Author Topic: Lyman .357 mold  (Read 648 times)

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Offline Dusty Miller

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Lyman .357 mold
« on: November 13, 2004, 07:32:41 PM »
I got my Lyman .357 mold going tonite and the bullets look really good but it sure as hell ain't no LBT mold!!  I got spoiled using LBT molds and now have to work with a mold that requires a bit more continuous attention to keep it working right.  Well, if the bullets work really good I guess I can put up with a couple of minor inconveniences.  Its their 155 SWC mold and I'm wanting to load up some nice and easy target rounds.  Maybe I can get one of the grandkids interested.
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Offline haroldclark

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357 Mold
« Reply #1 on: November 14, 2004, 08:22:05 AM »
I have an LBT mold too.  It is a 4 cavity 150 grainer.  It is not an absolute wadcutter as it has an ogive toward the nose that still provides a large flat nose area.  I bought that one for my 38 special snub nosed revolver.

It is a great mold, for certain.

With my 158 grain Hensley and Gibbs molds, I have used a jillion different loads and most are accurate.  However, the most accurate powder with almost any shape bullet so far, except my LBT bullet.  Damn!!!

I have had the most success with a SWC or Round nose bullet in the 158 grain area with 3.2 grains of IMR 7625.  This load is deadly accurate and it is a powder puff to shoot for new shooters.  It is my standard load now for target work.  I figure, why go for more power to punch a hole in paper at 25 yards or closer.  I have loaded this in 357 mag cases too with the same results.  I tried 13 different loads with IMR 7625 to come up with the 3.2 grain.

Usually, when I say IMR 7625 powder, most people get a blank look on their face.  It is a great powder for cast bullets.  It is my most accurate cast bullet load in 9mm semi-auto.  I have used and still do use 13 grains behind a 173 grain Saeco #315 cast bullet in my 308 Encore with a 15" barrel.  It is deadly accurate out to 200 meterrs.  I've used 9.5 grains of IMR7625 in my Contender 10" 30-30, my 16.25" 30-30 and my Marlin 24". I just recently switched to 12.6 grains of Blue dot in the 30-30s with the same Saeco #316 150 grain cast bullet.  I wanted more velocity out of the 16.25" Contender.  

To further bore you to death, I have used the IMR 7625 powder for light loads in my 30-06, 25-06, 32 H&R Mag, 30 Carbine 10" and a 444 Marlin Rifle.  Look in the Lyman Cast bullet Manuals and they list this powder in most rifles.

Harold Clark

Offline LAH

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Lyman .357 mold
« Reply #2 on: November 15, 2004, 03:24:52 PM »
Dusty I find the LBT's easier to cast than the SWC. The same can be said for the RNFP's, they are very easy.
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