Python SWC Molds

[wdr2]

I need a Keith style SWC mold with a nose length that works in a Python cylinder using 357 brass. Max overall cartridge length is about 1.59in. I tried the Saeco 382 but must crimp either on or over the top band. Surprisingly - the Saeco 388 just fits but I am not too happy with the bevel base design.

Does the RCBS 150-SWC work? I would prefer a quality 4-cav.

Any ideas?

Thanks, Bill
Idaho

[HeavyMetal]

I have both an RCBS and a Saeco 357 mold, 150 GR SWC

This boolit works great in my buddies Python! Saeco makes this in a 4 banger, #382, however current list price on a mold from Redding is....well this is a family oreinted site so I won't say it.

So instead I'll post the current catalog price: 2 bangers are $124.50 4 bangers are $210.00!

You can make your own statement in private!

Now I do realize that some discounting is available at stores like Midway and such.

But I think I'd go in search of a pair of RCBS 2 bangers and cast in tandum before I'd lay out that kind of money for a Saeco mold.

[beagle]

I've never had any trouble in my Python with most bullets. Even the 358429 makes the cutoff but just barely. Any slip of the bullet or long case length would cause trouble.

I have a 1958 vintage 4" Python and it seems to like .356" bullets.

Great shooters./beagle

[twotrees]

My 4 " 70's Python has shot up Many pounds of WW's with 357 cases
It has 2 crimp groves the first one is for 38 Special cases, the one closest to the nose is the right one for 357.

That over a Very healthy charge of 2400 sparked by a SP mag primer has been my go to load for that and any other 357 in the safe.

Good Shooting,

[HeavyMetal]

The 358429 is a great mold and I have one in an HP format!

Sadly Lyman has "changed" the cherries a little bit over the years so one mold may "just" fit a Python cylinder while another won't! The one I have will not work on a Python or Dan Wesson unless I shove it further into the case and sacrifice powder capacity. Kinda negates the reason Kieth designed it with that big driving band on the front, eh?

The 358156 is a good choice and I've owned three of them over the years one in HP, my only beef with this design is the gascheck. Without it this mold would really be a mover and I'd still have one in my mold box.

I have also owned both the already mentioned RCBS 150 SWC and Saeco mold and I bought them within the same yr as my first 358429 and 358156.

The fact that I still have these molds and not the first two Lymans I bought should say something about the performance of both RCBS and Saeco molds!

I was actually contemplating having the RCBS mold HP'd when the single cavity 358429 HP fell into my lap! That is the only reason I have it!

Now before someone call's me on the carpet for slammin the "lengendary" Lyman molds I will say again they are both good molds I just think the RCBS 150 SWC is a better mold dollar for dollar!

wdr2 you have to make the call on where you want to spend your money.

The great part of this forum is you can get feed back from a lot of shooters on a specific type boolit without spending a dime.

If my buddy with the Python ever decides he can make boolits better or faster than I can the RCBS mold will be my suggestion to him!

[beagle]

I agree. There's many variations on Lyman moulds and the more popular numbers seem to have more variations. No doubt due to the replenishment of cherries.

The 358429 is one of my favorites. Think I have three factory 358439s and a factory 358429 which has a .125" diameter pin as opposed to the .156" diameter pins on the 439s. Even at Lyman, the simplest things are not standard.

The later 429s have had the nose length reduced some. Whether they'll fit your Python is a matter of trial and error but that's the best place to start if you have to have one./beagle

[AlaskaMike]

Bill, if you want a 4 banger, then maybe #358477? That's pretty close to RCBS 38-150-SWC.

Mike

[WHITETAIL]

For the record the Lyman 358136 is the best boolet
for most if not all 38-357 cal. guns.:Fire:

[WHITETAIL]

Sorry where are my manners?
Welcome to the forum!:holysheep

[wdr2]

Thanks for the replies. I recently purchased the Saeco 382 mold and was quite surprised that the nose was too long to allow crimping in the crimp groove and still work in the Python. Apparently earlier versions worked? I'll try the RCBS version since I am not willing to trim a few hundred 357 cases.

Bill

[HeavyMetal]

If it helps my old Saeco mold is marked No. 12.

This is an original Saeco, before Redding purchased them, and is marked on the sprue plate Saeco Custom Precision No. 12. it's also a 3 banger!

Very similar to the RCBS design and, I note, has been dropped from the redding catalog for awhile.

The 382 you have is actually a 158 gr design that Redding claims is a "Kieth". Elmer Kieth never designed a 158 or a 150 for the 38 / 357 as far as I know.

I don't know what current RCBS molds are going for and , sadly, they do not offer 4 banger molds. If they aren't two pricey I'd get two, for tandum casting. You'd be surprised how fast this works.

Get a few more posts under your belt and then post the Saeco mold on our sell and swap section. When you do please post an overall boolit length and the fact that it didn't work in your Python.

The sale will help balance out the RCBS mold purchase's.

[runfiverun]

why don't you just have the bevel base removed from the mold you do like?

[wdr2]

Do you know someone who removes BB from molds? I don't have a lathe myself.

Bill