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View Full Version : Lee 358-125-RF in 9mm?



arlon
04-20-2017, 12:10 AM
Has anyone squeezed this down to run in a 9mm? I have a Smith&Wesson that was a 356TSW but I got a 9x19 Briley barrel for it. Super accurate pistol but I'd like to try running some light power lead loads in it (have an 8lb spring I can try). The 125-RF looks like it would feed and run well in the 9mm. Just looking for anyone that has actually done this.

Looks like it would be a good all around plinking bullet in the 38/357s bit if it will squeeze to 9mm, it would be a no brainer to pick one of these moulds up.

6622729
04-20-2017, 12:57 AM
I think you are combining specifications. The 358 diameter is 158gr while the 356 is 125gr. Which one are you talking about?


Has anyone squeezed this down to run in a 9mm? I have a Smith&Wesson that was a 356TSW but I got a 9x19 Briley barrel for it. Super accurate pistol but I'd like to try running some light power lead loads in it (have an 8lb spring I can try). The 125-RF looks like it would feed and run well in the 9mm. Just looking for anyone that has actually done this.

Looks like it would be a good all around plinking bullet in the 38/357s bit if it will squeeze to 9mm, it would be a no brainer to pick one of these moulds up.

reddog81
04-20-2017, 01:23 AM
It can be sized appropriately. Many people size 9mm to .357. It's a fairly common mold to use for 9mm. It's my choice over any of the other Lee designs. The biggest issue is that you have to use a kind of short OAL. Usually it won't work until seated around 1.06 to 1.08.

tazman
04-20-2017, 04:16 AM
It can be sized appropriately. Many people size 9mm to .357. It's a fairly common mold to use for 9mm. It's my choice over any of the other Lee designs. The biggest issue is that you have to use a kind of short OAL. Usually it won't work until seated around 1.06 to 1.08.

Correct. I didn't get as good accuracy with that boolit so I used a different one. It does work and quite well in some pistols.

Bookworm
04-20-2017, 05:31 AM
I use the 358-125RF, sized to .358, in the 3 different 9mm handguns that I own. No 'squeezing down' needed.

To get it to chamber in all, I have to load to 1.050 OAL. No problems feeding, and I get very good accuracy from it with no leading.

Because of the short OAL, consideration must be given to the charge weight. A reduced case capacity due to seating the boolit so deep can result in high pressures, especially in such a small case as the 9x19.

I used a chrono to help with load development.

6622729
04-20-2017, 07:35 AM
You are saying yes but is he talking about the 125gr or the 158gr? Does one really shoot 158gr cast in 9mm? The OP is talking about Lee molds. So, he either means .356 at 125gr or he means the .358 diameter which is 158gr. He definitely cannot be talking about .358 at 125gr. Lee doesn't make that configuration.


It can be sized appropriately. Many people size 9mm to .357. It's a fairly common mold to use for 9mm. It's my choice over any of the other Lee designs. The biggest issue is that you have to use a kind of short OAL. Usually it won't work until seated around 1.06 to 1.08.

jcren
04-20-2017, 08:14 AM
193651

Bookworm
04-20-2017, 08:18 AM
He definitely cannot be talking about .358 at 125gr. Lee doesn't make that configuration.

You are incorrect. 358-125RF. I've got one.

jmort
04-20-2017, 08:19 AM
This is one of the most discussed 9mm bullets. There are a lot of threads either devoted to this bullet in 9mm or others where it is discussed as an option. I don't use it in 9mm, but many do. It will work at the right COAL

wbrco
04-20-2017, 08:50 AM
My BHP MKIII slugs @ .3572 I was having problems with the 124 RF TL.
Tried this bullet last weekend, seated to the crimp groove ( which is about the same depth as the TL if you measure the 2).

Used Blue Dot and HS-6. Worked like a champ sized at .358 and tumble lubed with 45/45/10. Equal accuracy as with j-words.

Note that mine drop about 128gr with coww so I used 130gr load data.

Is it me, or does anybody else think this would make a great hollow point?

