Best LEE mold for ROSSI '92 .357mag

[derek45]

I'm waiting on UPS to deliver my 16" ROSSI .357mag.

I like LEE 6 cavity molds.


I'm leaning toward the 158 RNFP, but interested to hear which ones you guy like.

I want the run to run smoothly


Lee 6-Cavity Bullet Mold 358-158-RF (358 Diameter) 158 Grain Flat Nose

http://media.midwayusa.com/productimages/large/172/172810.jpg


Lee 6-Cavity Bullet Mold C358-158-SWC (358 Diameter) 158 Grain Semi-Wadcutter Gas Check

http://media.midwayusa.com/productimages/large/873/873370.jpg

Lee 6-Cavity Bullet Mold 358-140-SWC 38 Special, (358 Diameter) 140 Grain Semi-Wadcutter
http://media.midwayusa.com/productimages/large/721/721902.jpg

[greg gremlin]

I lean towards the rn fp because it is not a gc. But my Marlin likes both. greg

[Jeff H]

I lean towards the rn fp because it is not a gc. But my Marlin likes both. greg

Ditto.

I have not shot any of these in mine yet, but woud personally go for the 158 RNFP and the 140. I PREFER to not use GCs if I don't have to and usually don't have to, but sometimes.....

If forced to pick between the 158 RNFP and the 140 SWC, my personal choice would be the 140 for the square shoulder and I am finding that this nose profile cycles through mine well.

I do like the 158 SWC generally though for its shape and weight and has shot well in any revolver I have used it in.

[cajun shooter]

Don't care for any of the Lee moulds for many reasons. You should look at the RCBS 38-158-cm. They are only two cavity but you could buy two if funds are not a problem. The best to do is go to the accurate moulds site. He is a true craftsman in the trade. He will make you a three cavity mould in brass for $119 to your door. He also makes moulds from steel and aluminum. Visit his site as you can have a custom mould for a little more than a production type.

[fecmech]

Part of it depends on the velocity you want to run at. I have 2 Rossi's in .357, both will shoot the RNFP into 1-2" 50 yd groups @ 1150 fps (my normal .38 spl pistol load) and they won't stay on a 2'X4' target backer at 100 yds! The ones that do hit the backer are usually tumbling. The 30" twist has a hand in this IMO. I have not worked at higher velocities because I use the Lyman Keith for my magnum loads and it does well in the 1500-1600 fps range at 100-200 yds. The Lee 158 TL SWC does well in the lower velocity ranges and is very accurate to 200 yds. It all depends where you want to play, 50 yds and under I don't think it matters much. The most accurate long range boolit to date out of both my Rossi's has been the RCBS 9MM 124 gr CN followed VERY closely by the Lee 120 TC. Both will hold very close to 3 MOA out to 200 yds. If RNFP's are what float your boat I'd be more inclined to do the 125 gr. version.

[derek45]

Interesting.

I have several LEE molds, and they are all fine and dandy

I like the 6 cavity, because they make a big pile of bullets in a short amount of time
.....and time is valuable



I'll probably use Jacketed for my hotter 100yrd + loads ( blasphemy, I know )

Surprised to hear the 158 RNFP tumble at 100.....glad I posted this question before I ordered this mold.


Thanks for all the replies so far.

:drinks:

[northmn]

Part of it depends on the velocity you want to run at. I have 2 Rossi's in .357, both will shoot the RNFP into 1-2" 50 yd groups @ 1150 fps (my normal .38 spl pistol load) and they won't stay on a 2'X4' target backer at 100 yds! The ones that do hit the backer are usually tumbling. The 30" twist has a hand in this IMO. I have not worked at higher velocities because I use the Lyman Keith for my magnum loads and it does well in the 1500-1600 fps range at 100-200 yds. The Lee 158 TL SWC does well in the lower velocity ranges and is very accurate to 200 yds. It all depends where you want to play, 50 yds and under I don't think it matters much. The most accurate long range boolit to date out of both my Rossi's has been the RCBS 9MM 124 gr CN followed VERY closely by the Lee 120 TC. Both will hold very close to 3 MOA out to 200 yds. If RNFP's are what float your boat I'd be more inclined to do the 125 gr. version.

Wish I would have read this earlier as I just ordered a 158 RNFP for my Rossi. Whiel I do not plan on making long shots with it, it is fun to plink at that range. Will have to try it or the 150 RN I have. Planned on a slightly hotter load.

DP

[357shooter]

Just started testing various moulds in a new Rossi M92. In revolvers though the Lee 158 TL is their best bullet and the only one of theirs I could vote for, except it's not on the list.

So far the 358-429 and 360-200-SWC are shooting great in the Rossi. 2 more moulds to try in it to zero in on a favorite.

A good SWC from one of the mold makers here, or even another manufacturer might be better.

[derek45]

Just started testing various moulds in a new Rossi M92. In revolvers though the Lee 158 TL is their best bullet and the only one of theirs I could vote for, except it's not on the list.

So far the 358-429 and 360-200-SWC are shooting great in the Rossi. 2 more moulds to try in it to zero in on a favorite.

A good SWC from one of the mold makers here, or even another manufacturer might be better.

Which LEE 158 ? ( TL = tumble lube? ) ....which one, SWC, or RN ?

does your Rossi function well with the 358-429 ?

Seems like it's similar to the LEE 158 SWC




I have a bunch of these loaded up, hope they feed OK....

MBC 140gr.
http://www.missouribullet.com/details.php?prodId=161&category=5&secondary=10&keywords=

http://www.missouribullet.com/cw3/assets/product_expanded/cowboy14.jpg

[robertbank]

Part of it depends on the velocity you want to run at. I have 2 Rossi's in .357, both will shoot the RNFP into 1-2" 50 yd groups @ 1150 fps (my normal .38 spl pistol load) and they won't stay on a 2'X4' target backer at 100 yds! The ones that do hit the backer are usually tumbling. The 30" twist has a hand in this IMO. I have not worked at higher velocities because I use the Lyman Keith for my magnum loads and it does well in the 1500-1600 fps range at 100-200 yds. The Lee 158 TL SWC does well in the lower velocity ranges and is very accurate to 200 yds. It all depends where you want to play, 50 yds and under I don't think it matters much. The most accurate long range boolit to date out of both my Rossi's has been the RCBS 9MM 124 gr CN followed VERY closely by the Lee 120 TC. Both will hold very close to 3 MOA out to 200 yds. If RNFP's are what float your boat I'd be more inclined to do the 125 gr. version.

Have you tried .357mag cases and upped the velocity? 1150fps out of the rifle isn't real quick. You might get better performance running those boolits hotter.

Take Care

Bob

[357shooter]

derek45: Sorry, the 158 SWC TL is a great bullet and the one I meant. The 358-429 feeds just fine so far, will try some more tomorrow and give an update.

The one bullet left I want to try is the BRP 158 SWC Hornady clone. It's time to buy it, anyone else try it?

[fecmech]

Have you tried .357mag cases and upped the velocity? 1150fps out of the rifle isn't real quick. You might get better performance running those boolits hotter.

Take Care

Bob

Bob--The RNFP may very well shoot at a higher velocity but 358429 does very well in that regime. I run it over 15 grs of wc820 for about 1600FPS+ and at 100 yds 7 or 8 out of 10 will be inside 3-4" with a couple zingers out to about 5". I run at 1150 for 2 reasons, comfort mainly and minimal wind drift along with economy, I shoot a lot at steel swingers. Using 5 grs of Unique,20-28, 231 or about 4.5 of Bullseye makes for some pretty inexpensive shooting, about the same as a .22 Actually 1150 happens to be what max std pressure .38 spls. run out of rifles. I load for a K38 at 900 fps with a 158 for Hunters Pistol silhouette which I shoot during the summer. BTW the Lee 158RNFP out of my 94 Winnie (16" twist) shoots great at 100yds.
I have had such great luck with the TL 158 SWC that I'm loading a lot of that lately. It's very accurate out of both Rossi's and also the K38 and with a 6 cav mold and Recluses lube I can make a lot of bullets fast and easy. It shoots very well in the 94 also.
If the Lee rnfp was all I had I of course would bump up the velocity to try and make it shoot but with 3 other bullets that shoot very well in the 1100-1200 fps range in 3 rifles and 2 pistols it seems like I should just enjoy my abundance of good fortune and shoot them.

[fecmech]

The one bullet left I want to try is the BRP 158 SWC Hornady clone. It's time to buy it, anyone else try it?

I did last summer. Crabo sent me a couple hundred to try and they shot very well, a solid 3 MOA out of my 24" octagon. I shot mostly 5.3/231 again around 1100 fps but just before I ran out I tried a few groups with 4.5/BE( same velocity) and that showed a little more promise. My impression was that it was slightly better than the Lee TLSWC. They shot the best with Lee TL+ mica VS straight TL, at the time I was not using Recluse's 45-45-10 so I can't speak to that.

[Treeman]

Mine likes the 158 RNFP

[357shooter]

I did last summer. Crabo sent me a couple hundred to try and they shot very well, a solid 3 MOA out of my 24" octagon. I shot mostly 5.3/231 again around 1100 fps but just before I ran out I tried a few groups with 4.5/BE( same velocity) and that showed a little more promise. My impression was that it was slightly better than the Lee TLSWC. They shot the best with Lee TL+ mica VS straight TL, at the time I was not using Recluse's 45-45-10 so I can't speak to that.

Thanks for the info. That's very helpful.

[357shooter]

Ran a bunch of 358-429 with 357 brass through the Rossi today, they fed and shot great. The 200-SWC shot just as good, fed almost as well.

Not sure how the heavy bullet does at a distance, but it does shoot great at 25 yards (the limit at my indoor range).

[jlchucker]

So far, the one I enjoy plinking with the most is the Lee 38 125. The newer version seems to be a RNFP kind of like the 158 gr only shorter below the grease groove. This summer I'll try the 158 RNFP. I view this gun as a plinker/rodent killer over shorter distances. I've got other leverguns for bigger stuff at greater distances. You've got me wondering though, about 100 yd shooting. I've only zeroed my Rossi for 50 yd with the boolit I mentioned thus far, and mostly shoot 38 special loads.

[Jeff H]

So far, the one I enjoy plinking with the most is the Lee 38 125. The newer version seems to be a RNFP kind of like the 158 gr only shorter below the grease groove.........

I loaded ten of these this afternoon.
It seems I will be using them up in my SP101 though, because they will NOT cycle through my Rossi. The cartridge is presented at such an angle that the bullet clears the top edge of the chamber, but the bottom hangs up. Almost seems like the cuts in the cartridge guides are too far forward - or that they were made specifically for the .38 Special. Rim doesn't get to the cut-outs before everything binds up.

I loaded some 158 RNs (old Lyman mold) and they slide through slicker'n snot.
Ran out of daylight though, trying to get the first few 125s out of the gun.

[miestro_jerry]

For my Marlin 1894, I use heavier bullets than are really not meant for light weight revolvers. I use a Lyman 214gr SWC GC mold or a Ranch Dog TLC359-190-RF. I do use the Lyman bullets in my 6" L Frame, slightly slower speed than most 357 Mags, but some really knock down power. In my 340PD, I think those bullets would probably numb me up for a while.

I use both of these bullets in my 357 MAX T/C Contenders as well as my Marlin 1894. I was impressed with the Ranch Dogs bullet design, that I orginally ordered the 2 C mold and last year I ordered the 6C mold. Plus I use them in Marlin 336 in 35 Remington.

On my farm, the Ground Hogs all fear Ranch Dog bullets, so that should tell how good Ranch Dog's Custom Lee molds are.

Jerry

[357shooter]

The big heavy bullets shoot nice, very accurate too. The 200 SWC works well in a Taurus 66 6 inch revolver, but I'm using mid-light loads for it.

Trying one in the 340PD might cause serious damage to the shooter!:Fire::Fire:

[jlchucker]

I loaded ten of these this afternoon.
It seems I will be using them up in my SP101 though, because they will NOT cycle through my Rossi. The cartridge is presented at such an angle that the bullet clears the top edge of the chamber, but the bottom hangs up. Almost seems like the cuts in the cartridge guides are too far forward - or that they were made specifically for the .38 Special. Rim doesn't get to the cut-outs before everything binds up.

I loaded some 158 RNs (old Lyman mold) and they slide through slicker'n snot.
Ran out of daylight though, trying to get the first few 125s out of the gun.

That's the same exact problem that I had at first, with everything that I tried in a 38 spl case. After much discussion with my local gunsmith, and an email exchange with Steve I started seating that boolit out so that I crimped my 38 special cases into the forward edge of the grease groove. The original crimp groove is exposed, greaseless. Now the 38 spls don't do that any more. I haven't loaded this boolit into 357 cases yet but they shouldn't give that annoying jam. I noticed that the same jam occurs with 158 swc's in 38 special cases, but cycle fine in 357's.

[357shooter]

I haven't had a feeding problem with SWC's in 38 special brass. Seems to work fine. Maybe I just need more rounds through it to find some of the quirks.

Added later: Had a thought, I'm not using the Lee SWC's at all. Have run several types of NOE designs through it with no problems. Will be trying some Lyman over the next couple of weeks.

[Jeff H]

That's the same exact problem that I had at first, with everything that I tried in a 38 spl case......

But, I am having the problem in .357 cases and the indications are that everything is too long. I half expect using .38 cases will work with mine, but who knows - too long in .357 cases, too short in .38 cases.....?

