Lee 358-200RF

[waco]

Any of you guys use this mold in 38/357? Will it fit in revolvers? Do any of your 38/357 lever guns like it? I can have a little two cavity shipped to my door in two days for $21
Might be worth playing around with. I always like the heavies in .357

 

[dannyd]

I use it with the 38 special data in a revolver and 357 data in my my Encore works okay.

 

[Brad]

Would likely need to use 38 special brass to get it to chamber in a 357. A Marlin 357 would be iffy too, bet the nose is too long for 357 brass.
Anyone got a crimp to nose measurement?

If it will fit then I bet it shoots well.

 

[waco]

Well. For $22 I got a two cavity on the way. Be here Saturday.

 

[Brad]

Well. For $22 I got a two cavity on the way. Be here Saturday.

For that money it is worth a shot.
Get some cast up and get me some info and I will see what QL says

 

[Ian]

Internal case water volume/case trim length/cartridge OAL/bullet length will be critical for the computer model.

 

[Brad]

Internal case water volume/case trim length/cartridge OAL/bullet length will be critical for the computer model.

Yes it will. Even a small change in case capacity will give a huge increase in pressure.

 

[RBHarter]

I know a guy that used it full bore in a 4" 357 for bear defense in a 4" revolver . I think 2400 was used but I don't recall the details .

The Speer #12 has data for a Speer 200 gr SIL jacketed if not it's in the #11 .

 

[JonB]

I bought one of those when they were first available (read first batch), 2014 maybe? Anyway, that mold dropped 'em undersized, .356 I believe, so I sold it. I had hopes to use it with a custom Mauser in 358 win.

 

[waco]

My mold will be here sometime tomorrow and I’ll run a small batch and report back on size. I’ll probably PC them so this will give me a little leeway on diameter.

 

[RBHarter]

The 6Cs I have both drop .359+ they shoot pretty well in the 358 so I didn't do any further measuring .

 

[CZ93X62]

No 35 Rem or 358 Win experience here, just 357 Magnum revover and rifle. I will say this without reservation--the 175-200 grain bullet drien at the caliber's full capability--42K PSI, not that neutered/current SAAMI 36K PSI limit--and the 357 Magnum really comes into its own, esp. in a 20" rifle barrel.

 

[fiver]

I'm interested in the results since this is one of the very few molds I'm actually considering buying.
I could use something in the 200gr. area with a gas check in a few different guns.
if it 'only' makes 357, I guess I'd have to break out the P/C box.

 

[waco]

I’ll get some cast up tomorrow Lamar and send you some if you’d like.

 

[fiver]

just an idea on diameters is good, then I can somewhat plan on what direction I'll probably be taking.

 

[waco]

So a random five bullets out of the pile cast with 21lbs range scrap and 1/2lb lino measure .357"-.3575" across the seam and .358"-.359" 90 degrees from the seam. Avg. weight was around 202gr.
The nose right above the front drive band was .349" across the seam and .350" 90 degrees from that.

This is a two cavity mold.

 

[waco]

Seems there is a gap in my powder I have on hand. Lots of stuff between Unique and 2400 that I don't have. HS-6/True Blue might be worth looking at?...

 

[fiver]

power pistol is right in there too, as is Herco and BE-86.
Ian likes True Blue, I got plenty of Herco and BE-86 on hand.

looks like i'll have to nab one of these too.
a little lapping to round things out and it might be just the ticket for the Max revolver, and the rifle.
358 is the size I run in the 358 win already, so if it just makes that I'm happy.

 

[Brad]

AA7 isn’t a bad choice either.

I have a feeling that it will do well with AA9, 2400, and maybe H110. Gonna depend on seating depth and what OAL will actually feed in your rifle.

 

[CZ93X62]

Gas checks and heavy-for-caliber in combination say "upper-end loads" in my shop. 2400, 296, AA-9, and one of the 4227s would get the call--and in that order of preference. Herco gets my "Standard weight SWC at 900-1200 FPS" work.