Sigs and cast reloads

[btmidwest]

I'm new to the Sig forum and Sigs in general.  I reload and am looking to get a P239 in 357 sig.  Can you reliably shoot cast bullets in Sigs.  I've heard some manufacturer barrels are not compatable with cast bullets.  

There are few things in life where peoples reviews have been so consistant in their praise across the board as for Sigs.

Thanks,  bt

[jpuke]

I've shot lead bullets almost exclusively in my P220 without a problem.  Sigs have conventional rifling so cast bullets don't present any extra dangers.  The polygonal rifling is what's supposed to give problems - Glocks and HK's have this type of rifling.

[btmidwest]

Jpuke,  Thanks for the reply.  I've shot semi wadcutters in my para-ordnance ok.  What designs worked in your sig. Thanks again for responding.  bt

[jpuke]

I've shot the most lately with a 230 grain round nose (RCBS mold) but I also used to shoot a 230 grain truncated cone from a Lee mold.  The straight-line feed of the Sig gives no feeding problems with either.  I would expect SWC's to feed and shoot fine in yours. 

[btmidwest]

Thanks I'll give them a try.

[hornady]

The guns that most will not recommend shooting cast bullets in are polygonal rifling barrels, Glock, Heckler & koch, Kahr, and Desert Eagle, there are others but these are the most popular.

[pennsyltuckymoose]

I could not shoot, nor feed semi-wadcutters in my SIG 250 Compact in 45ACP... I got the Mihec 200 gr HP mold and all my problems were solved... the profile of that bullet is similar to a 230 RN... feeds flawlessly now.

[FN in MT]

  The .357 SIG can be a bit problematic with cast ...not a lot of NECK to hold a slug. I do know that some have overcome the issue, but IMHO...WHY not simply shoot jacketed and get ALL there is out of the 357 sig round??   That said...I DO shoot a lot of cast out of my 226 and have for 15 years or more, with zero issues. My rds are not hot, 125 gr cast at 900 fps or a 147 gr trunctated cone cast at 950 or so.

 I've never tried cast in the .357 SIG rd despite having loaded a ton of them.  Carried a 229 in .357 for several years on duty...quite an impressive round. The 239 in SIG would be a heck of a CCW gun.

 I'm three hours away from the Montana Gold bullet folks so I use their 125 gr 357 sig specific  FMJ slugs. Bought a couple of 5K cases before the component costs went crazy...so I'm set for some time.

FN in MT

[btmidwest]

FN in MT,   I shoot jacketed but I'm also looking for cheaper, ei more triggger time.  I got the 239 because of its ccw capabilities.  I hope to get to know the 357sig round the way you described it.  I looked up montana gold bullets and will check them out closer.  I have enjoyed shooting gc cast but I'm not finding much for this round.  I picked up the sig and an air weight 38 sp. for personal carry but I see the P239 as a more versatile set up that I want to get to know.  Thanks for your input.  Regards,   BT

[gandog56]

I use Precision Bullets Moly coats. Priced not much more than cast, and I have zero barrel leading. And their prices include shipping.

[btmidwest]

Gandog56

Have these bullets shot well for you, I'm not that familiar with swage bullet technology?  I checked out the site and read the reviews.  The pricing is good.  Have you had any problems with moly build up?  Thanks for the input, I saved the site look at this some more.  Regards,   BT

[gandog56]

I would have to say yes. Don't have any 357 SIG target pics, but here's one at 25 feet with my .40 S&W barrel.

[gandog56]

As for moly build up, the first couple patches come out black, but it's OK after that.

[btmidwest]

Hey gandog56,    Proofs in the puddin - thanks for the pic's and information on cleaning.  You may have heard or read some of the horror stories about moly when it first came out.  I have no experience with coated bullets.   Regards,    BT

[Caliboose]

After some experimentation, I got a factory crimp die for loading my 357 Sig with cast.  The problem to avoid is having the bullet retract into the case either during loading or during recoil (while in the magazine).  I also got a Saeco mold that has a longer shoulder and a sharper T C than others. 

I worked for me.  Good luck.

Caliboose

[shooter6br]

My Sig250C works fine with cast 230TL Lee, and cast 200 g HP. Trouble free.