38-40

[holsterguy]

Thinking about trying a Lee 401-175tc for a 38-40 single action.
Anybody out there use these? If so, what were the results.
Thinking about maybe a 20-1 alloy.

[35 Whelen]

It'd probably work fine. I have three 1st Generation Colt 38-40's as well as two old '73 Winchesters. I've had really good luck with bullets cast from an RCBS (http://www.midwayusa.com/product/330120/rcbs-2-cavity-bullet-mold-40-180-fn-40-s-and-w-10mm-401-diameter-180-grain-flat-nose) 40-180 mould. It doesn't have a crimp groove, but I just crimp on the driving band. FWIW mine drops bullets in the It's currently on sale ay MidwayUSA for $64.49. They also have an RCBS (http://www.midwayusa.com/product/513967/rcbs-2-cavity-cowboy-bullet-mold-40-180-cm-40-caliber-401-diameter-180-grain-flat-nose) 40-180 "Cowboy" mould. This one is similar to the other but has a crimp groove and it's on sale too.

The original Lyman mould 40143 casts a great bullet for the 38-40 as well and it's worked quite well for me although I haven't used it near as much as the RCBS. Here's what each bullet looks like, Lyman on the left, RCBS on the right.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Cast%20bullets/38-40%20bullets-3_zpsinepffvd.jpg (http://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Cast%20bullets/38-40%20bullets-3_zpsinepffvd.jpg.html)

Sorry I can't help you with the Lee, I've just not had much luck with their moulds in the area of quality so I don't use them much.

35W

[bob208]

I have the old ideal [lyman] 40143. it does well in b-p loads and wheel gun loads. you can also look at molds for the .40 s&w.
something with a crimp grove. would be nice for smokeless loads in a rifle.

[69daytona]

I use that bullet for my 38-40 don't remember the load, bought a 180 gr rfn mold that shoots better in both my Colt saa and my Winchester 73 deluxe.