I am about to add 38 special to my list of calibers I reload. First, back in the 80's I reloaded 148 gn hollow wad cutters for a ruger but I sold all that gear year ago.
Currently I have a J frame 637 that I target shoot with and to be honest I can do pretty well with that little 1.87" barrel (I have been shooting a long time
)
Plus I can carry that one on the boat on the FL inland waterways with snake shot (to replace my really heavy and long snake slayer IV).
I also have a desire for a longer barrel 38 special.
I also shoot 5.5" SAA clones in 45 colt for SASS. I could buy another SAA clone in 38 special but I I really think the model 60 with 3" barrel will be perfect. (and the K frame really pushes the budget)
that extra 1"barrel over the 637 makes for a nice site radius, but but that 1" additional makes it hard to carry concealed so I bought the 637
anyway, back to casting. I have been shooting store bought 130gn 38 specials (to gain brass).
Not knowing what I should do, for no known reason (accept to maybe stretch my lead supply over 158gn) I am thinking if buying the lee 30306 which is a 125gn round nose mold (358-125-RF ) it cast about what my 130gn I am currently shooting.
All I will be doing is target shooting and pinking with both guns.
anybody recommend maybe something they found better than the 125gn?
I am also just started doing Powder coating so that should be in my bullet solution process. I do have a sizer but need to buy the die. I am reading I want .359"?
I think I already have the top piece that will match that flat nose round boolit.
next is powder. Current power selection I currently have clay's (use in 45acp), Trail boss (use in 45 colt) and Winchester 572 (wife and I shoot a lot of clay birds).
Primers, I don't load for small pistol at this time, so there is another $100 buck investment to get started.
I can switch to something new in future but for starters its best to stick to something I already have to offset the startup cost.
Dies. Everything I own is Lee accept for my 32 special. I tend to buy the 4 die set with the factory crimp die. is this recommended?
so that about covers it. as an engineering mind who is going to retire in the next couple years, I am working up hobbies for my retirement days. I love the pursuit of finding what works best, but age has also taught me to be willing to learn from others experiences here
. hell I been here learning for at least the last 16 years and you have not steered me wrong yet, so thanks, and Merry Christmas.