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

The best Lee? I'm not a fan of Lee or TL boolits, however I'd say probably Ranch Dog is what you want, he has designed boolits/mold for leveractions, and has Lee make them for him, he has a link/banner at the top of the page.

[northmn]

The Lee 158 RNFP does not shoot very well out of my Rossi either. I tried it a longer range and it patterned it did not group. I tried some loads with the Lee 150 RN and they grouped. Same day, same rest etc,

DP

[1Papalote]

The best LEE mold is a RanchDog mold. I have the 359190 GC. It shoots better than the several other molds I have tried. I have to crimp it on the ogive for proper OAL. RD has another mold, 359175 coming out soon.

Papalote

[izzyjoe]

derek45, i'm getting a rossi myself, i can't wait till the ranchdog mould comes out, should be a good one. :p

[fecmech]

derek45, i'm getting a rossi myself, i can't wait till the ranchdog mould comes out, should be a good one. :p

Something you might want to think about. Ranch Dog works mainly with Marlins and their 16" twist rate and designs great molds for them. I'm not sure how well 190 gr bullets will work in the 30" twist of the Rossi but I have not tried any. Maybe some of the board members who have Rossi's and shot "heavies" in them will comment. Whats great in a 16" twist is not necessarily great in a 30" twist.

[derek45]

The ranch dog 190 looks nice, except I don't like ALOX.

I use red carnuba and a RCBS lub-a-riffic-2

I tried tumble lubing, and I don't like it.



I'm glad to report, My new rossi cycles 158gr SWC very smoothly, even when loaded into 38 special cases.

[Jeff H]

....I'm not sure how well 190 gr bullets will work in the 30" twist of the Rossi but I have not tried any......

Seated in full-length .357 cases, the 190 will not cycle through my Rossi - carrier won't even bring it up. There may be a cure for that, like backing the stop up on the carrier, but that's permanent and may make other combinations not work. Could trim some brass back. I don't like to load .38 cases to .357 levels because I have a couple .38s in use.


The ranch dog 190 looks nice, except I don't like ALOX.
........I'm glad to report, My new rossi cycles 158gr SWC very smoothly, even when loaded into 38 special cases.

Not everyone's cup-o'-tea, but I have run RDOs through my old Lyman lubrisizer. I can't find a benefit to it over TL in the .44 Special with the 430-265, but it works. Just a lot of little grooves instead of one big one. Elmer Keith might not have approved, but it's working for me.

Good to know about the LEE 158.

[357shooter]

A 358477 (150 SWC) shot great today. Very short distance of 25 yards as I was indoor limited.

The 150 outshot my best 200 SWC today. My revolver hates the 150 and loves the 200. I'm thinking it's twist rates. However I don't have 1,000 rounds through the Rossi yet so time will tell.

MidSouth has great prices on Lyman moulds, maybe the OP would consider a 358477.

[izzyjoe]

well dogone, i was wanting to get away from the slow twisters. i did'nt know the rossi 357 had a 1 30'' twist, well that put's a whole perspective on things. :-(

[derek45]

this gun is fun to shoot. :drinks:

Mine seems to feed and function what ever I try :grin:

The Missouri bullet 140gr feeds especially smooth

5.0 w231 is a mild 1119fps.
http://www.missouribullet.com/cw3/assets/product_thumb/cowboy14.jpg

more data....
158swc
6.1 w231 at 1280 fps.

6.4w231 1338 fps
http://www.missouribullet.com/cw3/assets/product_thumb/357action.jpg




22gr w296 125gr Rem SJHP 2241 fps

19.6gr w296 140XTP 1963 fps

17.3gr w296 158grXTP 1748 fps


I don't care for the buckhorn rear sight.
I'll probably order a replacement from stevezgunz

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/derek45/IMG_0491.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/derek45/IMG_0489.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/derek45/IMG_0490.jpg

[Jeff H]

OOH! Nice pics and good info!

[Jeff H]

Got mine out today and played a bit more, even though I was only able to back up to 25 yards.

Lyman 158 grain round noses, from an old mold belonging to a friend, over 5.5 grains of W231 were dead on point of aim and made tiny clusters. No sight adjustment necessary and they fed well. Not what I want to shoot through this but a good indicator of the rifle's ability.

A commercial cast 200 grain TC over a healthy dose of H110 shot a couple inches lower, I think. The general "pattern" of these was centered lower than the tiny clusters of the 158s. They fed well, but seem to be tumbling even at that distance. Great out of the SP101 (although a handful) but no dice in the Rossi.

Lee 125 grain RFN over 5.5 grains of W231, well, that one was the heart breaker. They absolutely will not feed through my Rossi, exibiting the the same behavior as the Lyman 168 grain SWC - too wide, too far out and at the angle it begins to enter the chamber but before the rim clears the cuts in the cartridge guide rails.

I had to use them up because they stick out the end of the cylinder of my SP101, my only other .357. So, I loaded them singly and didn't get as fussy about accuracy as the other loads, but ten shots produced a hole (A hole - as in single hole) that I could not put my index finger through.

I may try to seat it deeper but still want to avoid trimming odd .357s or using .38 cases. I did shoot some of the 168 grain Lyman SWCs in .38 cases. They basically went through the holes made by the 158 grain round noses.

None of the loads left any lead at all in the bore. I only fired 60 rounds, but the bore was gleaming like it was when I started - and I tend to cast my stuff soft and not use gas checks, at least I didn't shoot any GC stuff today.

Trigger is actually excellent - a tiny bit of creep before a very consistent and crisp break. Slightly heavy but fine for what I am doing. It did not like to extract .38s and the .357 cases loaded with 125 grain LEE RFNs for some reason. I was especially surpriosed that my empties did not fly 50' the way an ejected loaded round does, but that strong-armed ejector spring has to go none the less.

So, there was one LEE mold among those I tried today and it shot better than the others. No to say that was because it was a LEE mold but it WAS a LEE mold and it DID shoot well - just won't feed through my Rossi or I would have voted for the 158 RFN. I voted for the 140 because of the nose, which I am sure will feed through mine and I can TL it if I want anyway. We'll see.

[AnthonyB]

I got in on the very first Lee group buy for the 35-180 WFN several years ago just so I would have the mould when I finally bought a 357 lever action. Bought another mould from the original run a few years later from a poster on the board, and then ordered the NOE version of the same design when it was offerred last year. Finally bought the Rossi a few months back, and the NOE version feeds well. That will be my favorite bullet for the Rossi.
Tony

[Jeff H]

I got in on the very first Lee group buy for the 35-180 WFN several years ago just so I would have the mould when I finally bought a 357 lever action. Bought another mould from the original run a few years later from a poster on the board, and then ordered the NOE version of the same design when it was offerred last year. Finally bought the Rossi a few months back, and the NOE version feeds well. That will be my favorite bullet for the Rossi.
Tony

Tony, how do those heavies shoot? I shot some 200s today and they were pathetic. They group well from my 3" SP101, but were saucer-sized groups at 25 with a 16" Rossi. These were commercial cast (Ranier?) from a friend. 175 to 180 would be sweet if they shot well.

[AnthonyB]

Jeff:
I only have a little over 100 rounds of jacketed through the rifle and haven't started any cast work yet. I have so much thought invested in the 180 that it HAS to shoot well - I didn't need the rifle until I saw the bullet design!
PM me and I'll send you some to try.
Tony

[derek45]

This thread is clear as mud. :confused:

86% voted on the 158 RNFP, but two guys say it won't group at 100yrds.




I did the stevezgunz DVD mods last night, tuned her up real nice.



I really like the rifle, I might just feed her 140gr XTP for now, not sure.


http://store.stevesgunz.com/images/products/1545e3e3.jpg

[357shooter]

How long did it take to work over the Rossi? I have the stevezgunz on the way.



This thread is clear as mud. :confused:

86% voted on the 158 RNFP, but two guys say it won't group at 100yrds.




I did the stevezgunz DVD mods last night, tuned her up real nice.



I really like the rifle, I might just feed her 140gr XTP for now, not sure.


http://store.stevesgunz.com/images/products/1545e3e3.jpg

[derek45]

I did some more polishing and stoning beyond the video

maybe 3 hours....not sure


It went really well, only trouble i had was the last step, getting the hammer/trigger screw back thru the receiver

I ended up putting a very very slight chamfer on the hole in the hammer that the screw goes through.

then it went right back together

I bought his ejector spring also, and it smoothed things up too.

The video is pretty basic, instead of saying, "take twenty thousands off", he draws a picture on graph paper next to the actual part, and says "make it look like this"

LOL

I'm not complaining, it's perfect for the kitchen table gunsmith.

Very easy to follow along.

I brought my laptop out to my bench, and followed along, pausing the DVD while I did the work.

Would recommend the DVD for sure.

need to test it out live fire...

Now I have an excuse to go out and shoot it again

:guntootsmiley:

[Jeff H]

Jeff:
I only have a little over 100 rounds of jacketed through the rifle and haven't started any cast work yet. I have so much thought invested in the 180 that it HAS to shoot well - I didn't need the rifle until I saw the bullet design!
PM me and I'll send you some to try.
Tony

Tony, that is very generous and I appreciate it, but if I liked them and couldn't get the mold, I would be miserable. Right now, I have to stick with $20 LEE offerings and maybe save up for the 17 grain RDO this summer.

[Jeff H]

I loaded some more of the 125 grain LEEs again today. They shot exceptionally well in my 16" Rossi, but would not feed into the chamber. I seated them a tad deeper to an OAL of 1.537" and crimped on the front driving band as far forward as I could. I gave them a medium roll crimp, just enough to dig into the lead but not bulge the cases. They cycle through and feed perfectly now. I can see a LEE taper crimp die in my future.

Anyway, I wanted to share that in case anyone else had the same problem with that particular LEE mold.

For the rest of the story, these were seated over 5.5 grains of W231 with a small Winchester pistol primer. These are pretty mild in my Rossi in .357 brass, but that charge is a fuzz over +P if used in .38 brass, so mind your data when you verify what I just stated in your loading manuals. Mild or not, it will smack a lot harder than a .22 LR and is just what I need for close-range coyote, skunk and 'coon patrol when I take the lap dogs out to pee after dark.

[robertbank]

Jeff consider buying a Dillon crimping die. They are really easy to clean up after loading cast boolits.

Take Care

Bob

[357shooter]

Anyone try a Lee 105 SWC in a Rossi Lever? I'm guessing that if it worked out well someone would have mentioned it already. Had to ask anyway though.

[Jeff H]

Jeff consider buying a Dillon crimping die. They are really easy to clean up after loading cast boolits.

Take Care

Bob

I will look at that. Thank you.


Anyone try a Lee 105 SWC in a Rossi Lever? I'm guessing that if it worked out well someone would have mentioned it already. Had to ask anyway though.

I have given most of my molds to my best friend - told him to keep them and I'd get a handful from him once in a while if I needed any. I believe that I might have had that one but I intend to check with him this weekend for his .357 mold inventory. If one of us has it, I will try it and let you know. I gave up the .36s so long ago, I can't remember what I was last using.

[derek45]

I ordered the LEE 6 cavity 158gr SWC, and cast a bunch tonight.

I loaded up a 357 dummy, with a real good crimp, and was surprised it would not feed. [smilie=b:

the rifle functions great with these old commercial bought 158gr SWC's

LEE on the left, commercial on the right

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/derek45/158swc.jpg

[Jeff H]

I ordered the LEE 6 cavity 158gr SWC, and cast a bunch tonight.

I loaded up a 357 dummy, with a real good crimp, and was surprised it would not feed. [smilie=b:........

Too wide at just the wrong spot, I'll bet. On a hunch (actually based on what will/will not feed in mine), I voted for the 140 grain because of the nose. Is there enough of the driving band to put a taper crimp into? I managed to push the 125 LEE back just a bit and it started feeding pefectly. I hate crimping over the front band. May just be superstitious, but I like keeping that front edge of the front band sharp and would worry about set-back in the case. Probably penty of tension with my dies, but I still don't like doing it.

Edit:
Oh, and thanks for posting that tidbit. I would rather have 158 grains than 140 grains, but we have to mind that nose shape. Not to say that 158 WON'T work, because the nose isn't radically wide, just a tad wide at just the wrong spot, but something should work. I have crimped into the front driving band on other stuff and it just gives me one more grease groove is all.

[fecmech]

The Lee TL 158 swc feeds just fine in both my Rossi's and the Lyman 358429 loaded to an oal of 1.638. I load the Lyman to that oal so that it fits my Ruger gp100 cyl by a light taper crimp on the front drive band. At that oal it feeds great and shoots well with max loads of wc820(296). Runs a little over 1600 fps.

[derek45]

Overall length and semi wad-cutters,......this reminds of 1911 stuff.

( something I'm much more experienced with )




I loaded one of my new LEE 158SWC's into a 38 special case and it FEEDS LIKE BUTTER

I prefer .357 mag brass, even for bunny fart loads.

[zxcvbob]

Another one to try is 148 grain DEWC's. I'm waiting for the weather to warm up so I can work up a magnum wadcutter load -- my Marlin feeds them just fine (.357 brass) and I can load 2 extra rounds in the magazine.

In .38 Special brass, wadcutters are too short to feed unless I crimp them extra long.

