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January 21, 2010
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I am starting to reload and can get a good deal on 1000 bullets.I just want some light target loads for 38 special and 357.I know I should probably get a bunch of different bullets and try all of them out,but this would be more expensive.I was given some loads that shot beautifuly.Only problem is I can't get the bullets he used and only saw the loaded ones(I know they were some kind of wadcutters of some sort)I know the guy used about 2.7 grains of 231.I have heard so much about the remington hallowbased but again these are more expensive.So if anyone uses the cast bevel ended wadcutter 148 grain I have a couple questions.I have a choice of .357",.358" or.359",do I have to slug the bore to measure and get a bullet .001" over that or just buy .358".Can the doublebevel bullets be made to shoot good in most Dan Wessons?I was thinking of just ordering a thousand 148 grains at .358" and get a pound of 231 and make up a few different loads and hope I get something that shoots pretty good.Do any of you think I am wasting money going this route?Like I said I know I should buy a hundred of each size and weight bullet and try them all but this is more expensive but less expensive then having a thousand bullets that dont shoot.Any thought will be appreciated.
January 17, 2010
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good choice, the cast bevels shoot real well, i guess due to the length of bearing surface. about as good as swaged.
on diameter, you could size them. ( I'm no expert by far and some of the things is do reloading is wayy oldschool. )
the bullet should "fit" the bore end of cylinder. ya could check by pressing one in, it shouldn't fall through, but shouldn't shave or get stuck hard either. i am comfortable picking a size this way. but i have no exp using cast in a Dan.
light loads are ok. be sure the powder yer using has enough volume to not create inconnsistency problems. trailboss is good for light pistol loads. i load alot of cowboy action stuff. i have even loaded .357 cases to .38 specs by shoving the bullet in to make the same interior volume as 38. (prob not recommended anywhere in print, but folks have been doing it, myself included). one reason of this i heard was to cut down on free-bore space when using 38 loadings.
the hollowbased cast bullets could "flame through" or loose the base in the bore when loaded hotter. i have heard this only, never seen it. therefore i use the bevel base ones in my old 38 and 45lc. i guess the thought is that the holow base seals better? but bevels seem to work fine.
for expense and ease of use i load hornandy xtp pistol bullets, they are jacketted with cannelure, hollow point, accurate and cheap.
my recipe for light target/women self defense loads (for wife, sis, mom whom all carry snubbies) is a hdy xtp 110gr w/ 5.4gr of hodgdon universal in 38 special. it has proven to be very accurate also in the smithy, ruger, and taurus its used in. figure the women should practice with what they will use. the xtp is cheap enough for just that.
hope this was of some help. i know the shoving bullet down in 357case is gonna throw a flag...... its a thing done by some, i can't quantify any benifits myslef.
"experience is the hardest teacher, the test comes before the lesson"
April 1, 2008
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WADCUTTER BULLETS ARE MY FAVORITE BULLETS......
Yes, i have to tell the truth...... For short range out to 50yds ( yes 50!) wadcutters
are CHEAP, SHOOT WELL, and DO NOT lead the barrel if loaded properly...
4.3 231 with a 148gr DEWC shoots 1" @ 25yds. 3-4" @ 50!
I also shoot PENN BULLETS 180 gr. wadcutter in my .44 mag...
BIG HOLES......Low recoil.....
MW
November 4, 2008
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I would think that either .357 or .358 hard cast 148 gr. DEWCs should work well.
You might want to consider Alliant's Bullseye for your target loads. Match bullseye shooters have used the standard 2.8 grs of BE behiind a 148 gr HBWC for years in .38 spl, it is considered a standard for bullseye shooting.
You can also work up a very hot magnum load that is in Alliant's manual for the .357 case. It consists of 5.6 grains of Bullseye behind a hard cast 148 gr. DEWC.
1,497 FPS with 34,000 c.u.p.
October 11, 2009
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I love these things! I shoot the DEWC 148 in my Smiff 686. I feel the DEWC perform better then the HBWC, but just my opinion. I load 7.5 gr. of Unique. for 357 and 4.9 38.
I have a big box of 100 gr. DEWC on order from Penn Bullets. I am looking forward to loading two of these critters in a 357 case and getting two holes with one BANG!!
The DEWC leaves a nice big clean hole! You will love em!!
DooM
Range Officer
Range Officers
Dans Club
February 9, 2009
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I like them too, been shooting 148 DEWC wadcutters for years in 38 special backed by WW231. Great load with low recoil and almost no leading and they drive tacks.
A man cannot have too many SuperMags
April 25, 2008
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I've been shooting the hard-cast DEW 148's from Leadheads for many years. They shoot very well in all my .38's. Favorite load is 3.2 grains W-231.
The Savantist
January 21, 2010
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Thanks guys.I am just waiting for my dad to go to his cabin to get the press so i can order some bullets.This makes me feel more comfortable in buying a thousand bullets.Walleye season may have delayed my reloading time
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