It seems like everyone is telling me that a gas checked version of a boolit will usually shoot better than a plain based bullet.
I just shot a bunch of LBT 160 FN in .358 through my S&W 586. The plain based bullets shot better and rounder groups than the gas checked using the same powders and charges. I did not have any leading at 15 grains of 2400 with the plain based. I got the boolits from Montanna Bullet Works.
I guess this one of those times that as Lloyd Smalle says, "You just have to shoot the crap out of your gun" to find out what it likes?
I am happy that it shoots the plain based better because it will easier to cast.
I had another surprise, the RCBS 358429 would not shoot good at 50 yards with any load. One load shot under 2", but all the others were 3-6 inches. Makes me think the one good group was a freak of nature.
I have tried:
a comercially cast 158 bbswc, not good at 50 yards
LBT 160 fn pb
LBT 160 fn gc
RCBS 82032 158 swc
RCBS 82305 158 fprn
RCBS 358429 173 Keith swc
Powders I have tried with these bullets are:
Unique
AA#9
Trail Boss
Bullseye
2400
The winner for my gun is the RCBS 82032 powered by 15 grains of 2400.
The LBT shot best in .38 special cases powered by 3.2 grains of Bullseye.
I was amazed to see that some of my assumptions didn't work out. This is the first time I have tried to load for accuracy in a handgun. I just always followed my commercial reloader friend's suggestions for loads with cast bullets.
What do you think the deal is with the plain based vs the gas checks?
Do you think the 158 grain RCBS swc is a good small game load up to deer? If I am going to hunt deer, I will use my .44.
Thanks,
Crabo