[Lonegun1894]

My 20" rossi loves the 158 rnfp. I usually get 2-3" groups and 100 and no keyholing issues. I haven't tried loading it very light so that may be why I haven't had the keyholing problems mentioned. But I also dont get any leading in mine with my loads either. Best bet is to try the different bullets and see what your rifle likes.

[derek45]

My 20" rossi loves the 158 rnfp. I usually get 2-3" groups and 100 and no keyholing issues. I haven't tried loading it very light so that may be why I haven't had the keyholing problems mentioned. But I also dont get any leading in mine with my loads either. Best bet is to try the different bullets and see what your rifle likes.

that's good to hear.

any idea on your velocity ?

[exile]

Off topic, but I would be very interested in you efforts to create a magnum wadcutter load. I have a Lee TL wadcutter mold and would like to try magnum loads out of my .357 Blackhawk. Could you seat these out to 1.590" in a revolver? Really interesting idea. Maybe it needs another thread of it's own?

exile

[357shooter]

Off topic, but I would be very interested in you efforts to create a magnum wadcutter load. I have a Lee TL wadcutter mold and would like to try magnum loads out of my .357 Blackhawk. Could you seat these out to 1.590" in a revolver? Really interesting idea. Maybe it needs another thread of it's own?

exileThere's some bigger loads in the Lyman Cast Bullet guide I believe.

The DEWC and plain base WC like the Lee work well in my guns at 1.40 inch OAL. Which of course is in 357 brass. The hotter loads didn't work out as accurate as the lighter loads. I find a SWC to work better and sold off my wadcutter moulds.

Lot's of folks love them though, so give it a try. I don't have the Lyman manual handy or I'd post some of the 357 loads.

Added: the length of to the face of the front driving band is what will run into fit problems. 1.590 might work, might now. I load SWC to 1.620 all the time and it works great. Even then the front driving band becomes an issue.

[Jeff H]

The Lee TL 158 swc feeds just fine in both my Rossi's and the Lyman 358429 loaded to an oal of 1.638. I load the Lyman to that oal so that it fits my Ruger gp100 cyl by a light taper crimp on the front drive band. At that oal it feeds great and shoots well with max loads of wc820(296). Runs a little over 1600 fps.

The 358429 is a classic and it wouldn't hurt my feelings one bit to shoot more of those.

Curious about what you're pushing the TLs to, as I like the TLs but haven't tried one in the Rossi yet.

[357shooter]

Just got finished shooting some 358429 (the NOE version, they fit my revolver too) over 11.8 grains of H110. Very nice, very accurate. Although it was an indoor range and short range. The 357446 and 358477 didn't like the H110 all that much. Probably my charge, or they just don't work as well as the Keith.

[Lonegun1894]

that's good to hear.

any idea on your velocity ?


I haven't put these over a chrono, but assuming Speer #13 can be trusted, should be about 1600 fps with 14.5 grs of 2400, or around 1400 with 7.5 grs Unique. Both loads shoot equally well in mine.

I tried some other loads over a chrono and got velocities up to 2050 fps (still no leading), but those exceeded the loading manuals so I haven't loaded any more of them and dont plan to, even though they did not show pressure signs. I just wasn't comfortable going to that far over the manuals I have.

[derek45]

COOL :drinks::drinks:

Thanks

Very Good to know.
:guntootsmiley:

I've been messing with this rifle all night, put the factory ejector spring back in, still won't feed LEE 158 SWC.

I lightly polished the face of the ejector and it almost feeds them now.

the ejector is HUGE in the '92 and is what pushes the round out of the cartridge guides and into the chamber.

I stopped and re-assembled the rifle.

Came into the house, and Rossi USA's website seems to be down.



Does anyone know if ROSSI sells replacement parts for these?


I would like an extra ejector to experiment with.

[Lonegun1894]

Anytime. Just hope it works as well in yours as it does in mine. Works in another Rossi 92 as well as it does in mine. As an aside, my last deer was shot with the Lee 158 RNFP Unique load out of a 4" Ruger Security Six at 45 yds, and took three steps before going down for good.

[Artful]

I have not had a problem getting SWC to feed in my Rossi

[GL49]

Derek,
I'm looking at my Rossi manual that came with my 454 or my 44 magnum, don't know which, both books are exactly the same. The statement at the top of the parts diagram page says "this is intended as a generic guide and not a specific model or guide to assembly". The ejector is part # 32, whether or not "one size fits all" is a question for Rossi. If you need a copy, you are welcome to one of mine if you can't find anything on Rossi's website.

[derek45]

Derek,
I'm looking at my Rossi manual that came with my 454 or my 44 magnum, don't know which, both books are exactly the same. The statement at the top of the parts diagram page says "this is intended as a generic guide and not a specific model or guide to assembly". The ejector is part # 32, whether or not "one size fits all" is a question for Rossi. If you need a copy, you are welcome to one of mine if you can't find anything on Rossi's website.

That's OK, I have the same manual.

:drinks:

I"ll call them monday

Thanks

[fecmech]

The 358429 is a classic and it wouldn't hurt my feelings one bit to shoot more of those.

Curious about what you're pushing the TLs to, as I like the TLs but haven't tried one in the Rossi yet.

I am not pushing the TL's hard at all, only a little over 1100 fps. I use my Rossi's a lot as a big .22 and shoot steel swingers out to 200 yds. If I really want to move the plates around I use the Keith bullet and 820. My 2 Rossi's and Winnie 94 like the TL's over 4.5-5.0/BE or 5-5.5/231 and 5-6/Unique. Those all run in the 1100-1200 FPS range. I have not tried the TL at speed yet, maybe this summer. The above loads hold pretty close to 3 MOA in all three guns out to 200 yds.

[Jeff H]

I am not pushing the TL's hard at all, only a little over 1100 fps. I use my Rossi's a lot as a big .22 and shoot steel swingers out to 200 yds. If I really want to move the plates around I use the Keith bullet and 820. My 2 Rossi's and Winnie 94 like the TL's over 4.5-5.0/BE or 5-5.5/231 and 5-6/Unique. Those all run in the 1100-1200 FPS range. I have not tried the TL at speed yet, maybe this summer. The above loads hold pretty close to 3 MOA in all three guns out to 200 yds.

Mister, you just sold me a mold!
That's exactly what I am looking for, but I wasn't too sure how they would do at those velocities once things got a little long - like out to 100 yards. I need a load for around the place that will be mostly from spitting distance, out to a hundred yards. If they go beyond that, they're in the field and making a bee-line for the woods. Past a hundred yards, I would let them be and wish I'd grabbed one of my other rifles, but this will likely do 90% of what I had to do.

"What I have to do" does include just messing around too and that TL makes for a pretty cost-effective projectile for that stuff too.

I will figure out what Keith-type, or more likely RDO's new 175 grainer this summer just in case I get a chance to hunt deer with it. Still can't use a rifle in Ohio for that, so either the .44 or the Muzzle-Loader will still do for that.

[derek45]

Ran the heck out of it Sunday
It's feeding LEE 158gr SWC GC's now
Maybe it just needed a bit of break-in
Life is good

[robertbank]

fecmech I load the 356402 in my 9MM with great results and have a ton of them cast. What loadings are you using with this boolit? I am going to size a bunch up @ .358 (I doubt the die will do much "sizing") and try the boolit using 8.5 Gr of Unique with Win SPP and try them in my Rossi.

Take Care

Bob

[fecmech]

Bob--I have the Lee and RCBS version of the 356402and out of the rifles was running 5.3/231 and 4.7/BE which are essentially the same load at 1260 fps. That load will do 3MOA or less out to 200 yds with either bullet. With 5 grs of Unique out of my K-38 it runs 1-1.5" at 50 yds (950 fps) off the bench. Quite frankly it's one of the most versatile bullets (from an accuracy standpoint) I've used.
Your load of Unique should move it right along, 1500-1600 maybe.

[robertbank]

I am afraid I didn't get the results I hoped for using the 356402. Avg velocity was 1693 with a SD of 18. At 50 yards they were minute of deer I am afraid. Likely a combination of my bad shooting and the load it self. I loaded them in .357 cases and used magnum primers (Win).

I am a stuborn type so I will try your loads.I sized them .358 with the sizing die just hardly touching the boolit. I suspect that might be part of the problem. Thoughts?

I am using the Skinner peep sight with the mid aperture he sells. I am going to order his smallest aperture and see if that helps the target shooting. Interestingly I had no problems hitting an 8" plate at 50 yards so some of the results can be attributed my poor shooting and older eyes. I plan to order up the Steve's Guns FO front sight for the gun as well.

My Rossi does favour the 155 - 158 gr boolits over the heavier 180's so I suspect the lighter boolits should do well in the gun. I haven't slugged the bore and don't look forward to doing that but will as a last resort..

Are you using .357 brass or .38spl?

Take Care

Bob

[fecmech]

Using .357 brass but .38 works about as well except I get light throat leading with the .38's. Both of my Rossi's have grooves that are a light .357( like .3568 or 9) and I size .358. I use a receiver peep on the carbine and a Taurus tang on the octagon.

[robertbank]

Using .357 brass but .38 works about as well except I get light throat leading with the .38's. Both of my Rossi's have grooves that are a light .357( like .3568 or 9) and I size .358. I use a receiver peep on the carbine and a Taurus tang on the octagon.

OK well I am going to load up some of your loads and see if I can improve on things. I may have been driving them to fast. I'll keep you informed.

Take Care

Bob

[Jeff H]

I meant to report back on that LEE 125 RFN.
I shot it at 40 yards yesterday. 50 was just beyond what I could manage with the current off-center bead and an inch and a half blaze orange dot (a quick shot from a marking-paint spray can).

This is not the bevel base that it appears they changed it to - it's the one that looks just like the 158 RFN when loaded.

I had to seat them back a little and crimp on the sized portion of ahead of the crimp groove. 5.5 grains of W231 and a Win SPP, mixed brass.

At 40 yards, seven of nine shots went into 1 3/4" and two went wide (one high, one low) enough to make it 3". I knew both of those were "out" but no sense in calling flyers when there's no one else there to lie to. THAT was with one upward elevation adjustment between shots six and seven.

Scope base arrived today in the mail. $17 and change shipped. I got it just to have it but I may just buy a cheap pistol scope to do load development and until I decide on my sights.

It's shooting one inch low at the lowest setting at that range. I think I am going to chop the top of the sight to square it off and get rid of the off-center brass bead and then file the horns off the rear sight, plus some to get back into line with the front and recut/deepen the rear notch with square sides.

If that doesn't work, I will have the cheap scope to work up loads while I ponder the sight options. The last Lyman peep sight I bought was $45 and Williams FPs were $25. All are much higher now and Steve's sight and the Skinner make it a tough choice.

No sooner did I finish playing at the approximate range I would expect to use this at, when we saw two coyotes 500 to 550 yards south.:sad: Guess the old 'Roberts will still get some action too.

[robertbank]

Jeff I have my original back sight which is just a flat sight with a notch cut into it. I'll trade you for the buckhorns if you want. I can mail mind down to you so you have a rear sight before you remove the buckhorns. Just PM me your address and the sight will be on it's way.

Take Care

Bob

[Jeff H]

Jeff I have my original back sight which is just a flat sight with a notch cut into it. I'll trade you for the buckhorns if you want. I can mail mind down to you so you have a rear sight before you remove the buckhorns. Just PM me your address and the sight will be on it's way.

Take Care

Bob

Thanks, Bob.
PM sent....

[357shooter]

My Rossi 357 is liking the 357446 over 11.8 grains of H110. I realize not everyone gets good results using this mould, but it's been working in my revolver and lever rifle. It also like bullets at a full .360 diameter too.

Doing more light load testing today or tomorrow, retesting the 200 SWC with H110 too as the OAL seems to really matter.

The 358-477 150 SWC didn't work so well with a H110, trying it with a fast powder next.

[Jeff H]

My Rossi 357 is liking the 357446 over 11.8 grains of H110. I realize not everyone gets good results using this mould, but it's been working in my revolver and lever rifle. It also like bullets at a full .360 diameter too.

Doing more light load testing today or tomorrow, retesting the 200 SWC with H110 too as the OAL seems to really matter.

The 358-477 150 SWC didn't work so well with a H110, trying it with a fast powder next.

I'm all ears.
Let us know what you get with that 200 SWC.
Which one is that anyway?
I shot some 358429 (170 SWC) over ?? grains of Unique in .38 Special cases and that went well. Now, I can't find the card I wrote the load data on.

[357shooter]

The 358-200-SWC from NOE works over 3.5 grains of 700X. You can almost substitute 3.5 of Bullseye or HP-38, then tweak the charge a bit if needed. I crimped in the groove and didn't measure OAL.

The 358-429 from Lyman at 1.620 OAL, crimped onto the front band, over 11.8 of H110, or 3.2 of 700X, or 3.5 of 700X all work well.

The 358-477 from Lyman loaded long at 1.620 OAL over 3.5 grains of 700X shot great. It may work just as well at 1.610 or 1.600 but they haven't been tested yet.

The 357-446 works well with 11.8 grains of H110, from a prior post.

[fecmech]

357--What range are you testing these bullets at?? Is your Rossi 92 a newer Braz Tech with the 30" twist?

[357shooter]

357--What range are you testing these bullets at?? Is your Rossi 92 a newer Braz Tech with the 30" twist?

I'm limited to 25 yards, which is a pain. It's a newer Braz Tech w/30" twist.

