bedbugbilly
10-12-2013, 01:52 PM
I'm new at this and this will probably seem like a bunch of dumb questions but I don't want to screw up.
I am going to use two different cast slugs - the Lee TL358-158 SWC and the Lee 358-150-1R - see photo
In regards to the SWC 158 - just how far does this want to be seated in the case? My Speers #14 Manual shows an overall cartridge length of 1.440. I've also read that due to the tumble lube grooves, it can be seated and different depths and roll crimped on any of the grooves. I have also seen where it can be seated so the top shoulder (towards the end that points out of the barrel) is just below the rim of the casing and a light roll crimp applied. Can some one fill me in on what is the proper thing to do? I'm assuming that if seated too far in, it can increase the pressure?
I'm going to be using 3 different powders. Speers shows
AA2 - min 3.6 gr - max 4.00 gr
Unique - min. 4.0 gr - max 4.7 gr
Bullseye - min. 3.1 gr - max 3.5 gr
I have the AA2 and Unique - want to pick up some Bullseye to try it as well. I will be starting at the minimum charge and slowly work up - load about 10 of each powder in different charges
I'm just a little screwed up on what is proper as far as SWC and I've even had some factory target loads with them seated fairly far down in the case. I know the further the nose it out, the easier to guide in to the chamber but that really isn't a problem or a concern for me.
Can someone fill me in on what is the correct way to seat the 158 gr SWC and what dictates the distance in that it is seated?
Question 2
I regards to the 150 gr round nose - Lee 358-150-1R
I'm having problems coming up with data for this slug using AA2, Unique and Bullseye
I looked on "CastPics" which is supposed to be data for cast bullets. I went to 38 spl. and there are a number of different 150 gr. slugs - none referring to the one I have - they refer to different Lyman, etc. In looking under that page at 150 gr slugs, it seems like the powder recommendations are higher. They list Unique as min. 5 max. 6 and Bullseye min. 5 max 6. Why is that? Why so much higher than the load Speer recommends for the 158 gr SWC?84059
Can I use the data for any 150 gr cast lead slug - such as is shown on "CaastPics" or just how do I establish a min / max load for my powders. Is there that much difference between a 150 gr lead slug and a 158 gr lead slug to warrant that difference in the charges for the powders? I believe they list those loads at around 940 fps or so. Or, do I start with the recommended loads for the 158 SWC?
My plans are to roll crimp in the upper groove on this 150 gr round nose (groove nearest the round nose).
My goal is to work up target and plinking loads. These will be shot out of both 38 spl. handguns and 357 handguns.
Perhaps I am too worried or over thinking on this but would like to get it clear in my mind so I don't do something that will be unsafe. Two of my handguns are vintage - 1910 Colt Army Special and a S & W M & P Target (1920s) and I don't want to end up with a load too hot for them that could do damage. Thanks for your help - greatly appreciated.
I am going to use two different cast slugs - the Lee TL358-158 SWC and the Lee 358-150-1R - see photo
In regards to the SWC 158 - just how far does this want to be seated in the case? My Speers #14 Manual shows an overall cartridge length of 1.440. I've also read that due to the tumble lube grooves, it can be seated and different depths and roll crimped on any of the grooves. I have also seen where it can be seated so the top shoulder (towards the end that points out of the barrel) is just below the rim of the casing and a light roll crimp applied. Can some one fill me in on what is the proper thing to do? I'm assuming that if seated too far in, it can increase the pressure?
I'm going to be using 3 different powders. Speers shows
AA2 - min 3.6 gr - max 4.00 gr
Unique - min. 4.0 gr - max 4.7 gr
Bullseye - min. 3.1 gr - max 3.5 gr
I have the AA2 and Unique - want to pick up some Bullseye to try it as well. I will be starting at the minimum charge and slowly work up - load about 10 of each powder in different charges
I'm just a little screwed up on what is proper as far as SWC and I've even had some factory target loads with them seated fairly far down in the case. I know the further the nose it out, the easier to guide in to the chamber but that really isn't a problem or a concern for me.
Can someone fill me in on what is the correct way to seat the 158 gr SWC and what dictates the distance in that it is seated?
Question 2
I regards to the 150 gr round nose - Lee 358-150-1R
I'm having problems coming up with data for this slug using AA2, Unique and Bullseye
I looked on "CastPics" which is supposed to be data for cast bullets. I went to 38 spl. and there are a number of different 150 gr. slugs - none referring to the one I have - they refer to different Lyman, etc. In looking under that page at 150 gr slugs, it seems like the powder recommendations are higher. They list Unique as min. 5 max. 6 and Bullseye min. 5 max 6. Why is that? Why so much higher than the load Speer recommends for the 158 gr SWC?84059
Can I use the data for any 150 gr cast lead slug - such as is shown on "CaastPics" or just how do I establish a min / max load for my powders. Is there that much difference between a 150 gr lead slug and a 158 gr lead slug to warrant that difference in the charges for the powders? I believe they list those loads at around 940 fps or so. Or, do I start with the recommended loads for the 158 SWC?
My plans are to roll crimp in the upper groove on this 150 gr round nose (groove nearest the round nose).
My goal is to work up target and plinking loads. These will be shot out of both 38 spl. handguns and 357 handguns.
Perhaps I am too worried or over thinking on this but would like to get it clear in my mind so I don't do something that will be unsafe. Two of my handguns are vintage - 1910 Colt Army Special and a S & W M & P Target (1920s) and I don't want to end up with a load too hot for them that could do damage. Thanks for your help - greatly appreciated.