BNE
04-20-2017, 09:03 AM
193652

I use this one in 9mm very successfully.

BNE
04-20-2017, 09:07 AM
[quote=

is it me, or does anybody else think this would make a great hollow point?[/quote]

YES!!!

I think HP molds does make this.

arlon
04-20-2017, 09:46 AM
You are saying yes but is he talking about the 125gr or the 158gr? Does one really shoot 158gr cast in 9mm? The OP is talking about Lee molds. So, he either means .356 at 125gr or he means the .358 diameter which is 158gr. He definitely cannot be talking about .358 at 125gr. Lee doesn't make that configuration.

The lee mould I'm questioning is a 358 diameter 125 grain round flat nosed bullet. Mould number 358-125-rf. It is made for .38 special and .357 magnum according to their catalog. I was just looking at the shape and weight of this bullet and it looks like it might run nicely in a 9mm. I might even consider trying to trim some 9x23 cases to 9x21.6 (.356tsw) for room in the case and shoot in the 356tsw barrel. I never said anything about a 158 grain bullet. I have that mould but not interested in trying in 9x19.


http://leeprecision.com/6-cav-358-125-rf.html

farmerjim
04-20-2017, 09:59 AM
I have 2 of the 6 cavity molds and use both when casting. This is my most used boolit. I powder coat or Hi-Tek it. I size to .357 and use it in all my 9mm. I size it .359 and use it in my 38sp, 357 mag, and 357 max. I am told that it works good in the .380. I will try it next time I am loading .380.
There are many threads on this boolit.

runfiverun
04-20-2017, 11:08 AM
see posts #5 and #9.

Moonie
04-20-2017, 09:57 PM
I actually don't like this boolit in 9mm as it must be loaded very deeply and to a rather short COL. I do have a Lee 120TC and an Accurate 147Y slick sided that I use in 9mm. On the flip side of this I have just started testing this boolit in 357Sig as it requires a short COL. I just got a new barrel today for my XD Subcompact mod.2 and loaded up a couple of dozen with AA #7 and they shot very well.

arlon
04-21-2017, 12:27 AM
I didn't realize this one had been discussed as much as it has. Between here and some other stuff from google searches it just makes sense for me to try one of these moulds. From all I've read, if I don't like it in the 9mm, I will like in one of my 38/357s. I really appreciate all the feedback.

yondering
04-21-2017, 03:16 AM
I actually don't like this boolit in 9mm as it must be loaded very deeply and to a rather short COL. I do have a Lee 120TC and an Accurate 147Y slick sided that I use in 9mm. On the flip side of this I have just started testing this boolit in 357Sig as it requires a short COL. I just got a new barrel today for my XD Subcompact mod.2 and loaded up a couple of dozen with AA #7 and they shot very well.

I didn't like it for a long time either, but then started shooting subsonic loads through a suppressor. That's when I realized this bullet is great for that, because the reduced case capacity makes for smaller powder charges, which can be quieter suppressed. I still don't like it much for general 9mm use though in faster loads.

For 357 Sig, if it's an option for you, consider boring/reaming the lube grooves out and powder coating it. That gives more surface area for the marginal 357 neck to hold on too. (I really wish Sig had designed that with a bit more neck, but that's a different topic.) The new-ish Lee 95-RF with the same treatment is another great 357 Sig bullet because of the short nose.

GooseGestapo
04-21-2017, 08:11 PM
Very accurate from my 3 Performance Ctr 9's. Mine prefer a .357" sizing.
This is the best boolit from my Taurus PT99. It wants.358", same as my S&W Revolvers.
In the 9's I use 4.9gr of Hodgdon LongShot for 1,150fps.

Moonie
04-21-2017, 11:22 PM
I didn't like it for a long time either, but then started shooting subsonic loads through a suppressor. That's when I realized this bullet is great for that, because the reduced case capacity makes for smaller powder charges, which can be quieter suppressed. I still don't like it much for general 9mm use though in faster loads.

