Lyman 358242

[Ben]

This one is the 121 gr. version. ( Mine weigh in at 127 grs. )
Cast at 3595".

Both bullets from the double cavity Lyman mould cast
very close to the same identical weight.

I'll shoot these in short distance light target loads
in my New Ruger 4.2 " , SP 101, revolver.

Ben

Bullets from my mould weigh in at 127 grs. These have been sized .3575 " and have the bottom lube ring filled with Ben's Red, then all are rolled in BLL.

 

[Ian]

If those are obsolete you could have fooled me. I love the way a good RN bullet falls into the cylinder, especially if using a speed loader. Another thing about RN designs, if you happen to shoot self-healing polymer swingers, they do less damage. WCs, SWCs, RFNs, and WFNs cut plugs out of the targets.

 

[S Mac]

I recently bought one just like your's Ben, and don't even own a 357. I thought I might work up some plinker loads for my 35 Whelen, haven't tried them yet. Mine casts like a dream.

 

[Ben]

If those are obsolete you could have fooled me.

Who mentioned that the mould was obsolete ? ? ?

 

[Dale53]

I think Ruger hit a home run with that design of SP101. I have an SP101 in .32 H&R. It shoots well, is quite portable but came with a rear sight only adjustable for windage. I couldn't zero it with a number of loads I tried. I had my pistolsmith install a rail and hung a Red Dot sight on it (my Smith thought I had lost my mind). However, now it has great sights, and I can shoot it, well.

I have hands that verge on being "large" and the trigger reach is a bit close. I added a set of after market grips that covered the back strap and that helped. I also had a custom trigger shoe made and that helped a bit, too.



At any rate, it is one of my "keepers". Your SP101 is even "more so"...

FWIW
Dale

 

[358156 hp]

Bbbbbut that's a 9mm design. If you shoot it in a 38 it will get all confused!

 

[Ben]

I couldn't zero it with a number of loads I tried

That is one of the major reasons that I only have two ( of my 15 or so ) fixed sight revolvers.

 

[Dale53]

That is one of the major reasons that I only have two ( of my 15 or so ) fixed sight revolvers.

Yeah, me too. However, I took a chance on this one (and kind of "bombed"). My solution has been MORE than satisfactory, as it happened. The little revolver is in a very desirable caliber and is very strong, so it was quite appealing.

FWIW,
Dale

 

[KHornet]

Great little handgun!

 

[Pistolero]

I have a 90 and 121 gr version. Each casts .355-.356, making them pretty useless.

Bill

 

[9.3X62AL]

I have an older Lyman in 121 grain flavor. In 92/6/2 it manages a fat .358", but I bought it for use in 9mm Parabellum. It has done good work in that role sized at .357". In a few 9mms its shoulder might jam against very short abrupt throats (had a Beretta 92 F/S that did so), and at 1.150" in my SIG P-226 a chambered round leaves a "kiss-mark" from leade contact.......but they feed and fire very well, even when dirty and cruddy. Most of my cast bullet 9mm loads these days use Lee or NEI 122 grain TC bullets. Seated with .020" of front drive band exposed at the case mouth and given a light taper crimp, they feed flawlessly.

 

[Dusty Bannister]

I think someone is failing to read the mold number in their reply. There is the Ly 358242 in two bullet weights. That was later changed to the 356242 in both bullet weights. The 358242 is my first mold and I have feed a lot of 38/357 loads for other guys early on. That might explain why some have troubles with the mold casting "undersized". I am very happy with the three 358242 molds that have come home with me. Especially the 4 cav mold. Dusty

 

[RBHarter]

Pistol
Any chance you'd want to be free of the 90 gr ? I know of a skinny 380 that needs a bullet.

 

[Pistolero]

Nope, mine say 358...wish they cast that big.
I'm with you, Al. The Lee 120 TC works great for me in 9mm. RN are too likely to run into the throat and cause
feeding/chambering problems.

Of course, Ben is talking about .38's here, not 9mms.

Bill

 

[Ben]

Of course, Ben is talking about .38's here, not 9mms.

This may be a sacrilegious statement.........
" But, I don't even own a 9 mm ".

 

[Ian]

I don't own one either. Nothing wrong with them, I just prefer other cartridges. I do own a 1911 in .38 Super and shoot Lee 358-150 round nose in it.

 

[Ben]

Ian,

Some auto pistol cartridges develop a slight bulge in the case with a heavy for caliber cast bullet when it is seated to the correct OAL to function. Do you notice that in your Super ?

Ben

 

[S Mac]

If any one is curious I did load some for my Whelen and shot a 1 hole group at 25 yards, warrants further testing.

 

[Ben]

Care to share you data you used ?

 

[S Mac]

These are truly plinkers, 9 gr. Promo was the nicest group so far. Also it was only 25 yards, I wanted to be sure and get on paper.