Help! Can't decide on an Accurate molds 38/357 design

[robpete]

I sold off my Saeco 160gr SWC mold. I loved the boolit, but the mold was starting to get heavy and I've really grown to love the aluminum 5 and 6 cavities. So, I'm going to order a 5 cavity, but can't decide on one. My original plan was just to go with another SWC, but then I saw some very nice RNFP's and the plot thickened!

What do we think of these?:

http://www.accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=36-155K-D.png

http://www.accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=36-158C-D.png

http://www.accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=36-158V-D.png

[Old Caster]

I would go with the first one because it resembles the RCBS 150 and the Lyman 358477 both of which have been excellent bullets shooting accurately through a Smith 14-2 from a Ransom rest in extensive testing. The Lyman has flat sides of the nose and the RCBS has a nose that is a little curved and the Lyman has a curved lube groove whereas the RCBS has one that is more square.

[GP100man]

Well thru hunting season I shoot alot of 358429 from a NOE mold .but in the off season & woods bummin I shoot the Lee 158gr rnfp & find it easy to load for ,it shoots good in all my revolvers & it ain`t picky `bout powders.

On the other hand a full dia. front band swc is a hard to beat "all purpose" boolit !

I have the NOE 358429 in 5 cavity & was kinda sceptical of the weight when ordering ,but glad I did .
Once good & warmed up I can run 20# worth in `bout 45 minutes!

I`m slowly workin my 357 stuff down to 3 loads:
1- 3gr of red dot under a 148gr wadcutter
2- 4gr of CLAYS under a rnfp
3- 12.5gr of 2400 under 358429 or 360-180 NOE 180 gr rnfp.

:cbpour:

[bhn22]

The first one approximates the Keith style bullet, and would be my choice. The other two are okay, but the older I get, the smarter Elmer Keith gets.

[robpete]

I shoot more 38 than 357...by far..so I definitely want to stay on the lighter side. I checked out NOE though and found this guy: http://noebulletmolds.com/NV/product_info.php?cPath=35&products_id=195

doesn't look too bad.

[jmort]

I would go with #36-158V - decent meplat, best of the three. That will smack the mostest. Accurate molds sure are nice.

[GLL]

I had Tom design the 36-170J for me as a takeoff of the old 358429. He machined a 5-cavity aluminum mold and a 1-cavity brass mold. The 1-cavity will be converted to hollow point. They are for use in my S&W N-frame 38/44 Outdoorsman .38Special revolvers and are too long for some .357 cylinders.

http://www.fototime.com/14B043371E77817/medium800.jpg

At 170 grains these bullets may be heavier than you want.

Jerry

[robpete]

I decided to do a lighter SWC now and a heavier RNFP once I get my 92 or Big Boy. Probably going to go with the NOE. I absolutely love Tom's moulds, but you can't argue that Al delivers a lot of bang for the buck. That is why this will be my 6th or 7th NOE mould..........

[bhn22]

I had Tom design the 36-170J for me as a takeoff of the old 358429. He machined a 5-cavity aluminum mold and a 1-cavity brass mold. The 1-cavity will be converted to hollow point. They are for use in my S&W N-frame 38/44 Outdoorsman .38Special revolvers and are too long for some .357 cylinders.

At 170 grains these bullets may be heavier than you want.

Jerry

I've heard the original 1930s 358429 173 gr. Ideal was a much more accurate and stable bullet than the later Lyman versions. I'm still searching for an original one myself, yours looks very, very similar Jerry. I'll bet it shoots really well.

[GP100man]

Compare bands with & locations, the 1 on the rt. is a later LYMAN 357429


http://i746.photobucket.com/albums/xx110/GP100man/102_1181.jpg (http://s746.photobucket.com/user/GP100man/media/102_1181.jpg.html)

NOE 358429 , notice the sizer hit all the bands.& it`s just short enuff for a N frame 28.

http://i746.photobucket.com/albums/xx110/GP100man/102_1250-1.jpg (http://s746.photobucket.com/user/GP100man/media/102_1250-1.jpg.html)

[gray wolf]

For some reason I like this bullet with a .110 rear band and a .100 front band, made to cast at 159 - 160 grains.
http://www.accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=36-140T-D.png

[detox]

For some reason I like this bullet with a .110 rear band and a .100 front band, made to cast at 159 - 160 grains.
http://www.accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=36-140T-D.png

Tom recomended to me that same nose design. If your gun is prone to leading even slightly he likes the GC version 36-160L. His says his personal bullet is the lighter 36-135A

I have the aluminum single cavity of version 36-135a...but have not shot it yet. You must cast veryfast to keep mould hot enough for good fill. A steel mould retains heat better and would have been better choice for this small single cavity. Brass retains heat verywell also.

[Bigslug]

For your general shape and weight class, I'm kinda diggin' this one:

http://www.accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=36-160B-D.png

Almost a WFN with a very slight WC shoulder.

[detox]

This bullet 36-170T would be verygood for someone just starting out. I bet it would shoot verygood lubed with thinned LEE alox.
http://www.accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=36-170T-D.png

Or this gas checked version.
http://www.accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=36-180V-D.png

[jmort]

36-170T

That is what I got, bigger meplat, and loads to SAAMI spec OAL. I ordered a 3 cavity aluminum mold, plain base, and got it in two weeks. Very happy with it.

[detox]

36-170T

That is what I got, bigger meplat, and loads to SAAMI spec OAL. I ordered a 3 cavity aluminum mold, plain base, and got it in two weeks. Very happy with it.

If you are a believer in firelapping, that mould would be a good choice for that job also. I would use 400grit compound.

[gefiltephish]

I have the 36-158C. Shoots fine for me in both 686's and 64. Just tried it out yesterday in the 642, which much prefers this bullet over wad cutters (leading wise that is). However, I pretty much only practice at self defense distance. I swear that black/orange 25yd blur keeps moving on me!