Mystery Saeco possibly 38-55?

[gbrown]

I have a mystery mold that I got, looks like a 38-55. 38 caliber, but heavy and long with rounded flat point. Does not have a gas check. Large bottom driving band, single lube groove and crimp groove. Mold has SAECO, all caps, on it and "402". The all caps indicates that it was before Redding bought them, I believe. Seems like that is what one of you told me, before. Does anyone have any reference they can look at? The mold was drilled to hold a Castmaster Sprue plate with their pin.

[stubshaft]

IIRC - The SAECO #402 was for .357 Maxi's not anywhere near large enough for 38/55's unless you plan on PP them.

[gbrown]

Thanks for the info stubshaft. How long was that bullet? I measured the length with just a rule, and this was 7/8 inch long. Looks like a 250 grain + just from eyeballing it. My buddy is casting tomorrow, and I may take it over and cast some for weight and diameter. Thanks again, for the help.

[stubshaft]

About 7/8's sounds right as far as I can remember. I want to say the weighed in between 200 and 250 but can't remember that far back. I had one when I first started to shoot Silly Wett but bought a 200gr NEI/SSK mold and sold the SAECO. I got mine from the IHMSA store as they were big on SAECO molds.

[gbrown]

I don't know, the old boy that had these had all sorts of molds. Mostly .44,45 and 38, with some 9's, 25's and 32's, 30's and .41's thrown in the mix. Some single stuff, like 243 .44 BP and LePaige BP sitting there. He did have a 38/55 that I sold to a guy here where I live. Had a lot of Magma molds for the CastMaster, .38, .45, and a couple of others. I've sold most, kept some sweeties for myself and made some friends happy!

[gbrown]

402 SAECO. Think we solved it. 200 grain, measures .358-.359. Like the modern Saeco 351. Only 9/32 base driving band, lube groove, mid driving band and then crimp groove with about 3/8 nose sticking out. I didn't measure all of this, just eyeball. Awesome looking!! My buddy wants to try some, and suggested I use this in my 357 Herrett Carbine. I think I will hang on to this!! Thanks for help and suggestions.

[stubshaft]

Good luck with it . Should be great for the Herrett.