Best general purpose 357 round

[sutherpride59]

So I just picked up a 357 for a very good price and now I need to get a mold. I don’t have a huge mold selection for my other calibers and I have none in 358. So my question is for a general purpose round what would be the best mold design. I would be shooting full power loads and probably gas check them with a plain base check so I know I would want a PB mold. Should I go SWC, flat nose, round nose, heavy, light, somewhere in the middle? Any suggestions on your favorite mold would be appreciated along with whatever input.

[centershot]

The Lee 158 RNFP is my go-to, whether pistol or carbine. 9.0 gr. of Blue Dot with a tumble-lubed boolit.

[FISH4BUGS]

Hensley & Gibbs #51. THE classic and ORIGINAL 357 160gr swc bullet designed in the 1930's when the 357 was new. lube groove wider than the Panama Canal. Drive them HARD.
If you can find one (they show up on auction sites regularly) it is the perfect bullet.

[Walks]

There is no single GP Bullet if you want both a plain base AND a gas check. N.O.E. or ACCURATE molds, they will cut the same mold with 2 seperate bullet designs.

[fredj338]

In a handgun, gc are not really needed imo. I would go with a 150-160gr LSWC, run up to 1300fps w/ no gc required. Coated you may be able to exceed that a bit. The RCBS 150gr SWC is a really good design.

[marek313]

The Lee 158 RNFP is my go-to, whether pistol or carbine. 9.0 gr. of Blue Dot with a tumble-lubed boolit.

I own Lyman WC and SWC molds (cant remember exact numbers) but I think that Lee 358-158-RF is little bit more accurate so I've been using those lately. These also make great sub 9mm rounds provided you have a handgun that will chamber .357 rounds. Out of all my 9s only sig p320 can do that.

[telebasher]

There is no single GP Bullet if you want both a plain base AND a gas check. N.O.E. or ACCURATE molds, they will cut the same mold with 2 seperate bullet designs.
Arsenal moulds will make plain base and gaschecked in the same mould also !

[sutherpride59]

I own Lyman WC and SWC molds (cant remember exact numbers) but I think that Lee 358-158-RF is little bit more accurate so I've been using those lately.

I was thinking about the Lee 358-158-RF or the SWC. I may just do both and sell the one that I like least.

[dannyd]

The 158RF works good. If you stay under 800 FPS may have more fun for just paper targets. I have 15 357/38 pistols and 3 rifles. They are fun to shoot. I use 8 different bullets.

[sutherpride59]

I will end up developing some target loads for this gun for fun but I really want to start with some full power loads first. That’s why I was thinking about using plain based gas checks.

[dannyd]

I mainly shoot paper out of 100,000 357/38 I have loaded about 100 full house round.

[Kraschenbirn]

My current 'go-to' is the Arsenal 360-162 RNFP. I shoot this one in four .357 revolvers and a Rossi 92 levergun. It's a plain-base but, for the handguns, I've loaded it from 750 fps (in .38 Spl cases) to just over 1100 fps with excellent accuracy across the board. On the other hand, if you feel you need to go with a GC design, the ol' 358156...or one of its clones...is hard to top.

Bill

[RogerDat]

I was thinking about the Lee 358-158-RF or the SWC. I may just do both and sell the one that I like least. The SWC you mention would be my choice. Tumble lube for general shooting and if you want to punch the go pedal to the floor then shake and bake powder coat will handle it without need for gas checks. Or at least PC will handle most anything you will want to shoot. Have a lever action .357 and the PB gas check starts to make sense. I believe I read that most 38's and 357's have POA that works well as POI with a 158 grain.

Can't beat Lee for price of a serviceable piece of equipment but the NOE 4 cavity molds are a nice balance between size/weight, productivity, and cost. There are other good mold companies but I like the value of NOE molds.

You might also want to look into a full WC mold Lyman makes a nice button nosed WC mold with a crimp groove that leaves a little lead sticking out, feeds easier. Has same case impingement as the SWC and RF bullet. Pretty close to same weight as the Lee 158 maybe 10 grains lighter.

[Leadmelter]

Lyman Keith 170
Lyman 150 gr
Leadmelter
MI

[gpidaho]

The Saeco #62358 Rnfp is my favorite 357 bullet. I use it to good effect in my Ruger 77/357, 357 Handi, Gp100 Revolver and the kids misc. 357"s and 38 spls. Very close to the same as the Lee, that being the less expensive way to go. Gp

[WebMonkey]

another vote for the lee 158 round flat.

i really like the projectile in my blackhawk and my handi rifle
i propel it with unique

[MT Gianni]

1] 358156 get an NOE 4 cavity two checked two plain.
2] NOE 160 wfn plainbase
3] NOE 180 pb
You did not mention your gun. A Ruger Blackhawk can push a bullet past the point of needing a gc, a 2" Taurus never will. To slow it down for closer to 38 special velocities get a 358477. Your best target groups may come from a wadcutter in 357 brass with loads adjusted to the same velocity as a target 38. It is like a truck, an F350 will haul different loads than a 1/2 ton 4 cylinder, it's all in what you need it to do.

[sutherpride59]

Sorry that’s a good point this is an N frame S&W 28-5 with a bull barrel target barrel.

[Cheeto303]

Skeeter Skelton was a big advocate of the the .357 Mag. and he particularly liked the Lyman 358156 and the 358156 HP if you can find it. They are Ray Thompson gas check designs. I like these molds also. I have also had really good luck with the Lee 358-140-SWC. It has really shot well for me. I also have the Lee 358-158-RF which also works real well. My wife recently found an RCBS 38-150-SWC, Lyman .375 RB and a 5 gal bucket of Linotype at a yardsale for 10 bucks. I haven't had a chance to try the RCBS mold yet but am looking forward to it.