[robertbank]

I would think it is going to be very difficult to stabilize a 200 gr boolit with the 1 - 30 twist in our Rossi rifles at longer ranges. I know mine is struggling with the Lyman 428429 at 170 grains. I can't imagine it being any better with a longer heavier boolit, but maybe.

Take Care

Bob

[Jeff H]

I would think it is going to be very difficult to stabilize a 200 gr boolit with the 1 - 30 twist in our Rossi rifles at longer ranges. I know mine is struggling with the Lyman 428429 at 170 grains. I can't imagine it being any better with a longer heavier boolit, but maybe.

Take Care

Bob

Were the oder Rossis/Pumas, from whomever, a different twist? 1:30 seems extremely slow. One would think that they at least considered whatever the most popular loading for the cartridge is.

I have shot a lot of fast twist rifles that do just fine with lighter bullets but have not had the greatest luck when the converse is true.

There are always those happy anomolies to consider, but if 158s is the heaviest I can shoot, I could live with that if they shot very well. I wouldn'nt think it unreasonable for someone with a .357 (any .357) to be able to shoot 180s well. I know that the 180 grain Remington JSPs shoot great out of my SP101, but then I can't make those at my casting bench.

[robertbank]

Jeff the Rossi rifles have a 1 - 30 twist. I do believe we are going to find the 150 - 160 gr boolits work the best in these rifles. No problem as a 150 - 160 gr boolit is more than enough for Deer or anything else we are likely to want to shoot. I doubt I'll get the best accuracy using my 428329 170 gr boolit at 100 yards vs the 155 grainers I shoot. Time will tell.

Take Care

Bob

[Jeff H]

Jeff the Rossi rifles have a 1 - 30 twist......Bob

I understand that part. What I am not clear on is whether there were Rossis with a faster twist at one time. Is the 1:30 twist something "new" for this current lot of Rossis under the Braztech name?

I agree that 150s and 160s would be good for deer (in the right hands and under the right conditions) and would be happy to make that my cut-off point. To date, it does not look like that is the case, as it does shoot the 158s and lower quite well.

I would be out shooting it instead of typing questions I can answer myself eventually, but the company is good, the weather sucks and I am down to a small handful of cartridges until I get a mold.:grin:

I need to get a .44 too. I have everything for that.:drinks:

[robertbank]

Jeff both my Rossi rifles don't have FPB so that dates them older than the current batch from Brazil and they have 1 - 30 twist rates. Like you I will be happy if I can shoot my 150 - 160 grainers accurately out of my .357mag out to 100 yards. With iron sights my eyes will be more of a problem then twist rates using iron sights.

Hopefully the mailman will deliver my .44mag moulds and sizing die this coming week and I can start playing with my .44mag as well.

Weather here is no treat either. It is supposed to rain most of the week before turning nice. By then my lawn will need some work....I am not sure which I dislike the most shovelling snow or cutting grass. Ah the snow wins hands down. At least when I cut the grass there is a cool one sitting on the table when I am done.:-)

Take Care

Bob

[357shooter]

I would think it is going to be very difficult to stabilize a 200 gr boolit with the 1 - 30 twist in our Rossi rifles at longer ranges. I know mine is struggling with the Lyman 428429 at 170 grains. I can't imagine it being any better with a longer heavier boolit, but maybe.

Take Care

Bob

I agree, the 200 is probably to heavy. I expected the 150 to shoot great from the start, but it needed some length to get it working good. I'm using 357 brass. What range are you shooting the 429 and what size groups are you getting?

Added later: I read the follow-on. Looks like th 170 is struggling at 100 yards. The 357-446 is working well in my revolver, and also grouped well with H110 in the Rossi, that might be the max length that works well and could be a good bullet in the Rossi.

I've got some work to do with H110 and the 150, haven't had time to try much and what I did try didn't work... LOL

[robertbank]

I agree, the 200 is probably to heavy. I expected the 150 to shoot great from the start, but it needed some length to get it working good. I'm using 357 brass. What range are you shooting the 429 and what size groups are you getting?

Added later: I read the follow-on. Looks like th 170 is struggling at 100 yards. The 357-446 is working well in my revolver, and also grouped well with H110 in the Rossi, that might be the max length that works well and could be a good bullet in the Rossi.

I've got some work to do with H110 and the 150, haven't had time to try much and what I did try didn't work... LOL

Only out to 50 yards so far. Last groups were quite good. Within 2" at 50 yards which for my eyes isn't all that bad. I am going to run some with 296 to see where that takes me using 328477 boolits and the 358296 as well.

As mentioned earlier I am going with Unique and 231 as well and plan to keep velocities around 1100 fps for the 150 - 160 grainers. Time will tell. I think groups will improve with a FO front sight but that is going to have to wait for awhile.

Take care

Bob

[357shooter]

With my eyes, the Simmons 4X scope with the Rossi mount work really well. Course it only works with a round barrel I believe.

[fecmech]

Bob--I've had no luck at all running 358429 in the 1100-1200 range from either of my Rossi's at 100 yds but as I've mentioned in the past it's very accurate running max 820/296 loads which exit about 1650fps. The 358429 does well out of my Winnie94 (16" twist) both at 1100 and 1650.
Rossi has made different twists in the past I believe. I bought an LSI made by Rossi a few years ago that was a 16" twist and owned a single shot Rossi that was also 16" twist. I've never seen any of the Navy Arms or Puma versions so I can't comment there. The Armi Sport (Italian) clone is also 16" twist.

[derek45]

I just checked my new 16" Rossi 92

Yep, It appears to have a 1:30 twist

Cleaning rod makes a half turn from crown to chamber.

[Jeff H]

.....I am not sure which I dislike the most shovelling snow or cutting grass. Ah the snow wins hands down. At least when I cut the grass there is a cool ........Bob

WIth a gallon of gas approaching the cost of a gallon of Roundup..........;-)

[robertbank]

Bob--I've had no luck at all running 358429 in the 1100-1200 range from either of my Rossi's at 100 yds but as I've mentioned in the past it's very accurate running max 820/296 loads which exit about 1650fps. The 358429 does well out of my Winnie94 (16" twist) both at 1100 and 1650.
Rossi has made different twists in the past I believe. I bought an LSI made by Rossi a few years ago that was a 16" twist and owned a single shot Rossi that was also 16" twist. I've never seen any of the Navy Arms or Puma versions so I can't comment there. The Armi Sport (Italian) clone is also 16" twist.

Hi. I meant to imply I am going to try running my 150 - 160- grainers at that speed. The 358429 will have to be driven to 1600 fps for consistent accuracy I think. Presently I am at 1475 which is ok but a tad fast probably would be better.

Take Care

Bob

[357shooter]

A thought about the 30 inch twist. Is it possible it has this twist so that the most accurate boolits and loads in a 16 inch twist revolver also work well with the longer barrel?

I'm finding the bullets/loads that work best in a 6 inch revolver seem to shoot well in the Rossi, even with the higher velocity/longer barrel.

Admittedly this is based on very limited experience w/the Rossi.


Added later: Nah, must be a coincedence. I though messing with the Greenhill formula (w/velocity adjustment) that velocity difference would would kinda line up between a 16 inch twist and 30 inch. Didn't work out. Anyway, it shoots great. How do you like the updated avatar, the 150 SWC...

[robertbank]

Those are nice boolits. I suspect the best for our Rossi guns.

Take Care

Bob

[357shooter]

Thanks, if you are referring to my avatar...

I think your suspecion is right, they probably are the best for our Rossi's. I shot some more of them with light and with heavier loads. The more I shoot the more I likem.

At shorter range the 429 works well too.

[Jeff H]

.....At shorter range the 429 works well too.

Are you guys actually getting the 358-429 to feed?
It doesn't matter how deeply I seat them or what kind of crimp I use (roll, taper, LEE factory crimp), they seem to be too long.

The nose jams into the top of the chamber (inside - not the edge) and the case jams up against the bottom edge of the chamber.

In .38s, they are OK, because the cuts in the guides let the rim through before the nose gets too far into the chamber. I was going to trim some cases but discovered yet one more piece of .357 paraphernalia missing - case holder for my Wilson case trimmer.

[robertbank]

Jeff mine chamber fine. You do have to apply a decent roll crimp on the cartridge though. I found if I didn't the case would catch the chamber on the mouth of the case. Cartridge OAL is 1.610

Take Care

Bob

[357shooter]

I'm using the Lyman 358429 with a OAL of 1.620. But I use a light roll crimp beacuse so far it produces the best groups (with H110). Feeds great. The NOE has a slightly shorter nose and doesn't feed as well. The longer nose puts the front driving band closer to the case mouth and it works well.

Don't know why mine works with the light crimp, but it works in my revolver too.

[Jeff H]

Jeff mine chamber fine. You do have to apply a decent roll crimp on the cartridge though. I found if I didn't the case would catch the chamber on the mouth of the case. Cartridge OAL is 1.610

Take Care

Bob

Thanks, Bob.
Doesn't seem to matter on mine. I even went out and tried a couple more dummies at that length and with even heavier roll crimps. The nose hits the "ceiling" inside the chamber right when the front edge of the driving band gets to the edge of the chamber at the bottom and I get hung up. I even just crimped one over the front of the front band and gave it a ridiculously severe roll crimp to see if I could funnel them in and it's still won't make it. Shorther 200 grainers with a wider meplat work, but the long nose on the 429 puts the front edge of the driving band at the wrong place for the angle they are coming in at.

[Jeff H]

I'm using the Lyman 358429 with a OAL of 1.620. But I use a light roll crimp beacuse so far it produces the best groups (with H110). Feeds great. The NOE has a slightly shorter nose and doesn't feed as well. The longer nose puts the front driving band closer to the case mouth and it works well.

Don't know why mine works with the light crimp, but it works in my revolver too.

I guess there are enough differences between these that some things will work and some things won't. I even have to crimp the LEE 125 RFN way ahead of the crimp groove on mine. I need to get a pic of that one because it is not t he same one they show in the catalog currently.

I have taper crimped LEE 120 TCs and burying the edge of the case mnouth seems to be the trick on that one.

Played with the LEE factory crimp today and that may help on some but did no good on the 429. Front edge of the front band is where I am hanging up.

[fecmech]

Jeff--I wonder if there isn't some problem with your carrier or lifter or maybe they forgot to radius the bottom of your chamber mouth.. There is a slight chamfer on both of my guns.

[Jeff H]

Jeff--I wonder if there isn't some problem with your carrier or lifter or maybe they forgot to radius the bottom of your chamber mouth.. There is a slight chamfer on both of my guns.

The radius is there. Sort of a feed ramp cut into the bottom of the chamber. Maybe not as pronounced as some, but I have none with which to compare. The carrier does what it does and the final angle is fixed by its pivot point, but the angle of the cartridge is only as severe as it is until the rim clears the guides' slots.

I am almost convinced that it is a consequence of tolerances. I have peered into the action while cycling in fast and slow motion so many times that I am seeing some benefit in smoothness of the action.

The rim seems almost within a thousandth or two of being able to clear the cuts in the guides and being able to reduce the angle at which the nose enters the chamber. Given a light polish on each side, it may clear that up.

[357shooter]

I'm a bit slow apparently, but the Lee TL358-158 is about the perfect length for the M92 with a 30 twist. Maybe I'm wrong, but it's a few thousandths shorter than the Lyman 150. That kinda matches some reports on how well it shoots. I think the TL grooves make it shorter than the 158 with the gas check and traditional lube groove.

A vague rambling statement, with no question. I'm searching for something to post about this evening. Going to load for awhile...

[Jeff H]

......A vague rambling statement, with no question. I'm searching for something to post about this evening. Going to load for awhile...

It's a chubby little bullet for the weight and cycles through mine flawlessly now, but leads badly - at least in one spot. It's a spot that it hard to detect until I have fired one of these through it. I really wanted these to work too. Never had a problem with the TL before in the .44s. No other reason it shouldn't work but for that weird spot.

Conventionally lubed bullets - no sign of any lead at all and I have not fired a single GC or j-bullet through it.

[fecmech]

Is the spot under the dovetail?? The first Rossi I bought used had a bad spot right under where the dovetail was cut, you could see it with a light in the action. I got rid of that one!

[Jeff H]

Is the spot under the dovetail?? The first Rossi I bought used had a bad spot right under where the dovetail was cut, you could see it with a light in the action. I got rid of that one!

No, it's actually between the rear and front sights and between 3:00 and 6:00 o-clock, about three inches long. At least that's where I remember it being, been a while since I looked at it and it cleans up with several rounds of regular cast.

This is one that might not be a bad candidate for my first fire-lapping job. It wouildn't take much to clean up. It's just long enough a spot to get some leading started. Shiny as all get out, just those very faint undulations that you can almost convince yourself is the light playing trick on you.

Oddly, I have a NM SS Bearcat with a similar-looking bore condition, but this one is because the printing on the side of the barrel coming through to the inside. Never have seen a bit of lead from that and it had never affected the uncanny accuracy of that little gun. I had a S$W 624 with the same issue.

[fecmech]

Took my 20" carbine out today along with my K-38 to do some shooting. I had not tried the Lee 125 RNFP at 100 yds due to all the crappy weather we've been having and today was fairly good. Did some offhand shooting with both guns and none of that was too great BUT that little Lee bullet appears to shoot pretty well. I shot 3 10 shot 100 yd groups and 2 of them were right at 3" for 10. Now this one I must have held my teeth just right cause it's the best 10 shot group I've shot with a lever at 100yds! I even called the shot on the right but I did pull the trigger. Bullets weigh 130 grs out of ACWW+ 2% SN.

