Lee 38/357 molds

[Whit Spurzon]

I'm shooting more 38/357 due to its economy and practicality. I have quite a few molds including a four hole Lyman that is stamped 941 and drops a SWC which I haven't yet tested and a full wad cutter 091, also barely tested but showing promise. The mold that really seems to shoot well in my SP101 and GP100 is the LEE 358-158 RF in both 38 special and 357 loadings.

A bullet I had high hopes for was the Lee 358-125 RF but so far is has lagged far behind the others. Anyone have success with this bullet? If so what powder where you using and about what velocity? I've tried it at 38 special, 38+P and 357 velocities and it just isn't playing well for me, especially at ranges 25 yards and more.

Any insights are greatly appreciated.

[tazman]

I was working with that lee 125 rf boolit in my 357 just today. Loaded it in 38 special case over 3.8gr of wst.
I wasn't doing long range work with it. Just out to 15 yards. Worked quite well at this distance for me.
I was getting 1.5 inch groups from a rest.
I have the 158 rf but have not cast with it yet. Should work well though. It has a reputation for accuracy.

[fecmech]

A bullet I had high hopes for was the Lee 358-125 RF but so far is has lagged far behind the others. Anyone have success with this bullet?
I have mostly worked with that bullet in Rossi rifles with excellent results and it seems very "unfussy" as to powder manufacturer or load(in the rifles). A load that I use a lot in the rifles works very well in my GP 100 and that is 5.3/231 in mag cases. It groups less than 3"@ 50 yds off the bench out of my GP 100 6"and the rifles will do that at 100 yds. Velocity is 1220 FPS out of the rifles but I have not chrono'd it out of the GP, but my guess is 950-1000 fps out of the handgun. If you don't have any 231 Bullseye at 4.5 grs has identical ballistics and accuracy

[Lefty Red]

I like the 125-RF for my snubs. Shots POA in them.
.3cc of Bullseye makes a nice training round.
Jerry

[Whit Spurzon]

Thanks guys.

I have both Bullseye and W231. I'll keep experimenting along those lines and see if something will play better.