Here's a link to a good article by Glen Fryxell.

http://www.lasc.us/FryxellSkeetersBullets.htm

[Dvedw]

I am partial to this one. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GX6MJS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[marlin39a]

Lyman 358477. That was my first mold 41 yrs ago, and still going strong. 150 gr SWC.

[Grmps]

358-158-RN 2 RCBS
Hard to beat, good in rifles

[jmort]

One of the members here had Tom design this. I saw it and ordered the GC version. It loads to SAAMI spec for .357 Magnum. You can click for better view, but all around it works well. Lever action or revolver.

222388

[Bzcraig]

One not mentioned so far, and many good ones have, is the Lee 358-125. You can load it heavy and fast or light and fun.

[sutherpride59]

After considering everyone’s opinions and reading a few articles I believe I will start with the NOE 360-158-SWC, this is the single line groove design vs the two lube groove. I don’t see much of an advantage other than easier to lube lol.

http://noebulletmolds.com/NV/product_info.php?cPath=35_296&products_id=1951&osCsid=mjcrfo025lg7ak79rt145nf611

[beagle]

Since it's a S & W, I'd go with a Lyman 358477 PB and have it hollow pointed. You may run into problems with cylinder length with a Keith 358429. Had a Model 28 with a cylinder that would barely take them length wise. Or, pick up a 356156 and have the GC removed./beagle

[Cosmic_Charlie]

I just got a 4 cavity Accurate Molds full WC, TL type. Like all that bearing surface and wide frontal area. Have not tried it yet. http://www.accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=36-148T-D.png

These TL type boolits can be seated out as far as you need for powder space. My Henry lever action feeds full wad cutters well enough and is super accurate with them.

[youngmman]

The Lee 158 RNFP is my go-to, whether pistol or carbine. 9.0 gr. of Blue Dot with a tumble-lubed boolit.
I use a 155Gr. LBT WFN with 10gr. Blue Dot. It's a tack driver in my 6" Mo. 28 and very effective

[robg]

Rcbs 180 gr sil GC boolits over 11.5 gr 2400 accurate out to 200 yards ,even with the 2 foot drop at that distance .from my win 94 trapper.

[dannyd]

38-150K Been my go to bullet for 30 years have both new square and old round lube grove mold. Never owned a Smith just Rugers and TC's. Works great in them

[Echo]

Back in the day I had great luck with the Lee 140 gr GCSWC in my Blackhawk. And the 358156 is also on my 'Great' list. Both GC designs, and accurate w/15 grs 2400 back then. I now recommend 14 grs for a max...

[sutherpride59]

For powder choice I’m thinking H110 for full power and W231 for target loads. Mostly because I use H110 on my 300blk supers and W231 for my 45ACP&LC.

[dannyd]

For powder choice I’m thinking H110 for full power and W231 for target loads. Mostly because I use H110 on my 300blk supers and W231 for my 45ACP&LC.
Both great powders for 357 use heavy crip on h110

[LUCKYDAWG13]

Lyman 358477. That was my first mold 41 yrs ago, and still going strong. 150 gr SWC.

This is what i use too and a Lyman DEWC 148gr

[Kirk Miller]

I won't tell you what to do,but in my opinion, the rnf design is the easiest profile to get good results from quickly. The Arsenal 358-162 rnf or their 360-155 rnf would give great diversity and accuracy in both rifle and revolver. Accurate molds, Noe and many others have good rnf designs. Arsenal molds are just the ones I have the most experience with.
Kirk

[avogunner]

Another vote for the Lyman 358156. That's my only .357 mold and the only one I think I'll ever need. This over a suitable charge of H110 or 2400 does anything I want it too - paper, hunting, or carry.
Semper Fi

[gwpercle]

Going to say it again: Lyman 358156 , solid point or hollow point that's your choice, Mine's solid.
Magnum loads....use the gas check. Cast from 50/50 lead/COWW although a little on the soft side the gas check eliminates any leading problems at magnum velocities. Good general purpose boolit.
Back in the day (1970) this boolit over 7.5 grains of old Unique would make tight clover leaf groups out of my Ruger Blackhawk . Don't use this load today...it might be over the allowable limit...it was OK in 1970

Target and lighter loads...Lyman # 358432 - 160 grain version ( not the 148 grain version)
Lyman has discontinued it but NOE makes it. Accuracy sleeper, this bullet shoots the best in all of my 38's....but few know about it's potential. Check it out at NOE.
Gary

[Cherokee]

For full mag use, hard to beat the Lee 158 RNFP. For light loads, I like the NOE 357 135 RF. Don't need a gas check with proper bullet sizing and alloy.

[murf205]

Both great powders for 357 use heavy crip on h110

AND...a magnum primer. H110 is a really slow powder and makes spectacular power but it needs a hot flame and like dannyd said, a heavy crimp.

[Tenbender]

I found a 160gr. wadcutter mold for my 357. I love it in a Blackhawk.

[GooseGestapo]

Lee 158gr RF, 14-14.5gr #2400. It just works!

[sniper]

RCBS 150 gr. SWC.

[TDB9901]

One of the first molds I acquired way back when I got started in this endeavor some 40 odd years ago, was an old Lyman 358480 133 to 135 gr. SWC.

Kind of a funny little rounded swc, but it shoots great in everything I have ever tried it in. Maybe a bit light for bigger game hunting, but up to mule deer, it gets the job done.

Probably the last mold I'd ever part with. If you ever run across one grab on to it.