[357shooter]

That's awesome. Standard sights or scope/other?

Time to order another mould... it never ends! :castmine::castmine::castmine:

[357shooter]

Anyone tried the 105 SWC yet???

[fecmech]

Standard sights or scope/other?

:

For load development I bought a $29 BSA Edge 2X pistol scope and have it mounted on the standard Rossi scout mount. For my offhand shooting I have a Williams FP peep sight, when I see all the movement in a scope I can never pull the darn trigger!

[Jeff H]

.....I had not tried the Lee 125 RNFP at 100 yds due to all the crappy weather......

WOW![smilie=w:
That one shoots well in mine too, but I have not shot it at 100 yards yet. The 125 TCs you sent shoot as well at 40 yards as the RNFPs I first tried - so I will add at least one of the two to my list. Nice work!

Question - what does YOUR LEE 125 RNFP look like?? I was supposed to try some out for a friend and his were flat base - the ones in the catalog look like a bevel base. I want to order a mould but don't know which bullet I will get.

I have been shooting both of the LEEs with 5.5 W231 for a really pleasant load that is hard not to hit with.

Need to add a low poer scope as well until I decide on sights. Removed the off-cented bead and soldered a brass insert in it's place, filed flush on the sides.... Better to look at than that lopsided thing that came on it.

[fecmech]

I just bought this Lee mold a couple months ago and it's a flat base.

[Jeff H]

I just bought this Lee mold a couple months ago and it's a flat base.

Thanks.
That's the one that I was handed 25 to "test" and I liked them. But then, I cannot complaion one bit about the others ones either. Now - whether to buy the TC or RNFP in 125 grain??

I am going to follow through with the "cheap scope for load development" idea too now. That was my intent when I bought the base, but I didnn't see anything for $30 or $40. I will do a search for the BSA.

By the way, how does your Rossi handle with the scope? I like the way it feels without one, but I also like the forward-mount on smaller, lighter rifles.

[fecmech]

Thanks.
That's the one that I was handed 25 to "test" and I liked them. But then, I cannot complaion one bit about the others ones either. Now - whether to buy the TC or RNFP in 125 grain??

I am going to follow through with the "cheap scope for load development" idea too now. That was my intent when I bought the base, but I didnn't see anything for $30 or $40. I will do a search for the BSA.

By the way, how does your Rossi handle with the scope? I like the way it feels without one, but I also like the forward-mount on smaller, lighter rifles.

The scope I bought on sale at Midway for $29. is at optics planet now for $59. It serves the purpose but it's nothing to write home about, I'm not sure it's a full 2 power! It's only 7.5 oz and I use cheapy aluminum rings so the gun doesn't handle too bad but not as nice as with just the peep sight. The bases have the coin type knobs so I can pop it on and off in seconds. At the last gun show I found a nice Simmons 2 power pistol scope that was much nicer for $30 but when I got it home I discovered the parallax was terrible so I took it back. In the next week or so I'm going to run the TC against the RNFP to see what if any difference there is. I did not have the scope when I was testing the TC last year and had a number of 3" groups and a couple just under so it should be interesting. I really don't think there will be much difference if any.

[Jeff H]

The scope I bought on sale at Midway for $29. .......

I was too slow. $55 now. I will watch and wait. I let my "cheap pistol scop" go on a rifle I sold to a fella in need of a hunting rifle. Always good to have one. May not be something I would bet my life on but they work fine as a fair weather test optic.

My Brother gave me a practically new NC Star 4x that he thought was a pistol scope because it was so small. He never looked through it. It's not a pistol scope, just a really small rifle scope.

If I put one on and like it so much I decide to go that way, I would incest in a better optic later.

I have to confess to missing a coyote at 70 yards using one of your TCs. I was floored when he took off running, as it was an easy shot and I KNOW they are going where I want them to. Later observations revealed that the mock orange between him and the muzzle got pruned - clipped a small branch about 10 yards before it got to him and it seems it was enough. He went straight up in the air about 3 feet at the shot, so I thought I got some meat, but he hit the ground running and didn't stop.

I did manage to make him zig-zag back and forth with three running shots. Wasn't sure how much to lead with the .357s and guessed too much. Blew water up in front of/just beyond him each time and redirected his course until he got the wind break between him and me and he made a bee-line at full speed, making cover before I could get through the wind break. He was at 100 to 125 yards at the last shot and I was still leading too much. Me not giving the little .357 enough credit saved his hide. I made the same mistake with the first .410 shotgun I ever owned too. Lessons learned. Sure wasn't a fault of the gun or the projectile.

[calkar]

In my rossi the lee 158 rnfp fit the throat great, and shot the best. I used it for cowboy silhouette and tested many other types.

[williamwaco]

I like the

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=704691


I load it over 7.8 grains of Herco or 13 grains of 2400

The Herco load cronos at 1490 from mine.

I can put either into 2" at 50 or 4 inches at 100 yards with a Marbles Tang sight.

It does 1 to 1.5 inches at 50 yards from my Thompson Contender wit 8x Weaver.

Oh, yes! Feeds perfectly loaded in either .38 or .357 cases.
( Note that the quoted loads are ONLY for .357 cases. )

[Jeff H]

I like that 158 LEE TL - just like the looks of it even, if that doesn't sound too stupid, and I like the idea of having a bullet that I can cast, lube, size, lube easily and reasonably quickly. I don't want to amass a bunch of moulds for the .357, but so far, the LEE 124 TC is shooting one inch at 40 yards and the LEE 125 RF is a shade over that.

I want to pick ONE of those two and then ONE heavier bullet. I have been obsessed with the Lyman 358429 for a long time but hate using my old Lyman lubrisizer. Every so often it will excrete a log up under one of the bullets and I have to clean the mess up. I don't know if I will ever replace that antique - and it makes it no easier that my best friend has a Star(?) push through that uses compressed air. I sized a bunch for a local LE organization recently and that thing is the berries - but expensive.

I am going to have to get around to fire-lapping the Rossi, because the Lee 158 TL is just too appealing in many aspects - but it does lead my bore and the alloy/lube/size is good. A very generous felloe forum-member sent me 100 of them and his work is actually nicer than minie, and I am fussy.

[jlchucker]

I've used the Lee 125 gr rnfp in my Rossi 92 and like it a lot for plinking. After reading all of the comments about the bigger Lee 158 gr rnfp (and seeing the photos in the first comments on this thread, I ordered a 2-cavity mold from Midsouth for this boolit. I was expecting a nice, flat base boolit as shown not only in the photos posted here, but in photos posted in various online catalogs as well. I cast a bunch of different boolits yesterday--including ones from my new Lee Mold. Big surprise! I got a bevel-base Lee 158 gr rnfp! I called Lee. The girl read me the part number (same as mine) and said that this is a bevel-base design! I haven't loaded or shot any of these boolits yet, but I am disappointed in both Lee and the photos they post on line when their suppliers advertise the 158 gr rnfp. What's going on? Are they producing a different design for their 6 cavity products and selling them as being the same boolits for both 2 and 6 cavity molds?

[Jeff H]

.......What's going on? Are they producing a different design for their 6 cavity products and selling them as being the same boolits for both 2 and 6 cavity molds?

I spoke directly with LEE AND MSS on this issue, and I guess I should have posted it. I called about the goofy looking 125 RF shown in the MSS catalog. I have been shooting a flat-based bullet and did not want the BB. LEE and MSS both assured me that the 125 RF is FLAT-BASED and that the pic in the MSS catalog is wrong. They BOTH said the same thing.

As for the 158 RF, it IS a BB. I wouldn't be too disconcerted over that fact except that you now doubt ANYTHING you see a picture of regarding LEE moulds in the MSS catalog - and on their site.

My best friend is a small commercial (wholesale) caster for local shops and LE organizations and has the 6X 158 RF and has reported shooting this one to 1600 fps with no problem and overall excellent accuracy results, both from his personal use and from reports back from others. Now, he IS an LE-type, but is also a die-hard shooter and cast-bullet freak - not just twice a year to barely qualify.

I don't like BBs myself, but this one seems worth it and I have been shooting a Magma(?) 240 grain SWCBB that he casts in my .44 Special and it chews one-hole groups at 25 yards out of a factory Lipsey-Ruger Flat-Top, so I have to, if not EAT, at least chew on my previous words regarding BBs.

I know it is irksome that you don't get what you thought you were getting, but I am ordering that same mould even though it is a BB and I fully expect it to work well. I would offer some first-hand experience with it if it were not for the fact that I rarely get to use what he casts as he has been struggling t okeep up with orders. In fact, he and I have been planning a day to cast for just him and me for over two years and it still hasn't happened.

[357shooter]

In my guns the TL 158-SWC outshoots the 158 RF, that's after loading and shooting a bunch of both designs. FYI & YMMV

[Jeff H]

In my guns the TL 158-SWC outshoots the 158 RF, that's after loading and shooting a bunch of both designs. FYI & YMMV

I REALLY want to use that one but my Rossi doesn't like it. I have been seriously considering giving fire-lapping a go in it to get rid of the one weird spot. Everything conventionally lubed/sized works great in it but that one leads and everything about the bullet/load is seemingly good. Just get that one ugly skid mark after the weird spot.

I can see buyinng at least three moulds for the .357 at this point.
LEE 125 RF
or..... the LEE 125 TC shoots extremely well in it also
LEE 158 RF
and maybe the 158 TL and some lapping paste.

If I had the luxury of picking the 158 TL over the 158 RF, I probably would.

[357shooter]

I'm lubing with straight JPW, and it's working great in the Rossi rifle and Taurus revolver.

Maybe it would help resolve the leading issue. Assuming you are using some other lube that is. Could be worth a try.

[Jeff H]

I'm lubing with straight JPW, and it's working great in the Rossi rifle and Taurus revolver.

Maybe it would help resolve the leading issue. Assuming you are using some other lube that is. Could be worth a try.

Straight JPW?
I have been casting a long time but, that's the thing about casting and handloading - there's always something else out there that you haven't heard of or tried.

How do you apply it?

I even tried running some through the lubrisizer and it didn't help, but I am willing to try that.

[357shooter]

Put 100-200 bullets into a zip-lock or baggie, and sit them in hot tap water for 5 minutes. It works when they are slightly warm to the touch. Sitting them in the sun works too.

Then tumble them, with a small dollop of JPW, say dime-sized. Pour onto wax-paper and let dry. Below are there bullets, fully dried. The first is LLA/MS/Mica (2/1 LLA/MS), the second is sized and not-lubed, the third is JPW. When it's wet the lube isn't as obvious.

It's a bit of a long shot, but if it works you are set. Easy enough to try out too.

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab341/prgallo/158-TL.jpg

[Jeff H]

Thanks.
I'll give it a go.

[357shooter]

Even easier, have you double coated with whichever LLA mix you are using? Or thinned it less? That might work too.

[Jeff H]

Even easier, have you double coated with whichever LLA mix you are using? Or thinned it less? That might work too.

Started with thin, then double coated. Ran some through the lubrisizer to boot.
I am pretty convinced it's the werid spot in the bore - so faint that you have to hold the rifle, the light and your mouth just right to see it. It REALLY becomes apparent after one of the 158 TLs go through it.

I have never seen so many ways to use TL until I started reading here. I have always used LLA full strength and tumbled the bullets in a 20 ounce gatorade bottle so the bullets actually tumble instead of just sliding around - gently, of course. It leaves a lot more on the bullet than necessary, but has always worked.

[357shooter]

When full strength Alox has trouble it's tough to find something else to work better. The JPW probably won't work, but who knows. Lapping should/could fix it up.

[Gunnut 45/454]

I have the 158 gr RF version and the 125 gr RF in the Lee molds All my 357 mags love them! The wide flat nose of the 158 gr bullet makes it a great hunting bullet!

[357shooter]

A very accurate bullet is a 358-429 Keith. Verified at short distance, which is all that's available to me.

The lapped NOE mould drops BHN 7 alloy bullets of 178 grains. Diameter sizes down to .360 nicely. I did tests and .360 has proven to be most accurate in the Rossi, just as .360 is the most accurate diameter in my revolver.

With Federal SPM primers, 13.5 grains of H110, and Darr lube, this is one nice shooting bullet. This lapped mould, and a lapped Lee TL358-158-SWC (dropping at 168 now) are producing bullets that shoot rather well!

[357shooter]

If anyone is still reading: the Lee TL358-158-SWC shoots best with a OAL between 1.610 and 1.620. For light loads anyway. The 429 still shoots best with heavy loads. Both are with the lapped moulds mentioned in the prior post.

[Kenner]

This depends on whether you wish to load magnum or 38 special brass. You can get longer bullets so that you can load the cheaper 38 stuff and your gun thinks that it is loading the longer brass.

Cheers!

[Good Cheer]

Had a .357 Rossi lever action that I bought in about 1980. It loved everything whether you were feeding it Unique, 296, Lymans 358156 or a Lee 150 round nose.

The RCBS 162 grain GC SWC and just enough Unique to get it out of the barrel was the best jack rabbit head lighting load I ever came up with in any rifle. If you knew your hold over it hit at 100. Nice and quiet and accurate.

