>38 Special target/plinker boolit W/O GC?

[Tedly]

Just started casting for our .38 Special/.357 Mag revolvers. I got a Lee 158gr. mold that uses GC...I'm wondering can you guys direct me to a boolit that will shoot well W/O gas checks . It would be nice to skip the extra step and expense of GC for plinking...what do you think?

[telebasher]

My go to plinking bullet for 38/357 is the Lee TL 158 SWC via a six cavity mould. I shoot 4 gr BE in my S&W model 15 and 9 gr A 2400 in my Ruger Blackhawk. Both loads are tackdrivers in my Handi-rifle, no leading in any of these weapons, ever. Very easy to cast and lube I use these bullets by the thousands as I also supply my son for his GP-100.

[beladran]

bayoubullets.com
they got a 158swc and 160gr rn i wanna say for $70@1000
i have a H&G #73 that turns out a sleek and sexy 147gr swc that gives AMAZING groups out of my comp gun
http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq149/beladran/Mobile%20Uploads/A0-18.jpg
i just got in Mihec's HBWC friday and love it! i bet he has extra if you want one.

[357shooter]

+1 to the Lee TL-358-158-SWC. It's very accurate over 3.5 grains of 700X.

[MtGun44]

I get superb accuracy and zero leading at anything from .38 Spl to full .357 magnum
velocities without ANY GCs, ever.

First choice would be a 150 gr Lyman 358477 or RCBS 38 150 SWC (used to be 38 150 KT),
also 150 grain nominal. Close behind are Lyman 358429 (170gr nominal) or Lee
358 158 RF, which is excellent, but is a beveled base design, which will pick up a bit of
lube in the bevel if you pan lube or use a Lyman or RCBS lubrisizer. There are some
tricks that can reduce or eliminate this minor issue.

GCs are NOT necessary for handgun rounds, including all of the magnums. Of course, the
rifle rounds that are fired in "handguns" are not included in the above statement.

Bill

[zxcvbob]

Lee 358-158-RF and Lee TL358-148-WC. (I tumble lube them both; haven't tried them in a carbine yet) I've thought about cutting the bevel off the RF mold so I can lubrisize it.

[jmsj]

Tedly,
For just plinking me and my family uses the Lee 358-105-SWC. Pushed by 3.0 gr Bullseye, it is a low recoiling round and at 105 grains it saves on lead.
Good luck, jmsj

[GLL]

The old IDEAL/Lyman 358430 150 grain version is an extremely accurate bullet in my S&W .38/44 Outdoorsman target revolvers ! :)

Jerry

358430 150 grain on right
http://www.fototime.com/17E47F2BF83493A/standard.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/1D813E8097AF7C9/standard.jpg

[Ben]

Jerry,

You're killing me with those BEAUTIFUL S & W revolvers !

Ben

[KYCaster]

I agree with Bill. I see no need for a GC on any handgun cartridge, especially plinking loads in 38spl.

That Lee 358-105-SWC that jmsj recommended looks like a good place to start. I haven't used that particular boolit, but I've had great results with light loads using boolits weighing from 98 grains to 160 grains.

Size the boolit to fit your gun and almost anything will work.

Jerry

[Shooter6br]

I use a Lee 158g with Unique 4.5 g. Nice load i also have a H & g #50 147 g WC . It is a 4 banger so I can make alot fast. Target/ plinking load 3.8 g Unique/universal. Got a good buy on it from a longdistance friend or else just the lee. i want to get the Lee 6 banger . It is $38 bucks .I have Milhec molds They are great. I get the Lee and if i like them i can upgrade latter. 38 Special is a joy to load and shoot. I carry a Mod 10 4 in HB . I use a "deep cover" Smartcarry rig 130g Federals hydro shock

[casterofboolits]

I get superb accuracy and zero leading at anything from .38 Spl to full .357 magnum
velocities without ANY GCs, ever.

First choice would be a 150 gr Lyman 358477 or RCBS 38 150 SWC (used to be 38 150 KT),
also 150 grain nominal. Close behind are Lyman 358429 (170gr nominal) or Lee
358 158 RF, which is excellent, but is a beveled base design, which will pick up a bit of
lube in the bevel if you pan lube or use a Lyman or RCBS lubrisizer. There are some
tricks that can reduce or eliminate this minor issue.

GCs are NOT necessary for handgun rounds, including all of the magnums. Of course, the
rifle rounds that are fired in "handguns" are not included in the above statement.

Bill

+1 for the Lyman 358477 38-150-SWCPB. I use two Lyman four cavity moulds and cast several thousand at a time.

[HammerMTB]

I recently picked up an SP101 so thot I'd cast for it. I got a Lee 148WC. It seems to be just the ticket for plinking and target work.

[rintinglen]

Jerry,

You're killing me with those BEAUTIFUL S & W revolvers !

Ben

You said it, brother! I'd give my eye teeth for one of those, AND HE'S SHOWING OFF TWO!!! iI shall not covet, but I'll darned well envy, those are simply gorgeous.