Best .38spcl/.357 cast bullet die?

[fishMOlakes]

I already cast 40 S&W and .45acp in Lee 6 cavity Lee molds. I am going to purchase another 6 cavity Lee (personal preference) mold in .38/.357 ..What is your favorite size and shape for target shooting.

Vern

[Adam Helmer]

Vern,

The traditional target bullet in the .38/.357 is the 148 grain Wadcutter. I like the Lyman 358495 WC and shoot lots of them with light and mid-range loads of powder. For PPC and full power loads, I like the 158 grain Keith-style semi-wadcutter and the same designation weighing 168 grains. I think the latter is Lyman #358429.

I have 4-cavity moulds for the 158 and 168 SWCs and they keep me busy. I run both moulds at once and put one aside when it heats up and run the other mould until it gets hot and then vice versa. Hope this helps.

Adam

[fishMOlakes]

Thank you, Adam. Lee makes a 6 cavity 158g SWC. It also has the tumble lube body and I can use Lee Alox in a butter dish to lube them.
You're right, the multi-cavity molds do keep you hopping. I ran about 1000 yesterday out of two molds. Guess I better get to the range and use them up.
Do you have a good load for a 158g .38spcl to shoot out of Smith snubbie or a good, light factory load? I'd like to find a light load my wife can shoot comfortably. That small J frame can be a handful .Thanks again.

Vern

[Adam Helmer]

Vern,

In my 2-inch and 3-inch guns, I use Unique and the 158 SWC bullet. I like the mid-range listing in the Lyman Reloading Handbook for Unique.

For the 148 grain WC, I use Red Dot, 700X, Unique and Bullseye powders. Hope this helps.

Adam