[inkedbylee]

i ran out of .357 brass and ended up going with a .38spl+P load out of lee it's 5.7 gr of herco with that bullet man that thangs good at 25 yards free hand i have no prob putting 12rds 2 1/2 in i have used that mold now for 5 years all my guns love it.

[massmanute]

Has anyone tried the 9mm truncated cone 124 grain boolits (style TL-356-124-TC) in the Rossi '92?

Would they be a tad to small in diameter? If so, would they work OK if one were to beagle the mold, or perhaps bump the bullets, or maybe even re-grind the mold?

[robertbank]

I have used the Lyman 356402 truncated cone boolit in my CX4 Storm with good results so I would assume it would work well in the Rossi. I would run them through a sizing die at .358 or as cast and would expect them to work fine. Weather here is rather cool outside but I'll load some up later in the week and let you know how they function in my Rossi.

Take Care

Bob

[fecmech]

Has anyone tried the 9mm truncated cone 124 grain boolits (style TL-356-124-TC) in the Rossi '92?

Would they be a tad to small in diameter? If so, would they work OK if one were to beagle the mold, or perhaps bump the bullets, or maybe even re-grind the mold?

I have shot a lot of the Lee120 TC (lube groove version) in both my Rossi's. Very accurate out to 200 yds. I load them around 1100-1200 FPS over 4-4.5/Bullseye or 5-5.5/231 and they average about 3 MOA in group size. My Lee drops at .358 so I size and lube to that dia. The Lee 125 RNFP is slightly more accurate in my guns than the 120 TC but not a lot.

[zxcvbob]

Has anyone tried the Lee 158 grain "2R" round nosed? It has a pretty good ballistic coefficient; might group better at longer ranges.

[fecmech]

Has anyone tried the Lee 158 grain "2R" round nosed? It has a pretty good ballistic coefficient; might group better at longer ranges.

My 24" octagon shoots the 158TL SWC very well to 200 yds in the 1100 fps range and have thought as you that the RN TL design might be better due to the BC. I don't have that mold so I can't say. The Lyman "Keith" (358429) over a full charge of 296/820 is very accurate in both my rifles(1600 fps+) and it's BC I believe is .270. Anything you shoot to 200 yds out of a .357 has a rainbow trajectory. I get a kick out of the delay myself, I see the gong move before I hear the clang.

[Four Fingers of Death]

The only one I have used so far is the Lee158Gn RNFP. If yo got a six cavity in that one, your plinking/small game shooting is taken care of. Then buy another gascheck mould for steppign the speed up somewhat for bigger game. A dual cavity Lee mould is pretty cheap, you'd have to be hard up not to be able to afford one.

Most of the poor folk who have Lee moulds don't realise the problems they have got. My RCBS, CBE, NOE, Lyman moulds are fancy and work a treat and are very satisfying, but the Lee moulds work well also if you follow directions regarding preparing the mould.

I bought a two part mould off 357Maximum years ago, I found it buried in the garrage the other day, I must dust it off and go hunting with it.

Keep us posted.

[357shooter]

The Lee 358-125-RF is a nice shooter. Over 5.4 Unique for light loads, 13.5 and 15.5 of 2400 looks promising too. I tried some plain-base gas checks, on paper the 15.5 load should be pusing 1,900 FPS. Loaded long (1.597-1.60 OAL) and crimped below the crimp band. It does best with the custom Lee rifle FCD (the collet one, not the pistol FCD).

Anyone else try this one out?

[fecmech]

I use a similar load with the Lee125 of 5.3/231 that runs close to 1200 fps. That load and bullet to date are the most accurate out of the Rossi's for me. For magnum loads as previously posted I use 358429 over a max load of 820/296. That is accurate in all my .357's both rifles and pistols. So much so that I have not pushed any of the other designs at mag velocities. I have enough trouble keeping track of sight settings just moving between the loads that I use now!

[357shooter]

+1 on the sight settings. The 125 is the most accurate for me so far too. I was going to try the Lee 105 SWC. But that meplat is so amall that fits into a primer pocket, so it doesn't seem save under heavy recoil, in the magazine. Basically, just too pointy.

I put on a Marble's Bullseye rear sight. The 20" round SS Rossi I just picked up (357 mag) came from the facotory with a brass bead front sight. It's worked out very well.

[lemming]

My Rossi won't feed anything reliably, so I use it as a single shot. Mostly at 25 yards indoors, so 38 spl velocities; occasionally at 100 yards outdoors.

Because I'm not using the magazine, I can use the Lee 158 round nose tumble lube; off the bench at 25 yards, 10 shot group, that's a guaranteed single ragged hole. Lately, though, I've been loading with Lee 125 grain RNFP. If it's less accurate than the 158 RN, I'm not a good enough shot, even off a bench rest, to tell the difference.

Have also tried the Lyman 158 SWC. Accuracy is acceptable but not as good as either of the Lees.

I've used both 38 and 357 cases. Makes no difference to accuracy.

I use 4 grains Bullseye for everything. The 158 RN holds up pretty well at 100 yards; the 125 goes a little haywire at that sort of range. I shoot the Rossi outdoors so rarely, I can't be fussed to work up a high velocity 100 yard load.

The best thing you can do with a Rossi, IMHO, is put decent sights on it. I've got a Creedmore type tang rearsight and a Pedersoli tunnel foresight on mine. Groups tightened up like a collet as soon as I started using proper sights.

[A pause for the COZ]

Part of it depends on the velocity you want to run at. I have 2 Rossi's in .357, both will shoot the RNFP into 1-2" 50 yd groups @ 1150 fps (my normal .38 spl pistol load) and they won't stay on a 2'X4' target backer at 100 yds! The ones that do hit the backer are usually tumbling. The 30" twist has a hand in this IMO. I have not worked at higher velocities because I use the Lyman Keith for my magnum loads and it does well in the 1500-1600 fps range at 100-200 yds. The Lee 158 TL SWC does well in the lower velocity ranges and is very accurate to 200 yds. It all depends where you want to play, 50 yds and under I don't think it matters much. The most accurate long range boolit to date out of both my Rossi's has been the RCBS 9MM 124 gr CN followed VERY closely by the Lee 120 TC. Both will hold very close to 3 MOA out to 200 yds. If RNFP's are what float your boat I'd be more inclined to do the 125 gr. version.

Strange, I am shooting the LEE 158 rnfp ahead of 6 gr Unique at 100 yards and mine shoot fine. Not great but sure are not tumbling.
I am having issues with the heavier boolits 180 gr are tumbling on me no matter what I push them with.

[fecmech]

Strange, I am shooting the LEE 158 rnfp ahead of 6 gr Unique at 100 yards and mine shoot fine. Not great but sure are not tumbling.

That does not surprise me at all. I had stated in my post that they tumbled at .38 spl level loads which is 1100-1150 fps out of the rifle. Your 6 gr load of Unique I would guess is more like 1250-1300 fps out of a rifle which may be fast enough to keep it point on at 100 yds. I don't know for sure as I never went there with the 158 RNFP. They accuracy champ (for plinking and target work) in both my Rossi's is the Lee 125 RNFP at about 1200 fps. It will average 3MOA or less at 100 yds and hold that level of accuracy out to 200 yds which is the farthest I've shot it. For magnum work as I've previously stated a max load of 296 behind the Lyman 358429 (Keith) 173 gr comes very close to the 125 rnfp in accuracy and that also does well to 200.

[A pause for the COZ]

Hey guys.
I have been spending some time with my Rossi. I found about the same as every one else.
I am shooting the LEE 158 gr RNFP out of 38 special cases and 357 mag cases.
I tried 5 gr Unique and 6 gr Herco in the 38 special cases. Interesting that I found these shot really well at 50 yards.
I tried 6 gr Unique and 7 gr Herco in the 357. I did notice with both these loads the Herco loads shot better.
I liked what I saw with that test. The thing is with Herco you can eek out an extra 100 fps for the same pressure loads. Might help with that 1 in 30 inch twist. You do need to up the loading by a grain to get it. But at 6 gr of Unique your pretty much in Max territory. At least I wont go higher.

Then i tried some Lyman 358456 SWC ( i think thats what they are) Gas checked.
Ahead of the Herco load and the Unique. These shot like ****. Literally strung from bottom left to top right at 50 yards.
Yikes and I just cast up about 500 of them.
Saved by 2400, I had some loaded ahead of 13.5 gr of 2400 these shot very very well.
Strange I guess that Boolit needs to be pushed hard in this gun.

I guess I get to be the guinea pig for the LEE 105 gr swc. I have some of those loaded up in 38 special cases to try out.
I have some ahead of trail boss and some ahead of Bullseye.
I have high hopes for this boolit if not the powders. So far nothing ahead of Bullseye has shot worth a darn out of my Rossi. Trail Boss maybe. will see. That powder has a weird pressure curve that all my rifles seem to like.

I would really like to try a slower powder with that Boolit. I cant find any loads. I guess nobody ever thought of shooting them out of a carbine.
If any one has an Idea of a Unique load for that 105 let me know.

Oh here are the FPS results Crono was about 6 feet from muzzle.

It appears we are all suffering with that 1 in 30 twist. Its seems that when they were coming up with this gun they must have tilted to 125 gr jacketed 357 mag loads. I have a 1000 of those loaded ahead of 2400 and they are tac drivers at 100 yards.
I guess they never figured we would want to thump a 180 gr rnfp at a deer or hog. Dummies.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d66/Kelly2215/100_82511.jpg

[Fire_stick]

For the Lee 105 SWC, 3.6 grains of Bullseye in 38 Sp does really well in my M92 and my GP100. I noted quarter size groups with open sights with the rifle at 25 yards. I bet if I could hold the exect same aim point each shot, I would get one hole!

[A pause for the COZ]

I tried the LEE 105 gr swc. ahead of 3.6 gr Bullseye and 3.4 gr Trail Boss.

I was pleasantly surprised. They both shot fairly well at 50 yards. Good thing too because I purchased a 6 cavity mold for those.

I couldnt save the Bullseye target. it rained hard and it fell apart. I did save the Trail Boss target. The holes look raged but thats not because of the load. I had to hang it funny to keep it from getting too wet.

I think I will load a bunch and take it to the 100 range tomorrow.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d66/Kelly2215/100_8261.jpg

[fecmech]

It appears we are all suffering with that 1 in 30 twist.

I felt that way initially when I first bought my 2 Rossi's, now for me it's not an issue. Both of my guns do like the 125 LEE RNFP AND 120 tc and shoot these very well. The Lee 158 SWC TL design is also a great shooter at .38 level loads. While I don't hunt hogs I think the Lyman 358429 would do just as good on hogs as a 180 RNFP. That bullet in both my Rossi's at 1600 fps+ is just a hair less accurate than the 125's and is stable to 200 yds. I think it would kill anything you would ask a .357 rifle to kill and do it well. Now that I've had both rifles for a couple years (and thousands of rounds) I see them as any other rifle. They like some bullets and loads and not others. I also have a Winchester 94 (1/16 twist) and it does no better with the 358429 than either of the Rossi's. It and a friends Marlin 94 .357 did not do well at all with the NOE 180 WNFP. Like Jeff above, the Rossi took me to school, only on light .35 cal bullets. I learned they can be very accurate at ranges out to 200 yds (farthest I've shot them) and really easy on a fellows lead supplies.

[A pause for the COZ]

I am going to spend a little time with those LEE 105 gr swc. I kind of like the idea of every 3rd bullet being free.

[357shooter]

Please post back regarding the 105 SWC. It would be good to know how it works.

[DarthTater]

I shoot the 180 grain FN from the Lee 6 boolit mold in my Rossi and also from my Cimarron Model P. Over 3.6 grains of Bullseye, both guns are right on the money.

I have a Marbles tang sight on the Rossi for metallic silhouette shooting. Out to 100 meters, it's a better shot than me.

I haven't tried anything else. I figure that if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[Four Fingers of Death]

What twist are the new Winchester 92s in 357? I have Rossis in 357 (which I really like) and a 44Mag (which I don't particularly like). I was toying with idea of selling both to funs a new Winchester in 357! They really look the goods!

[fecmech]

What twist are the new Winchester 92s in 357? I have Rossis in 357 (which I really like) and a 44Mag (which I don't particularly like). I was toying with idea of selling both to funs a new Winchester in 357! They really look the goods!
I was just looking at them on Davidsons site but could not get any twist details. One big turn off for me was the rebounding hammer. I fought with one of them on my 94 and finally replaced the lower tang with an earlier half cock model. The trigger on mine was pretty bad and with the extra parts it does not make it easy to improve. Just my $.02

[Four Fingers of Death]

I had a 94 AE Trapper in 357. I found the rebounding hammer a bit strange when I first used it, but didn't really notice it after that.

Winchester don't list barrels twists on the 92s on their site.

[massmanute]

I believe the Ranch Dog TLC359-190-RF has been mentioned in this thread. Has anyone tried it in the Rossi 92? I asked the question in another thread a while back, but no one answered who had tried it. I am hoping someone might be able to respond who has tried it. The concern would be whether it will stabilize in the 1 turn in 30 inch twist rate in the Rossi. Will the Rossi stabilize this bullet?

Thanks.

[500MAG]

I picked up a new Rossi 357 at the last gunshow in my area. I have the 158gr SWC from lee and I did have some problems with simply loading it. I too am looking to switch and am considering the RN.

