Best general purpose 357 round

[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.

[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...ak79rt145nf611

[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_...=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.