Looking for perfect .38 mold

[Benji40]

Have been using a mold from Lee, the 158 gr. SWC TL358 for a coupla years. About 100# downrange and wanting to try something else. Really looking to stay with 158gr.SWC or RN but leave the microbanding, still lazy enough that tumble lube will work well. Any suggestions?

[357shooter]

I'm not totally sure of what you are looking for. You still want a 158 grain SWC or RN, I think that's clear. But leave the microbands on, or leave the microbands off?

[Benji40]

No microbands, intended use is range/plinking. I like the looks of the Lyman and Saeco, typically use ww with a little solder added, to help mold fill out, right now. J-frame and GP100, 4.5-4.6 gr. Unique.

[357shooter]

Either one, or the Lee 358-158-RF would work well too.

The TL358-158-SWC is the most accurate bullet in my 357's, and the one I cast the most.

For variety I like a 358-429 (NOE, or a Lyman if you can find one that drops big enough), or the Lyman 358-477. Not exactly what you asked for, but what I can recommend within my own experience.

[lylejb]

Keep in mind you CAN tumble lube regular lube groove boolits. Many here do, with good results.

I'll second the lee 358-158-rf, It works for me.

[MtGun44]

358-158RF is an excellent choice. Lyman 358477 or 358429 are really good ones, too. SWCs,
but 358429 is too long for some short cylinder revolvers, notably the N-frame S&Ws, although
K-frame or L-frame .357 Mags are OK. RCBS 38-150-K (now 38-150-SWC) is also excellent,
near clone of 358477.

Bill

[Bret4207]

If I had to chose one 38/357 "perfect" mould it would be the 358156. It's as close to perfect as I've seen. Yeah, it's got a GC, but why should that shove it out of the running? Some guys shoot them w/o the GC, I never really got into it. I've shot a lot of them tumble lubed with Mule Snot at well over 1200 fps with great results.

[JScott]

I have had great success with the RCBS 38-150-KT. A little lighter than your 158 but an excellent bullet in every 38 or 357 I or my friends have tried it in. No gas checks keeps the cost down. In all honesty though, I have never tried tumble lubing it so can't speak to that.

[JDL]

If I had to chose one 38/357 "perfect" mould it would be the 358156. It's as close to perfect as I've seen. Yeah, it's got a GC, but why should that shove it out of the running? Some guys shoot them w/o the GC, I never really got into it. I've shot a lot of them tumble lubed with Mule Snot at well over 1200 fps with great results.

Ding, ding, ding, ding......We have a winner!!

[GLynn41]

the RCBS ,the Lyman are both very good-- I shot a gazillon of the 358156 -- you might consider the Keith 358429- or one of the clones-- look at our vendor sellers they have lots of choices
What is Mule snot?

[x101airborne]

Mule snot is what some affectionately call Lee Liquid Alox.

[Benji40]

Thx for the input, took a friend out shooting today with his kids joining some of mine. Looks like I need to make some more .38s. The 38-150-KT looks good, should be easier to make good looking bullets.

[adrians]

yup 358156,,,, all ya need.