For 357 Sig, if it's an option for you, consider boring/reaming the lube grooves out and powder coating it. That gives more surface area for the marginal 357 neck to hold on too. (I really wish Sig had designed that with a bit more neck, but that's a different topic.) The new-ish Lee 95-RF with the same treatment is another great 357 Sig bullet because of the short nose.

I like my Accurate Molds 147Y for subsonic in 9mm. I am powder coating this 125gr, before boring it out I'll get another custom mold from Accurate specifically for the 357 Sig, my 147Y has too long a nose to work in it.

reloader28
04-21-2017, 11:53 PM
I like it and we are shooting it in 7 or 8 different 9mm's. Sized .358 on top of 4.4gr Bullseye at 1.017 and about 1170fps

It does make a sweet hollow point. I drilled mine out with 1/8" bit down to the crimp groove in 50/50/2% (pure/ww/tin).
In milk jugs it stops at only .300 thick but a nice .685 in diameter and 100% weight retention.:smile:

mdi
04-22-2017, 01:18 PM
One of my favorite molds is the 358-125 RNFP. I use it it 6 guns; 2 38 Specials, one 357 Mag., three 9mms, I just push them through the appropriate sizing die...

Tom W.
04-22-2017, 01:29 PM
I believe I'm going to get one, as both of my 9mm like .358 cast boolits. Plus I have that little Colt Police Positive that would probably be happy with that boolit also.

Jal5
04-29-2017, 10:23 PM
My S&W Shield loves this boolit. It's the only one I use in that 9mm

adam_mac84
05-02-2017, 10:28 PM
I use the 358-125RF, sized to .358, in the 3 different 9mm handguns that I own. No 'squeezing down' needed.

To get it to chamber in all, I have to load to 1.050 OAL. No problems feeding, and I get very good accuracy from it with no leading.

Because of the short OAL, consideration must be given to the charge weight. A reduced case capacity due to seating the boolit so deep can result in high pressures, especially in such a small case as the 9x19.

I used a chrono to help with load development. . Would you be willing to share some of you chrono data? I have yet to get one, and hope to make minor PF in this load (currently most concerned with knocking plates down in 3 gun). I too am loading to 1.050. I am guessing with increased pressure of the shorter OAL, you ended up with an increase in velocity? I load my plated to 1.155 and have gotten the performance I need with the plates in 3 gun matches. Have not shot my cast in event yet... not enough rounds of it down range to be 100%

wbrco
05-03-2017, 10:00 AM
If you take a set of calipers and measure the length of the TL grooves on the Lee 124 RN TL and the length to the crimp band of the 358 125 RF you will find them almost identical, to within .001

xringshutr
05-03-2017, 04:16 PM
It's short, but run it. 358 and seated so the lube groove is just under the case mouth and it should shoot great. This bullet does great for me in 357 Sig and 9mm. My favorite cast bullet in these calibers.

Sent from my D6708 using Tapatalk

Boolseye
05-03-2017, 11:10 PM
I own many Lee molds, this is on the short list for my next one for all the reasons discussed.

DougGuy
05-03-2017, 11:33 PM
I actually don't like this boolit in 9mm as it must be loaded very deeply and to a rather short COL. I do have a Lee 120TC and an Accurate 147Y slick sided that I use in 9mm. On the flip side of this I have just started testing this boolit in 357Sig as it requires a short COL. I just got a new barrel today for my XD Subcompact mod.2 and loaded up a couple of dozen with AA #7 and they shot very well.

Throat the barrel, no more issues, seat as long as the magazine will allow, it will run like a Singer sewing machine, no leading, and shoot lights out.

yondering
05-04-2017, 01:53 AM
. Would you be willing to share some of you chrono data? I have yet to get one, and hope to make minor PF in this load (currently most concerned with knocking plates down in 3 gun). I too am loading to 1.050. I am guessing with increased pressure of the shorter OAL, you ended up with an increase in velocity? I load my plated to 1.155 and have gotten the performance I need with the plates in 3 gun matches. Have not shot my cast in event yet... not enough rounds of it down range to be 100%

I've used this one with WSF to reach ~1180 fps out of a G19. That may be a hot load, I don't really remember, so use at your own risk but 5.5gr was the most accurate for me although i did go up to 6.0gr.

