Mold Suggestions for 1873 in 357 Mag

[novalty]

Recently acquired a Miroku 1873 (SRC) in 357 Mag, and have been debating casting for it, or just buying coated lead bullets. I know truncated cone or RNFP bullets are recommended, but wondering if there are any specific molds I should be considering. Would assume something around 158gr would have more data available, as well as, have a longer length to make it functional for 38 Special as well.

Thanks in advance for helping steer me in the right direction!

[Outpost75]

I use Accurate 36-159H in my .38 Special cowboy revolvers and rifles. It feeds well and is an effective hunting load as well.

231208

Nose length might be a bit long to use .357 brass in some rifles.

[Walks]

The LYMAN #358665 or LEE #358-158-RF have worked well for me in an old BROWNING 1892 & MARLIN 1894C. The loads I use are light Cowboy with these BULLETS.

For full power I use Either the LYMAN #358156GC 158gr SWC or SAECO # 354, a 180gr GC with a RNFP Configuration. It has a big Meplat.

I have had no difficulty in feeding with the #358156.

I would hesitate to use hot loads in the 1873. The locking system is rather weak.

[bob208]

I use 358429 in .38 spl. cases in my rossi 92 carbine. that 170 gr bullet really slaps down range.

[Wheelgun]

I’m my Uberti ‘73 I ran Lee 125 & 158 RNFP in 38spl and 357 brass with excellent results. Also had good luck with the NOE 360-160 RNFP.

With it feeding the round straight into the chamber instead of angled I could feed mine SWC with ease. In 38spl brass the Lyman 358429 and Lee 358429 groupbuy ran through it like greased snot, but in 357 brass it was too long.

Outpost75s suggestion above looks like winner also, I might have to try it myself.

[novalty]

Would either a Saeco 358 or 398 be a good alternative too? I like the looks of a wide meplat, but not sure if it would have feeding issues. Mihec’s 358-165 Larsen looks nice, but not sure if it would be too long in 357.

[Michael J. Spangler]

I found the wide meplat of the lee 358-158 rf is a little catchy in my Uberti at times. Works better in the 357 brass than the 38 brass

The Lyman 358156 loaded to the bottom crimp groove in 38 brass runs nice and smooth.
I love that bullet and love my 4 cavity mould.

[CamoWhamo]

Mine was very accurate with the Lee 158gn RNFP.

[hockeynick39]

Out of the Miroku, I would use this for hunting at about 1200-1500 fps:

http://www.accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=36-185F-D.png

[dverna]

For plinking and CAS, I use either the Magma 125 FP or 130 RNFP bullets in .38 cases with light powder loads Extremely reliable in two 1873's. 10 shots in about 6 seconds with no feeding issues at all. I have not heard of the 1873's being picky about bullets but no one I know hunts with one, so I cannot comment on the heavier bullets.

I plan on working up a critter control load and will be using either the 158 SWC for FP loaded close to maximum.

[clum553946]

I second Accurate’s 159H. Quality mold you pay a little more for but in my opinion, worth it!


I use Accurate 36-159H in my .38 Special cowboy revolvers and rifles. It feeds well and is an effective hunting load as well.

231208

Nose length might be a bit long to use .357 brass in some rifles.

[Don McDowell]

If you don't mind using gas checks, the RCBS 358 158 swc bullet cast from #2 alloy works well.
The biggest thing to keep in mind with the 73 is you have no ability to seat the bullet out. If you try to seat bullets out you will have a feeding problem from hell... Loaded rounds my Ruger Blackhawk likes can only be single fed thru the 73.