advantage to size them to .357. If "as-cast" they are between .357 and .358 let your barrel do the sizing for you.