Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Ammunition-Gunsmithing > Reloading
o

Notices

Reloading All Reloading Topics Go Here


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 12-02-2020, 11:10 AM
Erv Erv is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 27
Likes: 30
Liked 7 Times in 3 Posts
Default 358156 bullet

When you lube this bullet to be loaded "short", do you lube the bottom bottom crimp groove or just the lube groove?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12-02-2020, 11:37 AM
rockquarry rockquarry is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 7,553
Likes: 4
Liked 8,885 Times in 4,121 Posts
Default

I've use this bullet mould for years. I lube every groove conventionally in a SAECO lubrisizer. I'm not sure of the term "short" loading, looks like it would be "long" loading, but I assume you're talking about leaving a groove exposed above the case neck? If that's what you mean, I wouldn't lube any groove that's exposed.

However, consider seating the bullet to the conventional length of about 1.46" for the .38 Special case. You can lube as few or as many grooves as there are without any worries over exposed lube above the case neck and you'll have adequate lube for the bullet. Lubing only one groove may work fine to prevent leading and provide good accuracy, but for this to happen you'll likely need perfect bullet fit and your alloy mix will have to be just right for the load (pressure/ velocity). If you're using an S&W or Colt revolver, a .357" diameter bullet will often work better than a .358", but you should try both, if possible, for best results. Good luck-
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #3  
Old 12-02-2020, 02:14 PM
mtgianni mtgianni is offline
Member
358156 bullet 358156 bullet 358156 bullet 358156 bullet 358156 bullet  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: SW MT
Posts: 6,690
Likes: 10,392
Liked 5,972 Times in 2,942 Posts
Default

The bottom bottom groove when looking at it opposite the tapered nose is a gas check groove. IME, bullets designed for gc shoot better with them.
__________________
Front sight and squeeze

Last edited by mtgianni; 12-02-2020 at 02:16 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12-02-2020, 02:33 PM
4barrel's Avatar
4barrel 4barrel is offline
Member
358156 bullet 358156 bullet 358156 bullet 358156 bullet 358156 bullet  
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: OVER the hill in TEJAS
Posts: 2,725
Likes: 13,107
Liked 4,339 Times in 1,773 Posts
Default

That boolit has 2 crimp grooves. My 358156 mold is a gas check boolit and you have to pan lube with alox if you aren't going to use a gas check. I install a gas check and lube at the same time in a Lyman 450 but not lube the crimp grooves. Only the lower groove needs lube. If you are using it for 38 loads you would be better off with a flat base or slight taper base bullet mold. I use mine for mag loads only.

Last edited by 4barrel; 12-02-2020 at 06:16 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #5  
Old 12-02-2020, 02:57 PM
GBertolet GBertolet is offline
Member
358156 bullet 358156 bullet 358156 bullet 358156 bullet 358156 bullet  
Join Date: May 2011
Location: USA
Posts: 279
Likes: 5
Liked 249 Times in 116 Posts
Default

If you are using the gas check, it doesn't really matter, as the gas check will take care of any leading. That said, I lube all the grooves anyway. As stated in the previous post, using gas checks for 38 spl, or reduced .357 loads is a waste of money. This bullet can be used with or without the gas check. I reserve the gas checks for full power .357 mag loadings.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12-02-2020, 03:03 PM
rockquarry rockquarry is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 7,553
Likes: 4
Liked 8,885 Times in 4,121 Posts
Default

The best .38 Special bullet I've found is made with the Hensley & Gibbs #51 mould. This is actually the original .357 Magnum bullet and it works great in that cartridge, too. It's a flat base/plain base SWC design and weighs about 160 grains cast of wheelweight alloy.

However, the #358156 is another very good one and a very close second to the #51. Load data is pretty much interchangeable between the two with the possible exception of maximum loads. It seems like the #358156 should be at it's best with a gas check affixed, but my results have been inconclusive. Maybe with heavy loads, the gas check would show an advantage. I've found the #358156 and the #51 to be slightly better from an accuracy perspective than the more popular #358429 or the the hollow point version, #358439.

Regardless, if I had the #358156 mould and no other, I wouldn't bother looking for another .38 Special or .357 Magnum mould. You won't outgrow it.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Last test of my #358156 HP David LaPell Reloading 2 12-22-2012 12:31 PM
Gas checks and the #358156 bullet David LaPell Reloading 8 11-08-2011 08:30 PM
357 Lyman 358156 load ?'s boatbum101 Reloading 1 10-01-2009 02:01 PM
casting the 358156 Erv Reloading 14 05-26-2009 05:46 AM
Who sells .357 Lyman 158's #358156 David LaPell Reloading 12 03-06-2009 07:00 AM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:30 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)