Anyone try the Lee TL356-95-RF in 38 special?

[JimA]

I just got one of these molds for 9mm and 380. I cast up a couple hundred the other day and noticed they dropped at .359.. I wonder has anyone here used them in 38 special? I am thinking of trying some with Trailboss and Clays and crimping on the top TL groove. Seems like it would make a good .22 substitute for plinking if it works OK.

[tazman]

Results depend on your particular pistol, but they work ok for me. What you described was exactly what I tried with the only difference being the particular powder used. Not quite as accurate for me as the 125 rf boolit but very close.

[Bzcraig]

Though I can't answer your question because I just recently bought the mold myself and poured some to run through my 9's, I can tell you that I too had them dropping at .359+ using 50/50 WW/pure. My 38/357's like the Lee 105 swc but please post your results on using the 95 in yours. BTW, Trail Boss is far and away my favorite for reduced 38/357 loads, 3gr in a 38 case is softer than some 22's. Makes it pleasant for the wife and daughter (inexperienced shooters) to enjoy 2/3 hours at the range.

[fecmech]

I wonder has anyone here used them in 38 special?

The RD .380 bullet is essentially the same. My results below:


http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?139563-Ranch-Dog-380-bullet-38-spl

[JimA]

This is the particular Revolver I want to try them in... Ruger SP101 4.2" barrel. Small grips that my wife and daughter should be comfortable with.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y156/jimamirault/LittleRuger.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/jimamirault/media/LittleRuger.jpg.html)

[JimA]

That's what I've been looking for fecmech. Thanks. It's good to know it has potential. I've been out of Bullseye for months, so I have 231, Clays, Titegroup and Trailboss for testing. I'm thinking Clays and Trailboss will be first. They fill cases pretty good.


The RD .380 bullet is essentially the same. My results below:


http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?139563-Ranch-Dog-380-bullet-38-spl

[HodakaGA]

Yes, tried a batch on Friday in my 4" Security Six.

I coated them w/Hitek and used 6 gr. of Unique. Very accurate but was only shooting at 7 yds. Ate a 1.5 target center completely out. Recoil was very light.

I think the charge needs to be raised a bit. I had a good bit of unburned/charred powder.

[Handloader109]

Jim, Not wanting to hijack thread, but I got this mold the other day and I'm having major issues getting a decent casting from it. Any suggestions as to what I can do? Thank you!
John

[161]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiOh2yiZDbE&list=PLXrn3Tq9XDpcOWPiBYL4MslU2VEknxKTU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYSz7eWfEXM&list=PLXrn3Tq9XDpcOWPiBYL4MslU2VEknxKTU
Hope this helps

[tazman]

Jim, Not wanting to hijack thread, but I got this mold the other day and I'm having major issues getting a decent casting from it. Any suggestions as to what I can do? Thank you!
John

The bullet is small and the aluminum block is large in proportion. Run the temperature up a bit on the lead and preheat the mold. Make sure the mold is clean before you start. I didn't need any other tricks to get it going.

[Shiloh]

has some of those gifted to me to try. Too small at .356 to even try. They were too small for a 9mm and went into the melting pot.

SHiloh

[bedbugbilly]

I am looking at getting this mold for .380 and was wondering what they dropped at as I'd like to get them to .358. I am also getting ready to do some work with .38 Colt Short and it looked like it would be a good bullet for that cartridge if I could get them to drop at .358 so they could be loaded "as cast".

As long as yours drop at .359 - I think they'd be a great candidate for a 38 spl plinking load. Sounds like they would be a lot of fun with a minimum amount of lead.

[tazman]

mine drop consistently at .358 with range scrap or wheel weights