If you want more velocity though in a Lee mold, you're really better off with the 120-TC bullet; it has a lot more potential because it doesn't take up so much case volume, and can be a very accurate bullet.


If you take a set of calipers and measure the length of the TL grooves on the Lee 124 RN TL and the length to the crimp band of the 358 125 RF you will find them almost identical, to within .001

Depending how this bullet is sized though, it often has some bearing surface in front of the crimp groove as well. This is what gives it the need to seat so deep. Depends on your mold too; mine dropped large enough that even sized to .358" I had ~.050-.080" bearing surface in front of the crimp groove.

Shiloh
05-06-2017, 10:04 PM
125 gr RF seats deeper into the case. A LOT deeper than the 125 gr. RN 9mm mold. Back off your start charge and work up carefully.

Shiloh

rintinglen
05-08-2017, 05:44 PM
I just finished shooting up the last of my 9 mm's loaded with this boolit and I'll not be going back. I was concerned that being seated so deeply, if it suffered from set back at all, I might have a bigger bang than I wanted.

IMO, the 356-120 TC is much the better boolit. The only reason for loading the 358-125RF in the 9 MM is if you are financially challenged and need to restrict your mold expenditures, in which case it will work for your 9mm's as well as your 38's and 357's. But I am not so limited and would rather find the "right" mold than try to cover with a "0ne-size-fits-all."

arlon
05-09-2017, 01:10 AM
I'm an old retiree so I'm financially challenged. I load lightly and have strong guns (STI Trojan and S&W Wesson 3566 Limited) so I don't think the setback will be an issue for me. I've read enough in the past few weeks to convince me to try it. I also only shoot for my personal enjoyment. I don't need to compete with anyone.

I also like the idea of having some lead honed into barrel throats to accommodate a longer bullet. The 3566 Limited is throated for 147 gr bullet and magazines are made for the 356TSW round. Lot of room to work there I think. It will take some "plunk" testing to see how far out they can be loaded and still chamber. Not sure about the STI chamber, I'm sure there isn't as much room to work with there.

rintinglen, if you're so flush, why do you even have a Lee mold in the first place?

rintinglen
05-09-2017, 02:53 AM
Lee 6 cavity molds are the best VALUE going. The fact that you can get two for less than a hundred bucks is the bomb. I will say that for a broke fellow, you have some expensive hard ware;-)
I would like to have one of the 3566 guns, but they are sadly not available in Commiefornia and I still have 2 years and 8 months to go on my sentence.

arlon
05-09-2017, 03:44 AM
Lee 6 cavity molds are the best VALUE going. The fact that you can get two for less than a hundred bucks is the bomb. I will say that for a broke fellow, you have some expensive hard ware;-)
I would like to have one of the 3566 guns, but they are sadly not available in Commiefornia and I still have 2 years and 8 months to go on my sentence.

If you ever find a 3566, grab it. They are amazing pistols. I just wish Starline would make another run of 356TSW brass. I had Briley make me a 9x19 barrel when they still had the blanks. Shooting 9x19 in the 3566 is like only being able to shoot 38s in a really nice 357.

The Lee 6 cavity molds are a bargain. I'll give them that. Two cavity molds are cheap enough to try for a few hundred rounds. If you like it get the 6 cavity and if you don't, throw it away or sell it on an auction site for $2 less than you paid for it.

LAH
05-09-2017, 09:53 PM
See post 15.

For my part I like the Lee 38-125-RF in my CZ. Works great.

Moonie
05-10-2017, 05:47 PM
Throat the barrel, no more issues, seat as long as the magazine will allow, it will run like a Singer sewing machine, no leading, and shoot lights out.

I have no need to throat the barrel as I have other molds that do much better than this one in 9mm. It is my go-to in 357 Sig however. The COL is perfect.