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henry8734
02-12-2017, 12:43 AM
I believe the mold that cast these bullets is a Lyman, they are .358 and weigh 120 gr. I would like to shoot them in 38 spec and 357 magnum. Preferably using Alliant herco powder.

henry8734
02-12-2017, 01:12 AM
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170212/04a5ef2cde1e8a9e836c1c21cc5c08ed.jpg

Bzcraig
02-12-2017, 01:34 AM
What are you using for a load data book?

runfiverun
02-12-2017, 01:37 AM
use unique data for a 125.
in the 357 using a taper crimp die, 7grs would have that little boolit zipping along pretty well, you can drop back a bit from there.

henry8734
02-12-2017, 02:51 AM
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170212/c42b40f5eef5c9ed1a7d6aa798c48dbc.jpg

henry8734
02-12-2017, 02:53 AM
Here are my books, usually go to Speers book first but I thumb through them all eventually before I decide on a load.

runfiverun
02-12-2017, 03:01 AM
your missing a lyman, they generally have real good, go to, useful, data for cast.

Grmps
02-12-2017, 04:07 AM
Here is another place I look http://www.castpics.net/dpl/index.php/reloaders-reference/cast-bullet-data-lookup

tazman
02-12-2017, 08:15 AM
The Lyman 44th reloading manual has Herco data for a similar weight boolit for 357 magnum.
The Alliant 2001 data manual has Herco data for both cartridges.
The above link(post #8) has data for that powder by using the search by powder function.

georgerkahn
02-12-2017, 09:12 AM
I hear/see your need. I, too, have made boolits with no loading data at hand. You did not indicate the firearm, which -- to me -- is a most important necessary part to provide a safe, functioning answer to your quest. To wit, a safe load for, say, a Ruger Security-six surely might destroy your great-great-great grandfather's break-open revolver. Re semi-automatics, the load must be complementary to the spring (or gas mechanism) in the pistol for it to function, as well.
My meager resources came up with two, different loadings for a "121 grain" lead cast swc boolit -- NEITHER of which I would start out with! They are both the same, and again, I would NOT start out with these: "5.7 gr Alliant Herco". If you have a revolver, I'd load a half-dozen with, maybe 4.0gr. max. Obviously, you need make sure this propels boolit out of barrel ;), and check the primer, case (does it eject freely; noticeable bulge near base?). Assuming it functions safely -- then see what it does re groups on target. Two nice touches here would be a chrony so you can observe both the speed of your projectile, as well as its consistency. And, a Ransom Rest, to view precise accuracy potential.
BUT, lacking these two -- again, START "LIGHT"!!! -- the perhaps 30-40 shots you employ developing your load are -- to me - part of the fun process of getting where you wish to be. When a good safe load is determined, the reward are great!
On the other hand, to start out with a load which has a great chance of destroying your firearm -- I have seen TWO different revolvers blown up -- and/or most important -- fingers flying or eyes destroyed -- I'm not trying to offend you... BUT PLEASE start light. Be safe -- and have fun!
geo

TexasGrunt
02-12-2017, 09:43 AM
One thing to realize is that when you have a Speer manual the ONLY bullets they will have loads for is SPEER. Same goes for Nosler, Sierra, Berger, and all the rest.

You need a Lyman AND a Lyman Cast Bullet.

Another good resource, albeit kind of expensive, is Pet Loads by Ken Waters.

Ed_Shot
02-12-2017, 10:07 AM
While I admit there are clones, the boolit in your picture appears to be a Lyman 356402. The Lyman 4th Ed. CB Handbook gives load data for the 356402 in 9MM and .357. While not specifically listed for 38 Spl you can sub the data for the Lyman 356242 (120 gr.). Totally agree you can use data for 125 gr. lead with the 356402. Not saying you can't use it but I don't see any data for HERCO with 120~125 gr. lead in 9MM/38/357 in any of my Lyman manuals.

Dusty Bannister
02-12-2017, 11:19 AM
If you take time to read the information in the data manuals you will find that Herco is clearly recommended as a heavy shot shell and heavy hand gun load powder. The burn rate chart shows it slower than Unique. Unique tends to burn dirty and leave unburned flakes with light loads. When you find load data for heavy bullets but not light bullets, that should be your clue as to suitability for your purpose. You can probably find data for your bullet weight, but it will burn dirty, and may be inconsistent in other ways. That might be why this powder is not recommended by the powder maker as being suitable for your purpose. It might go bang, but so many other powders are better. Of course this might be the only powder available to you, in which case you may find a way to "make do".

nvbirdman
02-12-2017, 12:00 PM
He has a Lyman cast bullet handbook there. It is the one with the white plastic binding.

runfiverun
02-12-2017, 12:12 PM
it could be the lyman.
I think my older sierra book is wrapped like that too.

either way, he asked for a little help on the load data not a reloading book recommendation.

