38 molds

[burch]

I`m wandering if anyone cast their own 38 spec. for the Cobra. I`m casting from a Lyman 158 SWC-GC using W-W`s and 3.9grns. bullseye and getting some decent loads. I haven`t gas checked any. I`m looking for others that are casting for the Cobra. I`m wondering if maybe a flat base or bevel base might get better resolts.

Burch

[Bisley]

Hello, Burch, I don't have Cobra, but I do cast for .38 spec. in 2nd. gen 71/2" S.A.A. Colt. I see no real need for g.c. if bullet fit & alloy are right.
I am still working on accuracy loads, using Lyman #358429, 358311, 358395, 358212, Alloy's are usually soft range-scrap. Best of luck!

[Bisley]

Hello again, burch. I forgot, you asked about bevel vrs. flat base as far as accuracy is conserned. I don't think the bevel-base was thought up as an accuracy asset, it mainly is for high volumn loaders, in that belling of case-mouth is reduced. It certainly does nothing if the bullet must obturate to fit cylinder throats. If you come across an old Ideal or early Lyman mould, on the top edge, you will generally find a very small chamfer...What I mean is, the blocks will be flat across top surface, but there is a small undercut to form a chamfer on BULLET...just enough to break that sharp edge..I have used such moulds, and they really make casting/inspecting easier..that sharp edge sometimes is hard to fill out. & they do enter case mouth easier. But alas, increased cost did away with it. Best of luck!

[burch]

The Lyman GC mold i`m using accually belongs to a friend. I just wanted to get my own so I don`t have to keep his tied up even if he doesn`t mind me having it for a while. I was looking at some of the Lymans and they have gone up a heap since I bought my last one. I could get a used one from the Cast Buillet forum but had a bad experience with a Lyman 429421 mold that I got stuck with. In fact I had to get rid of it myself and bought a brand new which has been working just great. I wonder if any of the Lee molds are flat based with a wide grease groove ? I`ll have to look and see. I`ve tried a couple Lee molds and although they aren`t the quality of a Lyman i`ve had good resoults with `em. All my round ball molds are Lee`s and they work just fine.