[357shooter]

I've been working with some designs for the 357 Rossi, with a 30 inch twist. I keep coming back to this one. It's designed for a Lee Rifle Crimp die, which works great on lead and no crimp groove. It has a longer bearing area so it can be seated to reach the throat. The larger grease groove helps with the balance of the boolit. The gas check helps with the high end 1,900-2,000 FPS it's intended for.

I'm going to order it from Lee in six cavity. If anyone is interested in giving it a try it would help to spread the setup costs over a few moulds, send me a PM. It's a 145 grain RF boolit with a .250 meplat. I plan to order it by mid-august. Custom is not cheap, but it's fun!

If not, that's OK. I'll let you know sometime in Sept or Oct how it works out.

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab341/prgallo/357shooter_358-145-RF_PIC2.jpg

[fecmech]

I have always thought that something in the 140 gr range would be perfect for the Rossi's with their 30" twist and your design looks great to me. I have no interest in the higher velocities as I don't hunt so the 130 Lee works fine for me plinking and hitting swingers. Good luck with the boolit and post your results once you get the mold.

[357shooter]

I have always thought that something in the 140 gr range would be perfect for the Rossi's with their 30" twist and your design looks great to me. I have no interest in the higher velocities as I don't hunt so the 130 Lee works fine for me plinking and hitting swingers. Good luck with the boolit and post your results once you get the mold.

We think alike, I keep coming back to this boolit. I was considering a plain base verson too. The tradeoff being how much it drops at 100-150 yards because of lower velocity.

I worked up a 135-SWC too. I used a chamber casting for the critical dimensions for several designs. I'm thinking of getting this on too, the thicker top band should fit the Rossi just right.

Here's the 135-SWC:

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab341/prgallo/357shooter_358-135-SWCpic.jpg

[fecmech]

We think alike, I keep coming back to this boolit. I was considering a plain base verson too. The tradeoff being how much it drops at 100-150 yards because of lower velocity.

I've done quite a bit of shooting at our range which goes to 200 yds so using my tang sight and receiver sighted levers, I just crank the sight up and down for the range I'm shooting. That is obviously not the answer to hunting with unknown ranges. In regards to SWC's my experience with the Lee 158 TLSWC has been excellent in the 1100-1200 fps range in my 2 Rossi's and a Winchester. The Rossi's will average ( not just occasional fluke groups) between 3 and 4 moa out to 200 yds. The Winchester will average about 1 moa better with that bullet.

[357shooter]

OK, so this thread is pretty dormant. But I just found out Lee has shipped my two custom 357 moulds. Both designed to use a Lee Rifle FCD, and to have enough bearing area to touch the Rossi throat loaded in 357 brass.

The 145 on paper has the potential to retain more energy out to 150 yards than heavier or light bullets. It's also a great length for the 30 in twist, slightly longer than the Lee 125-RF. The 168 is same length as the Lee 158 SWC TL or the Lyman 150 SWC. Both very accurate. If they get here tomorrow, I can shoot some on Sunday.YEAH

PLEASE GET HERE!

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab341/prgallo/357shooter_C358-145-RF_Rot-1.jpg

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab341/prgallo/357shooter_C358-145-RF.jpg

OK, I feel better now.

[Cowboy T]

You and your custom mould designs...geez...well, I can't say anything since that 170gr Keith boolit mould group buy, now, can I? :-)

Looking forward to seeing your results on these new styles.

[357shooter]

Hi Cowboy. Yeah, these bullets are workin' out, with a twist or two.

I've only shot some of the 145's without a gas check. They are as accurate as the Lee 125 over the same HP38 5.2 load. More testing this weekend, and I image the next couple of months.

They cast great, and the LEE RFCD works great with them. This is all in the Rossi 20inch lever rifle.

I just cast some 90 grain bullets for my 380acp. They look great, hope they feed! Another custom design that I'm working out.

[TCLouis]

If I can ever find a 92, I plan to use my Lar45 or Ranch Dog 180s to hunt or the old 160 RNFP PB GB to plink and play

[MasS&W]

I love me a SWC. TCs are also good.

[357shooter]

If I can ever find a 92, I plan to use my Lar45 or Ranch Dog 180s to hunt or the old 160 RNFP PB GB to plink and play

Buds has them in stock, FYI.

[BCRider]

Well, I see we're 9 pages of postings into this. So forgive me if what I'm about to say is old hat. I simply haven't read down through ALL the posts.

I'm using a Rossi '92 for my cowboy action shooting events. By all rights it's simply not the best option but I'm still working on it before I admit defeat.

What I have learned along the way is that it does not like being fed SWC bullets fast or fatter round nose shapes fast. The bullets that work best are regular ogive shaped round nose or the same profile with a SLIGHT flat point. And in fact here's a picture of the bullet used for my reloads which is working out very nicely for fast lever cycling;

http://www.thebulletbarn.com/images/NewBullets/Pistol/28-38-RNFP-130gr-lg.jpg

As far as weight and accuracy work out I can't comment other than to say that my standard cowboy load of this Bullet Barn 130 gn RNFP cast lead pills managed to hit my targets nicely even out at 150 yards. I didn't go beyond that but only because I ran out of "sights" to work the amount of hold over I needed with the very slow velocities of my match ammo.

[fecmech]

As far as weight and accuracy work out I can't comment other than to say that my standard cowboy load of this Bullet Barn 130 gn RNFP
That is a dead ringer for the Lee 125 RNFP and mine weigh 130 grs out of WW metal. They probably use the Lee mold.

[BCRider]

You're probably right.

The 158RNFP that doesn't feed well is this lumpy looking thing. These are horrible as the fat nose catches and jams on the edge of the chamber far too consistently even if feeding them at a slower non-match sort of pace.

http://www.thebulletbarn.com/images/NewBullets/Pistol/10-38-RNFP-BB-158gr-lg.jpg

[alamogunr]

357Shooter, Any chance that 145 gr mold would be available without a new special order? Maybe with a refund to you?

[357shooter]

Hi,
The 145 is shooting great in both my 20 inch Rossi, and six inch revolvers.

I only have the one custom 145 mould, so there's no way to get second without another custom order. Every custom order with Lee has the custom setup fee, plus a fee for each mould block. Ordering more than one at a time spreads the fee over the moulds. However, I only bought one each for the 145 and the 168.

[jlchucker]

I loaded ten of these this afternoon.
It seems I will be using them up in my SP101 though, because they will NOT cycle through my Rossi. The cartridge is presented at such an angle that the bullet clears the top edge of the chamber, but the bottom hangs up. Almost seems like the cuts in the cartridge guides are too far forward - or that they were made specifically for the .38 Special. Rim doesn't get to the cut-outs before everything binds up.









I loaded some 158 RNs (old Lyman mold) and they slide through slicker'n snot.
Ran out of daylight though, trying to get the first few 125s out of the gun.

I had that very same problem when I first got my Rossi. After much consultation with my gunsmith and a couple of emails back and forth with Steve at Steve's Guns, the problem was solved. Instead of seating the 125 grainer into a 38 special case all the way to the crimp groove, try seating them out to crimp into the leading edge of the grease groove, leaving the crimp groove exposed. After doing this, you'll end up with a cartridge that's a bit longer. It solved my problem using those 125 Lee RNFP's in 38 special cases. When you load that boolit in a 357 case you can crimp into the crimp groove. For me, at least, the problem with that jam--and as we both know it's a real PITA of a jam--is the overall length of the cartridge.

[searcher4851]

I too have found that feeding difficulties are often easily remidied buy experimenting with OAL, especially when using .38spl cases. alonger is better with the .38's.

[DEVERS454]

The best mold I have seen for shooting reliably the 38spl through a rossi92 is the big lube bullet develped by snakebite.

I bought a few hundred of hem when I used a 38spl for CAS and it cured my feeding issues.

They make the OAL very similar to the 357mag with a 158gr bullet. And a generous enough lube groove to prevent any black powder fowling.

[robertbank]

Something you might want to think about. Ranch Dog works mainly with Marlins and their 16" twist rate and designs great molds for them. I'm not sure how well 190 gr bullets will work in the 30" twist of the Rossi but I have not tried any. Maybe some of the board members who have Rossi's and shot "heavies" in them will comment. Whats great in a 16" twist is not necessarily great in a 30" twist.

I tried to make the Lyman 358429 work in my Rossi 20" with no luck at all. I have found my rifle prefers boolits 150 - 160 gr. Heavier and I get patterns not groups. The 1 - 30 twist is very slow for the 38/357 cartridges IMHO. I really hoped the gun would handle the heavies as I want to try develop a revolver load using a 200 gr boolit for IDPA ESR Division. Shooting a major load using light 357 mag boolits/bullets is not for the faint of heart or weak wrist-ed. It would have been nice to have one boolit for both rifle and revolver. I do hope somebody can report a load that works in the Rossi's usng the heavier boolits.

Take Care

Bob

[357shooter]

I tried to make the Lyman 358429 work in my Rossi 20" with no luck at all. I have found my rifle prefers boolits 150 - 160 gr. Heavier and I get patterns not groups. The 1 - 30 twist is very slow for the 38/357 cartridges IMHO. I really hoped the gun would handle the heavies as I want to try develop a revolver load using a 200 gr boolit for IDPA ESR Division. Shooting a major load using light 357 mag boolits/bullets is not for the faint of heart or weak wrist-ed. It would have been nice to have one boolit for both rifle and revolver. I do hope somebody can report a load that works in the Rossi's usng the heavier boolits.

Take Care

Bob

I just bought a NOE 180 FP mould. They are a lot shorter than the Keith and might like the slow twist Rossi, so far they are awesome in a revolver. I'll try them in the lever rifle next week, with full magnum loads. 13.5 grains of H110 with a 1.575 OAL.

[LynC2]

I'm very interested in this thread as I recently ordered a Rossi .357 with a 26" Octagon barrel. I'm going to blame NOBADE for the new disease I have acquired regarding cast bullet silhouette shooting even though I did a bit of it 30+ years ago. I have a few different 9mm and .38 molds to try and I will update my results. I sure wish Rossi would have used a 1x20" or 1x16" twist in their rifles as this definitely limits what will shoot accurately.:( If worse comes to worse I will rebarrel using a faster twist and the .357 NRA chamber reamer. Hopefully I won't have to go that far.

[fecmech]

If worse comes to worse I will rebarrel using a faster twist and the .357 NRA chamber reamer. Hopefully I won't have to go that far.
What is an "NRA Chambering reamer"??

[LynC2]

What is an "NRA Chambering reamer"??

This post from Ed Harris on Handloads.com explains better than I.
"The usual .357 Magnum rifle chamber resembles the same form used in the SAAMI pressure test barrel. That is simply a 15-degree included angle forcing cone which departs directly from the cylindrical .379 diameter at the case mouth, with no "ball seat."

Testing was published by the NRA in the 1980s in which T/C Contender handguns and Marlin 1894 rifles were rethroated, using a more gradual 3 degree forcing cone. This reamer followed the form of automatic match pistols produced by the US Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) which were chambered for .38 Special wadcutter ammunition. The ".38 AMU style" chamber throat put on a .357 Magnum-length reamer improved accuracy dramatically, reducing long run average group size by 25-50%.

You can buy the ".357 NRA" chambering reamer with this throating from JGS Guntools. It is a custom design which is made to order and cost is about $165 last time I checked. It is easy to re-cut the chamber throat of .357 Magnum rifles by hand to correct "problem" shooters."

[Nobade]

I wonder how this would work, since the common complaint with 357 rifles is the throat is too long and by the time you touch it with a boolit, said boolit is no longer in the case. I would like to see a drawing of that reamer. All factory made 357 rifles I have ever seen had a very gradual forcing cone style throat with no clear end to the chamber. Maybe they are making them like that NRA style chamber now anyway?

-Nobade

[LynC2]

I wonder how this would work, since the common complaint with 357 rifles is the throat is too long and by the time you touch it with a boolit, said boolit is no longer in the case. I would like to see a drawing of that reamer. All factory made 357 rifles I have ever seen had a very gradual forcing cone style throat with no clear end to the chamber. Maybe they are making them like that NRA style chamber now anyway?

-Nobade

That is an interesting tidbit and hopefully they are using that type of reamer now. I have chambered a lot of barrels but mostly for High Power and 1000yd shooting. .357 Mags are uncharted waters for me. Anyway yesterday I requested a reamer print from Pacific Tool & Gauge if they had one for it. When I do a chamber & throat cast I'll have a better idea of what my Rossi 92 looks like.

[fecmech]

Lynn-Here are 3 impact castings from my 3 rifles. Left one is Winchester 94, next Rossi 92 carbine and on the right Rossi 92 Octagon rifle. The winchester throat is an abomination in that it is .400" long and is a fight to keep from leading. Rossi's seem to be your basic "toilet bowl" throat. A machinist friend is going to bush my 94 chamber and I am very much interested in a reamer that would give me a throat found in regular rifles where there is a step where the case ends. In the 94 I would end up with some freebore but I think that's much less of a problem than what I have. I'm wondering if I can rent such a reamer.

Maybe they are making them like that NRA style chamber now anyway?
Not to my knowlege. Both of my Rossi's are current Braztec Rossi's.

[Nobade]

Perfect paper patch chambers! Too bad the ammo ends up way too long to work through the magazine. Shoots good that way though.

The Ranch Dog 175 is designed just for this sort of chamber. Real fat nose that lets it engage the rifling and fit in the magazine at the same time. Lots of guys also get very good accuracy with the RCBS 200gr. rifle boolit seated to just work through the mag.

