Accurate Molds: 35-140S and 35-145B

[Two Barrels]

I am considering two Accurate Molds for use in a 38 Super. One is the 35-140S and the other is the 35-145B. Does anyone have any experience with either of these two molds they could share?

Thanks,
TB

[Thin Man]

I have been loading for 38 Super with boolits that are parallel with your choices, but of different manufacturers. Your pick of the 35-140S is practically identical to the Lyman 358480, claimed to weigh 133 by Lyman but my COWW gives me a 138 grain weight. This boolit IS my one and only choice for the Super. It gives me the speed and group size I want and feeds up without a hitch. I have this pattern in a 2-cavity mold for conventional use, but also have a single cavity mold and plans to hollow-point the mold (like a lot of other projects, when ever I can get around to it!). As with most autos, juggle your COL for feed-up and plunk testing. The down side of this selection is that this mold is now discontinued and only available from auction sites or, as you have found, Accurate.

I also have a Saeco 296383 mold (145 grain) which appears very similar to your Accurate 35-145B. I bought this mold specifically for the Super but am disappointed in it. The length of the nose is too long to feed up in my pre-70 Colt Commander, in spite of Saeco claiming this mold is designed for the Super. I seat these with the top edge of the forward driving band flush with the end of the brass but they are loo stinkin' long to cycle up. Do I need to find an early release magazine for my pistol? Perhaps. Maybe your pistol can handle them, but mine won't. Finding that they would not cycle I have put this mold on temporary vacation. Future uses for it would include revolver loads or even a lever action, for grins and goggles, just to see how they group. Good luck with your selection.

[Bohica793]

You can't go wrong with any mold from Tom at Accurate Molds. The quality is unparalleled.

[jmort]

^^^ what he said