Minerat
02-12-2017, 12:26 PM
My 356402 mold throws a 116 gr boolit with my alloy @ 0.356 add molly lube and it weighs right at 120 gr. I use HP 38 at 4.8 gr. I have used 5.0 gr of unique with a 125 g fmj but it iiiissss dirrrty, out of my 9mm SW 659. Have not loaded it in a 38/357 yet as it is a little under size and I have plenty of 357 moulds to chose from. No Herco loads listed in my records sorry.

farmerjim
02-12-2017, 12:30 PM
I load 125 grain RNFP 9mm, 38sp, 357 mag, 357max with Herco. It is a little dirty in the lighter loads, but shoots great in all of them. My load data is down in the barn on my bench, I will try to copy it down when I go there this afternoon.

JonB_in_Glencoe
02-12-2017, 12:43 PM
I believe the mold that cast these bullets is a Lyman, they are .358 and weigh 120 gr. I would like to shoot them in 38 spec and 357 magnum. Preferably using Alliant herco powder.


use unique data for a 125.
in the 357 using a taper crimp die, 7grs would have that little boolit zipping along pretty well, you can drop back a bit from there.
henry8734,
welcome to the forum.
At first glance at my reloading manuals, there seems to be an absence of Herco data for cast. When I have my heart set on using a certain powder for a certain cast boolit, and there is a lack of data, I'll look at a burn rate chart to see if I am asking something that probably shouldn't be done. I imagine Herco could work for your application, although I would probably use others powders first.

I assume you have a surplus of Herco, and want to give it a go?
In that case, I'd look to starting loads of jacketed bullet data and examine the stated velocity, to see if that fits in with my goals and adjust the starting charge accordingly. >>> with that said,
Lee has data for Herco with 125gr Jacketed bullets as follows:
38 spl, 5.1gr starting load, 981 fps.
357M, 9.0 gr starting load, 1473 fps.

word of warning, Lee collects data from many sources and doesn't do any testing, they are just sharing data they've accumulated. I always double check their data and would advice you to do the same.

Lastly, It looks like R5R gave you an extremely good short answer.

good luck.

henry8734
02-12-2017, 01:34 PM
Alright guys, thank you for your posts! It means a lot!

I feel slightly stupid. Lol that bound book is indeed a Lyman. I had thought for the last 8 years that it was a black powder loading book. It's even better since the same mould came from the same guy as the book! Ha! So dumb!

It shows herco for the 357 bit not 38 as someone said above I believe. But with the info I have after digging I could use herco in the 38, just a matter of deciding to.

And the pistol is my smith and wesson model 19-5.

Thanks again everybody. This site is my go to!
Henry

farmerjim
02-12-2017, 07:19 PM
For the 38 sp and 125 gr RNFP Powder coated starting load 4.9 gr Herco, 5.5 gr max. I loaded 5.5 in mine with good results.
8 to 11 grains of herco under a 170 gr RNFP makes a nice 308 plinking load.

fecmech
02-12-2017, 08:56 PM
Like others have said Unique data will get you very close to Herco loads. That said, in the .38 special that bullet with Bullseye powder in the 4-4.5 gr range is an extremely accurate combination.

henry8734
02-12-2017, 11:32 PM
I did shoot this bullet and some others today out of the model 19. They all did great, dirty.... yes, but, no leading! 30 rounds, 2 passes with copper brush, clean as a whistle! Thanks everyone!

45-70 Chevroner
02-13-2017, 06:22 PM
One thing to realize is that when you have a Speer manual the ONLY bullets they will have loads for is SPEER. Same goes for Nosler, Sierra, Berger, and all the rest.

You need a Lyman AND a Lyman Cast Bullet.

Another good resource, albeit kind of expensive, is Pet Loads by Ken Waters.

They are both in there far left.

45-70 Chevroner
Sorry aabout that I oprned it up and It was a black powder hand book.

bigmaico
03-03-2017, 01:37 PM
Henry,

Sorry I'm late to the party but, My Lyman cast Bullet handbook show the following for the "356402" mold.

which I have in my casting box.


38Spl
Bullseye: 3.8/5.0
Unique: 3.9/5.0
HP38: 3.5/4.5

357Mag
Unique: 7.2/9.4
2400: 13.5/19.5
Blue Dot: 10.8/13.0


Hope this helps!

henry8734
03-03-2017, 01:53 PM
Awesome! Thanks bigmaico! Have to get some more loaded up tonight!

bigmaico
03-03-2017, 03:06 PM
Henry,

Sorry I'm late to the party but, My Lyman cast Bullet handbook show the following for the "356402" mold.

which I have in my casting box.


38Spl
Bullseye: 3.8/5.0
Unique: 3.9/5.0
HP38: 3.5/4.5

357Mag
Unique: 7.2/9.4
2400: 13.5/19.5
Blue Dot: 10.8/13.0


Hope this helps!

Henry,

If you don't use those powders, Let me know & I'll look up the other listed powders.

Howard

tankgunner59
03-03-2017, 05:49 PM
I'm sure you will have no problems with the 38 Special. You might want to check on the docs for your 357 Mag. Documentation for my Taurus Model 627 in 357 Mag says not to shoot projectiles smaller than 125 Gr.