38 S&W i frame bullet mould

Missouri Mule K30

Need some info on lead bullet molds, manufacturers, numbers of molds so that I can bid on some on auctions. I am thinking that bullet size is .361. Right now I have been shooting 145grn lead round nose. At 35.00 dollars a box it is getting a little pricy. Its an old 1st generation triple lock regulation police 38 smith with 4 digit serial number. Its also has a 5 shot cylinder. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks...Mule

charliemeyer007

.361 should be a good fit. I'm thinking that any of the current .358 molds will be all you can find. If you cast with lots of antimony the bullets should barely be sized at .360 or .361 but take lube.

My older Lyman book (from the 70's) list data for 358242 121gr, 358480 133gr, 358495 141gr, 358430 150gr, 358311 158gr. all sized to .360

My newer Lyman 49th list 358477 150gr, 358311 150gr, 358430 195gr.

Missouri Mule K30

Wow, thanks for the reply. That should get me a good starting point.[:D] Now I can do some more research and make some educated decisions. Thanks charliemeyer007...Mule

navc130

You can also make a close-range plinking load using 000 (.360 dia.)buckshot and a small charge of Bulleye or other fast burning powder.
I have never done it. But any pistol cartridge can be loaded with a round ball. It may or may not require: sizing the case, crimping the case, a small amount of lube. A .36 cal. revolver usually uses a .375 cal. ball which would be too large for the .38 S&W case. It could be sized down to fit.

Missouri Mule K30

navc130, how would you do something like this? Would it be even marginally unsafe? Not opposed to the idea, but could I then use a 36 caliber black powder round ball mold? Thanks...Mule

charliemeyer007

I think in the old days they called it a gallery load. Just about every cartridge had a reduced charge round ball loading. In rifles they were also listed for foraging.

For a 357 and nice download could be useful, your 38 S&W at the top end isn't all hot.

I have never loaded for a 38 S&W, have shot several and always found them wanting. I do load for and shoot 38 Specials. I must have 6 or 8 different bullet molds plus a half jacket swedging setup.

victorj19

Molds for the 38 S&W do show up on the various auction sites. I ended up with 2. One is just a plain mold and the other is a combination mold and reloading tool. For the latter, you need the separate sizer and punch to use it.

Pearyw

I use 148 gr Hollow based wad cutter bullets in my old 38 S&W pistols. I seat them about 2/3 of the way in to the case. They are .358" in diameter and the skirt will flare out and seal when you fire them. I have used .36 round balls, but it is tricky to crimp them in the middle.

jonk

One option is the little Lee .365 Makarov mold; order a .363 sizer and you're good to go, that's what I use.