-Nobade

[LynC2]

Lynn-Here are 3 impact castings from my 3 rifles. Left one is Winchester 94, next Rossi 92 carbine and on the right Rossi 92 Octagon rifle. The winchester throat is an abomination in that it is .400" long and is a fight to keep from leading. Rossi's seem to be your basic "toilet bowl" throat. A machinist friend is going to bush my 94 chamber and I am very much interested in a reamer that would give me a throat found in regular rifles where there is a step where the case ends. In the 94 I would end up with some freebore but I think that's much less of a problem than what I have. I'm wondering if I can rent such a reamer.

Not to my knowlege. Both of my Rossi's are current Braztec Rossi's.

I just did a cerrosafe cast of my 92 octagon bbl. It looks like yours, a tapered transition of approximately .170 in length so I see no way to do anything about it other than setting the barrel back or re-barreling. :( BTW, the bore measures .3572"
As Nobade mentioned that when the bullet is seated out to engrave the rifling it becomes too long to feed through the action which I discovered very quickly. I guess the best option would to get a custom mold for a 'fat" boolit. I doubt there is a rental reamer available that would be what we would want. It most likely would be a custom ground one from one of the manufacturers. RATS!

Edited to add: It looks like the "ball seat" is the problem and that Win chamber ball seat makes the Rossi look reasonable by comparison!

[LynC2]

Perfect paper patch chambers! Too bad the ammo ends up way too long to work through the magazine. Shoots good that way though.

The Ranch Dog 175 is designed just for this sort of chamber. Real fat nose that lets it engage the rifling and fit in the magazine at the same time. Lots of guys also get very good accuracy with the RCBS 200gr. rifle boolit seated to just work through the mag.

-Nobade

Nobade, are these guys getting good accuracy in the Rossi with those heavy boolits? The twist rate looks like anything above a 158 or 160 would be about tops.

[Nobade]

Not the Rossi, but rather the Marlin. I am not personally familiar with anybody shooting a Rossi at anything more than CAS distances. You get to be the test subject! What is the twist in that barrel? I wonder just how big a boolit it can handle.

-Nobade

[LynC2]

Not the Rossi, but rather the Marlin. I am not personally familiar with anybody shooting a Rossi at anything more than CAS distances. You get to be the test subject! What is the twist in that barrel? I wonder just how big a boolit it can handle.

-Nobade

OK, that is what I thought. It is the usual slow 1x30", so finding a bullet that is fat and long enough to engrave the rifling (most likely just close) but still doesn't weigh too much to stabilize yet still feed through the magazine is going to be a problem. The typical long ball seat does seem to be the major issue with most .357 rifles. If they didn't have that transition and had a chamber as described as a NRA reamer chamber it wouldn't be an issue.

[LynC2]

Sorry, did a double.

[LynC2]

My apologies to the OP, derek45. It seems his Lee bullet mold thread morphed and was hijacked a couple of pages ago.
To get back on track I will say I have a couple of Lee molds to try and just ordered a Lee 6-Cavity Bullet Mold 358-150-1R to try. I suspect it is close to the upper limit of weight that will stabilize at 200 yds.75492

[fecmech]

Lynn--The Lee TL SWC 158 seems to work pretty well at around 1100 fps out of both my Rossi's. While it is no tack driver it will shoot 3-4 moa at 200 yds. Holes in the paper at that range are round. The RCBS 9MM 124 cn shoots a little better and what I use for our 100 yd silhouette. I run that about 1250 fps for all the targets except the rams. I use the TL 158 for them. I have had no luck at all with the Lee 158 RNFP,H&G 158 rn or the NOE 180 FP at subsonic velocities. The NOE did not shoot at 1500fps for me either. When you get that mold if you'd like to swap some bullets I'd like to try some of those for some TL SWC's or any thing else I have.

[1Shirt]

The 158 RNFN is a good one, but don't overlook the little 124 RNFN as well. It is accurate, feeds well, and saves lead if you want a good second blt.
1Shirt!

[LynC2]

Lynn--The Lee TL SWC 158 seems to work pretty well at around 1100 fps out of both my Rossi's. While it is no tack driver it will shoot 3-4 moa at 200 yds. Holes in the paper at that range are round. The RCBS 9MM 124 cn shoots a little better and what I use for our 100 yd silhouette. I run that about 1250 fps for all the targets except the rams. I use the TL 158 for them. I have had no luck at all with the Lee 158 RNFP,H&G 158 rn or the NOE 180 FP at subsonic velocities. The NOE did not shoot at 1500fps for me either. When you get that mold if you'd like to swap some bullets I'd like to try some of those for some TL SWC's or any thing else I have.

Thanks for the update, I'll keep that all in mind if the others don't work. Give me a bit of time to play with this and we'll do a bullet swap.

[LynC2]

The 158 RNFN is a good one, but don't overlook the little 124 RNFN as well. It is accurate, feeds well, and saves lead if you want a good second blt.
1Shirt!

Thanks for that information; one needs all the workable options on these to find something useful.

[BuckRimfire]

It's designed for a Lee Rifle Crimp die, which works great on lead and no crimp groove. ]

Which rifle FCD works with the .357 case? I understand that the .44-40 fits .44 Mags with a little work, but I can't see a match for .357, except .35 Rem and an extended case holder?

[357shooter]

Which rifle FCD works with the .357 case? I understand that the .44-40 fits .44 Mags with a little work, but I can't see a match for .357, except .35 Rem and an extended case holder?

Lee custom makes one specifically for 357 mag. Sometimes they have them in stock.

Try this link: http://leeprecision.com/357-mag-custom-factory-crimp-die.html

[jmort]

They do right now, I just got two. Also .41 and .44 mag in stock as well.

[TCLouis]

I have been shooting the 160 grain RNFP GB boolit in 38 SPL cases over 4.1 and 4.6 of Promo (THIS IS NOT A LOAD RECOMMENDATION BY THE WAY). 4.9 grains is past the limit somewhat by the way. These are made up in nickle cases because at my house nickle cases are for 357 chambered guns only no matter whether they are 357 or 38 SPL..
QL says 11,00 fps.

Accurate 1.5 X 1.5" at 50 and still able to break the rocks (4 - 6") on the hillside above my range at about 110 yards.

[MT Gianni]

TCLouis, what is the OAL of those? Thanks.

[Jeff82]

I'd recommend the 158 RNFP. It's very accurate below 1,200 fps and easy to cast. With a plain base gas check it's very accurate above 1,200 fps. It's what I use for all of my 38-special and 357-magnum shooting. The 140grain SWC is very hard to cast and doesn't size down well. The lube grooves are really narrow and tend to deform during sizing. When I've cast them I use a 0.360 diameter sizing die, which limits the appeal of this bullet.

[P Flados]

Of the three in the poll, I voted for the RNFP with no hesitation.

On the other hand, for most shooting, I have gone with lighter to save lead. I have used both the Lee 120 TC and the 125 RNFP.

The 120 TC drops very easy and is overall great, except that it tends to be on the small side for diameter.

The 125 does not drop as smooth as most. It tends to hang up with the deep lube grooves. But it shoots great.

[Outer Rondacker]

158 RNFP gets my vote. I have the 158 SWC and can tell you it does not feed that well without some mods to the gun. If you want to save on lead just cast small round balls and make mouse farts. But they will need to be fed one at a time.

[robg]

158grwnfp shoots great with 7 gr of true blue in my trapper with out any leading .

[derek45]

Wow, I made this thread a long time ago.

I ended up with all 3 molds, and like the 158RNFP best and the 140gr least.

My favortite bullet for this lever action is the MBC 140 Zinger.

http://missouribullet.com/details.php?prodId=221&category=5&secondary=10&keywords=

http://missouribullet.com/cw3/assets/product_expanded/ht_357zinger.jpg

someday, I'll find a similar mold

https://i.imgur.com/o65YpYx.jpg

[Outer Rondacker]

Derek45 feel out the group and see if you can get a group buy going on a lee. Its cheap simple. (The $175.00 setup and tooling fees will be waived on orders of 30 pieces or more.) You need to get 30 guys together. You just need to do the leg work on the shipping them out to each one of the guys. Depends on how bad you want this mould.

[derek45]

This would work....

http://arsenalmolds.com/products?product_id=79&limit=100

http://arsenalmolds.com/image/cache/catalog/Lee%20358-125L%20ver%202-500x500.JPG

[Outer Rondacker]

Looks like it will run 100 bucks with handles.

[fecmech]

This would work....

http://arsenalmolds.com/products?pro...d=79&limit=100
That is essentially the Lee 125 RF ( same dimensions)which casts approx. 131 grs from WW+2% tin. Much cheaper to buy the Lee 6 cav.

[Steve E]

I didn't see my choice in the poll so here it is,
I vote for the Lee 180 gr RF six cavity mold, it's not in their catalog but I got it in a group buy a few years ago. I got it for my 357 Maxi but have been shooting it in my 357 Mag also and it is very accurate in my 6 inch Ruger GP 100 Talo Edition and Uberti Baby Rolling Block.

Steve...........

[pastorcurtis]

The Rossi 92 is famous for its slow twist rate of 1:30. If you plug this into the calculators online (http://www.bergerbullets.com/twist-rate-calculator/), you'll find that you need a pretty short bullet going at a decent clip. **Don't rely on weight as a proxy for the length of the bullet.** For example, the differences in the length of the four Lee molds casting 158 grains makes a big difference in stability at 357 carbine velocities! The clear winner among those four designs is the 358-158-RF, which also had good reviews from a lot of people. That design maximizes weight in a length that the Rossi can easily stabilize at the velocity I was looking for (1800+).

Powder coating has been a revelation to me, and to many others, and allows me to hit those velocities easily. I'm casting in a pretty soft allow. A 3B Pencil will not scratch it, but a 2B Pencil will...so let's call it 10.5 BHN. They drop nice and fat from the Lee mold at .360 and 157-158 grains. I shake and bake powder coat with a TGIC free powder (Powder by The Pound Steel Blue RAL 5011-S) and stand the bullets up to cook. I then size them with a .360 Lee die (which started life as a .359 die before I used the sand paper, dowel and drill trick). Using H110 I get these up to 1830fps and around 2 MOA.

Just recently I started gas checking these with plain based sized aluminum gas checks from Sage Outdoors (~$30 shipped for 1000). They don't "click" in like a proper gas check on a proper gas checked bullet design - but a friendly tap with a soft mallet squares them up in the check just fine. I then push them through the .360 Lee sizing die base first. This works well with this bullet design's flat nose. You'd need the appropriate nose bushing for any other design. Or you might try the collet crimp die trick to seat them...because it does not work pushing them through the die nose first: you end up with a flange of aluminum on the circumference of the base. After the gas check is affixed, I shake and bake with the powder coat as narrated above and then resize to .360 nose first. I push these up to 1880 fps again with H110. Sub 2 MOA out of the Rossi 92 with a Steve's Gunz bolt mounted peep.

Pastor Curtis

[ddixie884]

This would work....

http://arsenalmolds.com/products?product_id=79&limit=100

http://arsenalmolds.com/image/cache/catalog/Lee%20358-125L%20ver%202-500x500.JPG

I like it, a lot........

[Cosmic_Charlie]

I have been having fun with the Lee 105 grain swc boolit. I powder coat them and push them at 1200 fps out of my 5" model 27. If I had a Rossi .357 I would definitely try some of those. What kind of groove diameter do those Rossis have?

[cabezaverde]

The RCBS 140 grain cowboy bullet should work well.

[DeadWoodDan]

I just started working on my R92 again and as usual I found out the hard way COAL is king for this rifle. I know this is getting off the original post but looking at the following molds. My requirements would be in the 150gr weight, GC, and traditional lube groove. I would want to push these hard for hunting purposes and prefer to use the .357 mag brass.

https://noebulletmolds.com/site/shop/358/360-154-wfn-an1/360-154-wfn-an1-5-cavity-gc/
https://noebulletmolds.com/site/product-category/358/360-182-wfn-u2/

[MT Gianni]

https://noebulletmolds.com/site/shop/358/360-158-wfn-t4/360-160-wfn-4-cavity-pb/
DWDan, this one does OK when spanked out of my 92.

[DeadWoodDan]

https://noebulletmolds.com/site/shop/358/360-158-wfn-t4/360-160-wfn-4-cavity-pb/
DWDan, this one does OK when spanked out of my 92.

MT,
Can you share what powder? Also do you know fps? Doesn't look like that has a GC option. I find that strange...but still looking at and comparing. THANKS!

[MT Gianni]

I used data for a 158 gr SWC as it has more internal case capacity than that when loaded. Powder is WC820 surplus from the early 00's.

[derek45]

LEE 125 ( and SNS 130gr in red) works really well

https://i.imgur.com/Vn0RzSE.jpg
.
.
LEE 158 RNFP

https://i.imgur.com/Mat7CDT.jpg

[DeadWoodDan]

[QUOTE=derek45;5107441]LEE 125 ( and SNS 130gr in red) works really well

Can't go wrong with a SNS slug! Of course I am partial they are right down the road from me.
My main concern with anything above 130gr is can I push them fast enough out of the Rossi to get decent accuracy at 100yds?

[onelight]

I shoot that same SNS bullet in derek45's excellent picture over light loads of red dot in 38 special cases , lotsa fun :)