The “Shocking” truth about the Lyman Cast Bullet Manual and #358477 in 38 Spec.

[pdgraham]

I was “Shocked” :shock: to find out that the Lyman Cast Bullet Manual didn’t list any 38 special loads for it’s #358577 150 grain mold. They only list loads for it under 357 mag.

So I had to strike out on my own. [smilie=2:

I just happened to have my Dillion set up to toss 4.1 grains of W231 into a 38 case so I thought I’d try that with the 149+ grain bullets that my #358477 was casting with WW and a Winchester Small Pistol primer.

As luck would have it that makes a great 38 special load.

So, my new favorite 38 special Cast Boolit load is:
4.1 grains W231, Winchester Small Pistol Primer, Winchester Brass topped off with a 149+ grain Boolit from my Lyman #358477. All seated to 1.44”.

Out of my 2” Ruger SP101 it yielded a 10 shot mean of 698 fps.

Accuracy was just great. My wife could keep 10 rounds in a 2 inch circle at 10 yards. Not bad for shooting a snubby. Tomorrow I'll try it at 25 yards out of my 4" GP100. :)

I used Super Moly for Lube.. very smoky..

I guess I could heat it up a little but my wife likes it just like it is... :castmine:

[hpdrifter]

I know things(reloading related) ain't always what they seem, but I find a LOT of discrepencies and oversights in reloading manuals. With the way things are litigation wise it seems that manuals such as this would triple proof read or more.

[Dale53]

pdgraham;
I don't mean to be a "sharp shooter" but don't you mean 358477 (instead of 358577)?

I think that you can use data in the .38 special section for the 358311. The results ought to be VERY close.

Dale53

[pdgraham]

pdgraham;
I don't mean to be a "sharp shooter" but don't you mean 358477 (instead of 358577)?

I think that you can use data in the .38 special section for the 358311. The results ought to be VERY close.

Dale53


OOPS...

I got it right in the title.. but fat fingered it in the text... thanks... :groner:


Now that you mention it... the 358311 load data has a listing of 4.1 gr of W231.. thanks :smile:

[MT Gianni]

For years the 358477 and 5 grains was touted as an accuracy load. It shoots great in my K-38 as well as 357's. Gianni.

[9.3X62AL]

Lyman #358477 has been VERY user-friendly for me in a whole lot of 38 Special and 357 Magnum revolvers. I've used 4.5 grains of WW-231 in 38 Special since forever--and 5.0 grains in the 357 Magnum cases seems to be a close match to the 38 Special loads velocity-wise. Just a good, reliable, accurate boolit all around.