.358 molds

[Mauser1892]

Can anyone care to recommend a 357 mold for self-defense boolits.
The firearms are S&W 2 1/2 inch bbl, CharterArms 5 inch bbl and
S&W 6 inch bbl. I use mostly WW lead with wax alloy lube.
Thanks

[VariableRecall]

I'm no expert, but I've had great success with 158gn SWC Boolits in my .38 Special S&W Model 10-5. Considering that the WW Lead would be generally quite soft, so If you're taking them to Transonic or supersonic speeds, you're going to need a Gas Check on them.

I'd assume that if you use a Hollow-Point SWC, that should provide plenty of expansion to prevent an over-penetration event.

I haven't tried 158gn SWC's in a .357 revolver yet. However, considering how much I like em in .38 Special, they should do fine when it gets speedy in .357.

[Winger Ed.]

Hollow points are the favorite, but a Keith style SWC is sort of a 'do all' too.

[Bazoo]

RCBS 38-150-SWC, lee 358-158-SWC would suffice.

[Wheelguns 1961]

I use an mp-molds 359- hammer with a large hollowpoint. They weigh about 155 grains.

[Harter66]

The best bullet I've shot in 38/357 and 9×23 rimmed has been the 358-158 RNFP Lee .

[avogunner]

With my 2.5" barreled S&W 66, I like the Lyman 358156. Checked and on top a suitable load of H110, it makes a potent defense option.

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[tinhorn97062]

The best bullet I've shot in 38/357.....has been the 358-158 RNFP Lee .

Same. Incredibly accurate, very good penetration, and happens to be my “carry load” over 5gr of Unique. I don’t feel under gunned with this load whatsoever.

[Conditor22]

IF you do your part, the lee 358-158-SWC will get the job done

[poppy42]

158 swc or 158 rn. No problem As long as you hit where are you supposed to

[rockrat]

If short range, I would think a full wadcutter would work well

[ABJ]

I agree with Rockrat, and most times on fixed sight revolvers they will shoot pretty close to point of aim. Another favorite of mine is the Lee 158-round flat. I prefer heavy for caliber for self defense vs 125 range. If I could only have one boolit it would be the 158 rf.
Tony

[marek313]

As mentioned by everyone else Lee 158 RNFP is great to start with.

[mdi]

Just a thought; I have never tried for or depended on expansion for an effective cast handgun bullet. For me, bullet shape is better for reliable effectiveness. My revolvers get SWC or RNFP bullets and are used with my "Mystery Metal" alloy (about 12 BHN). I have two favorites for 38/357, one is a Lachmiller 160 gr SWC and the other is a Lee 358-125-RF (also use it in my 9mms).

But a FWIW, I have a load I often use in my 3", 38 Special "House Gun", a 150 gr DEWC cast from a close to 12-14 BHN alloy loaded over a max charge of W231, or equivalent. Good accuracy at 10 yards, effective shape.

[Wooserco]

For a self defense round, ease of reloading should be part of the equation. A full house wad cutter in a loaded gun to start. At least two speed loaders filled with the Lee 358-158 RNFP for ease of slipping into the chamber. My wife's S&W M60 snubby has the shorter ejection rod, so I have loaded the speed loaders with 38 spl rounds with the Lee 358-158 RNFP. Much easier loading than the wad cutter and no shoulder to hang up like the SWC. JMO.

[BrutalAB]

If you are stuck with coww as your only alloy, a hollowpoint between 158 and 200 grains is what i would suggest. Otherwise try to get the baddies to line up for you, cause ive seen what kind of penetration a 170 Keith swc will do with coww alloy.
Ive got a 125 grain hollowpoint mould that with coww the expansion breaks off within the first few inches and then the base penetrates a few more. Am much more satisfied with my 185 grain hollow points, though im not using coww in them either. Cause, again, the expansion breaks off fast and then left with a base that penetrates a bit further. Just seema like i remember the base penetrating a reasonable depth with the extra weight. Going off my memory and own experiences ymmv.

But you didnt say what you are defending ftom and i assumed the 2 legged threats.

[RU shooter]

I'm partial to a button nose wadcutter , but wouldn't want to stand in front of any of the swc or flat nosed designs

[popper]

150is FP of some sort and learn to aim. You don't have 15-19 rnds. Watch some utube of close encounters of the bad kind. If in the open spaces, learn to run fast.

[00buck]

In my state it bad to shoot someone with evil hollow point bullets.
You would be in big trouble.

Soft point bullets are ok ... I guess.

Not a gun friendly state, in the least bit.

[beagle]

A target wadcutter loaded properly does well for this purpose and stands up well in court as opposed to a nasty big open maw SWC hollow point. Kinda shows you were using your "practice" loads in an "emergency" as opposed to pre-meditating mayhem. At the first shot 99.999% of the perks will elect to go elsewhere for their activities and the wadcutter ain't no slouch at close range as a man stopper. Don't worry about reloading. It will be over in 6 shots anyway, one way or another. If you worry about a sustained firefight, get a M-60 and a couple of cans of 4 in 1 ball/tracer and feel safe./beagle