.358 or .360?

[Wilson]

I'm looking at getting into the MiHec clone of the classic Thompson 358156 HP. It's offered in .358 or .360.
I went to the Lyman site to see what their standard molds are. I found that they suggest these sizing dies .357, .358, .359, .360
If that's the case it would seem that the best size would be .360.[/COLOR] I just don't want to fight to size the bullets down to .357 if needed, but is that really and issue?
Am I correct in thinking the .360 would be the best all round size?

[Tatume]

Hi Wilson,

Sizing bullets down 0.003" is not difficult, and they should shoot fine. Unless you have trouble chambering the ammo, they should shoot fine at 0.360" also. What do you plan to shoot the bullets in?

Take care, Tom

[Wilson]

I've got two .357 mag S&W revolvers. An old K frame Model 19 and a Model 686.

[357shooter]

Get the .360 and then see what shoots best in your gun.

[ShooterAZ]

I have an old K frame 19, and a newer 686+ 7 shot. I have been sizing to .358 in both with excellent results. +1 on getting the .360, it should be no problem getting to .358/359. 357 would be too small in my estimation.

[Wilson]

OK. .360 it is!
Thanks.

[frkelly74]

I have an old misused mold that casts ovals 357 one way and 363 the other. I put them through a 359 sizer and everything works out fine in my gun.

[GP100man]

Yep , 360 is a good choice !! easier to size down than to bump em up !

[1Shirt]

Yep, better to take them down, cause they cant go up for sure!
1Shirt!

[Shiloh]

Get the .360 and then see what shoots best in your gun.

That would be my take as well.

Shiloh

[runfiverun]

you really think a lyman mold is gonna pour 360???
i'd get the mold then order the sizer.
doubt you'll need over 359 and might just get 358 with ww's from the mold.

ahh you said mihec,,, nevermind. [ <<--- he say's sheepishly]
i'd still get the 359 sizer. 358 if you have a 9mm you'll wanna cast for later.

[paul h]

Unless you have a gun that requires a .359" or .360" bullet, I'd suggest the .358" mold. The less you have to size down a bullet, the better. I use a .358" sizer for my 38sp and 357 mags.

[TCLouis]

0.360" mold and size to 0.359" just to polish up the boolit.

[Iowa Fox]

Get the 360. I have a few molds that cast an honost 360 plus. I have sizing dies in 358-359- and 360. The bullets sized to 360 with good lube give me the best results.

[MBTcustom]

I use 358 pistols and rifles a lot. Its my all time favorite caliber. I have yet to find one that does not like .359-.360 diameter boolits.

[uaskme]

I recently got a set of pin guages. I have 2 686s and more than enough other S$W 38/357. Both of my 686s which one is a no dash have .356 cylinder throats. All the others have .358. Some time around 90 or so Smith reduced the cylinder throats. My 29s are the same way.