New mold for Browning .357 rifle?

[Quiet Burp]

I want to get a mold for my .357 Browing B92 for projectiles for target shooting at up to 100 metres. I was thinking of loads around 1400 fps. I like using the Lee blocks because they don't take so long to warm up. What are the Lee slugs with the small grooves for Alox like?  Also thinking about harder slugs with gas cheks at higher velocity, but worried that the gas check might come off in flight. Is this a problem? Is there any preference for semi-wadcutters vs. round nose flat point ? Any advice much appreciated.Thanks

[richp41]

I've been shooting that rifle for 12 to 14 years and have had excellent success with the Lyman 158 gr gas checked bullet 358156. 13 to 14 grs of Alliant 2400 powder give it a really good push at over 1600 fps. Lighter charges result in lower velocity also with little degradation of accuracy. Don't worry about gas checks coming off. Most Hornady gas checks will stay attached and if they separate there is no loss of accuracy. I have not tried the Lee tumble lubed bullets with all the lube grooves because in 45 years of loading lead bullets I've found a broad driving band is less prone to stripping and slippage and are more accurate. I have some older Lyman moulds than cast multi grooved Loverin type bullets for my .30 caliber reifles and they just don't shoot as accurately. With any of the lead bullets overall cartridge length is important in the .357 lever rifle. A slightly long carrtridge will jam the feed mechanism and a short cartridge will allow 2 bullets to try to feed at once. Stay just under maximum factory length. Hornady soft point pistol bullets also work nicely in that rifle and are adequate for the small deer in my area of the southern U.S.
Full power loads with H110 or Winchester 296 work well, but don't reduce the powder charges with either powder and use magnum pistol primers. Because of the strong hammer fall on this rifle, small rifle primers also work well. Good luck with that fine little rifle. Rich P

[Graycg]

Quiet burp,
   You've gotten very good advice above, I strongly concur with what Richp has offered to you.  I use a Marlin and the 358156GC bullet is my first choice for accuracy and terminal impact on game.  If you are interested in persuing a Lee mould, I would recommend the C358-158-SWC, as this bullet is fairly similar to the Lyman 358156.  If you are going to invest in a Lee mould, I'd recommend the 6 cavity versions as they are so much better made than thier 2 cavity moulds.  Happy shooting.

regards, and as always, my opinion only,
 Graycg

[Quiet Burp]

Thanks for your help guys, much appreciated as always. Just picked up the rifle, it's a mean little machine!