[kevinm]

Hi-

  I'd like a little advice on a new mould purchase. The mould in question is produced by Ballisticast and for the .38/.357 but I have not yet decided which bullet design to choose. I can get it in 160 gr WFNPB or a 180gr WFN with or without a gascheck.
  They will be used in both an 1894 Marlin as well as a 686 primarily for plinking but may be used for hunting [I have some of Marshall's 185 grainers on the way which can take care of hunting needs]. I just want to make sure the choice I make is one that gives top accuracy with a variety of guns without going through hoops to get it and that it is versitle in its uses.
  All advice would be greatly appreciated.

God bless
Kevin
PS Awfully good to see you posting again Marshall!

 

[MikeG]

I vote for the 180gr. WFN with the gas check, as that is what I shoot in my .357's.  Load development was a snap - 16.0 gr. WW296/H110.

 

[kevinm]

Hi Mike-

  That is what I hoped I would hear;-). If you don't mind a couple more questions...have you tried that bullet in a .38 case with lighter loads using HP-38 [say 5 grains] or Unique? What kind of 50 yard accuracy should I expect from an 1894 with the load you mention?

Thanks

God bless
Kevin

 

[MikeG]

I haven't tried it at lower velocities, sorry.  

Don't have a lever .357 (kind of tragic, hope to remedy at the next gun show), but my .357 Blackhawk will put 5 of them in 2" at 50 yards.

So I think it would be reasonable to improve on that with a rifle.

 

[cukrus]

The 180 gr bullet may be too long for the 1894 Marlin in .357 mag case. Hodgdon Data Manual No. 23 has 200 gr lead bullet loads  with HP-38 using 2.5 to 3.2 gr in .38 Sp. and 3.4 to 4.2 gr in .357 mag.  This source lists 160 gr lead bullet loads with HP-38 using 2.7 to 3.7 gr in .38 Sp. and 3.0 to 3.9 gr in .357 mag.

 

[kevinm]

Thanks for the help. I did the next best thing and ordered a four cavity mould with two cavities for each bullet. The mould should be arrive soon and I'll post the results of a variety of loads.

God bless
Kevin