How fast can I push "hard cast?"

[Odin]

Question for those in the know. How fast can I push hard cast SWC bullets of 158 gr. 38/357 with a Brinell Hardness of 16??? Trying to work up some "on the cheap" 38/357 loads and just want a general idea if these can be pushed at velocity comparable to jacketed bullets.

TNX!

Steve

[KCSO]

I generally hold mine to 1250 fps, not that this is a maximum, but this is where I find my best accuracy and still get adaquate power for any thing I use a 357 for. I cast these from 1/2 and 1/2 wheel weights and lino and am pushing them with H110.

[redneckdan]

i've had a keith type lino up to 1400fps with 296 out of a k-frame, used only for sight and and a couple shots at deer, still, thats a lot for a K. in a super contender, I've had them up to 1800fps again with 296 with no leading, no gas checks either. muzzle flash is...uh...generous....

[Odin]

Impressive! I really thought that the top end would be considerably lower. This gives me a good start point. Appreciate the responses guys!

TNX Again!
Steve

[9.3X62AL]

A flexible figure of 1200-1400 FPS seems to be given in some texts as the upper limit of velocity with unchecked boolits. Boolit hardness, fit in throats and barrel, and alloy strength are just some of the many variables that can affect this figure. Getting boolits to work well at higher pressures and velocities is as much art as it is science, at times.

[David R]

It all has to do with YOUR gun. Everyone is different.

Just keep pushing until it leads. You will see for your self.

David

[Char-Gar]

It all depends on:

1. The fit of the bullet to your handgun cylinder throats and bore
2. The smoothness of the inside of your barrel
3. The quality and quanity of bullet lube
4. The design of the bullet, ie, bevel base, plain base or gas check

If everything is right, I had no problem pushing such bullets (plain base) 1.4K fps and with a gas check as fast as you can go without blowing up the pistol.

I am talking zero leading and all the field accuracy a good shot can use.

[Greg]

Odin-

Back in April of 05, I started testing some .357 loads in my 8⅜" S&W Performance Center M686 with a 2x Leupold Scope. All of the bullets that I shot were cast, sized and lubed (NRA / Allox) in 1984. I didn't even add fresh lube. I just shot them right out of the box from under the loading bench. It was the next day before I thought to get a BHN reading. 15 BHN. Straight wheel weights cast in a Lyman 358156 double cavity mould. I use a Lyman .359 sizing die but get a bullet about .360

This is the only cast bullet that I had ever gotten acceptable accuracy from in 357 Magnum loads.

The first load that I shot was with Win .357 brass, 14.5 of W296 with a WSPM primer, 358156 1.60 oal. 1704 fps 3-3½" group at 50 yards. This was from a box of loads that I had loaded in 1984, most accurate load in a 5" M27 that I owned back then.

I shot the 358156 with Starline .357 brass, 15 grains 2400 (new) and WSPM primer, 1.585 oal. The sun was on the chrono, we got one reading, 1700 fps and 4-4½" no leading.

Then I shot some Lil-Gun loads, Starline .357 brass, 1.585 oal. I started at 17.0 grains, WSPM primer, 1540 fps, 3½-4" group; 17.5 grains Lil-Gun, WSPM primer, 1640 fps, 2" group; 18.0 Lil-Gun, WSPM primer, 1645 fps, group opened up to 4-5" most definitely to much for this combination of components.

I shot Elmer's 38-44 loads. *These two loads are not for 38 Special Guns*

358156, Win 38 +P nickle cases, WSP primers, 13.5 grains 2400 (new), 1.535 oal. 1390 fps, 2½-3" group.

With a 357429 recently cast of 95-3-2, Win 38 +P nickle cases, WSP primers, 13.5 grains 2400 (new), 1.545 oal. 1453 fps. My bud Jeff shot this group, he's a lot better shot than myself. 2 ⅛" group. 4 into 1" with 3 of those under a nickle, entirely coverable by a nickle, 5¢! Jeff has a lot better discipline than me, and it shows. That boy can shoot. These five rounds were the only loads that leaded in this test. And you had to look for it to find it. Actually, it was in the area of the barrel where the factory stamped the barrel ~ S&W on one side and Atomic Ray Gun on the other

[Odin]

Obviously lots of variables exist to further complicate this equation. You guys are posting some very impressive numbers for cast bullets. Again, WAY more than I ever expected. With this kind of performance, "we don' need no steenkin' jackets!" All kidding aside though, I expect I will keep the cast bullets I have below 1200fps (no Gas Checks). I did not mix the alloy or cast the bullets so the actual BHN may be a bit on the optimistic side and I think it best to err on the side of caution. For my uses a ballpark figure such as has been gleaned from your data should suffice.


TNX Again Guys!

Steve