Lee .38 Caliber 158 RNF Cast Bullet

[Wallyl]

Who has been using the Lee .38 Caliber 158 RNF bullet in .38 Specials & .357 Magnum loads? I have one and have neglected using it very much; although when I have it was just as good as any 158 SWC cast bullet. I thought that it would interesting to discuss how you have found it compared to a traditional 158 SWC. I have a new Taurus 66, so I've decided to cast up a batch & load them. I find they they cast beautifully; RNF designed bullets always cast well as they have fewer sharp corners, as found on a SWC cast bullet.

Also has anyone ever compared the Lee version (1st picture)vs. the Lyman 358665?

 

[RBHarter]

I have the Lee and shot it bunch in S&W M10 , 357 Sec 6 , 1894 C . It shoots great .

 

[uncle jimbo]

I have used it. I use it my Uberti 1873 clone in 357 mag and 38 special, my Colt and S&W revolvers. The S&W is dead on using this bullet. I have had no problem with leading, and they shot good and accurate. Well as accurate as I am. They cast good and and look good. If there are rejects, it is usually do to me hurrying or not paying attention. I just use clip-on wheel weight lead.
But all this is just my opinion.

 

[462]

That's the only bullet I use in the 24" Rossi/EMF .357, 24" Uberti/Cimarron 1866 .38 Special, 6 /12" Ruger Blackhawk and 5" New Vaquero.
Used a 23/64" reamer to remove the bevel base, from the six-cavity mould.

 

[Cherokee]

I use a bunch of them (from 6 cavity) in various 357 Mag mid-range to near mag level loads. Performs well, no leading. Easy casting and sizing to .358". Like them better than SWC. Never tried the Lyman version.

 

[Maven]

Wally, I have the Arsenal version of that mould: Casts well and is accurate at moderate velocities in my S&W Mod. 10 @.358" and my Ruger BH and DW @ .359". Powder of choice, or rather what I can get easily, is Unique.

 

[Wallyl]

I was planning on using 5.0 of Titegroup with the Lee 158 RNF at a .38 Special +P+ load for use only in the Taurus 66 using P+ cartridge cases---they will never be shot in a .38 Special caliber pistol. I calculate that the muzzle velocity should be in the area of 1,025~1,050 FPS. I will do some test groups & Chronograph.

 

[fiver]

I haven't directly compared it to the 665 but I can assure you I have 'big' bucket full of the 665's and an attendant amount of loaded rounds to go with them.
the LEE should do just as well since it's basically a straight up copy with a slight bevel on the base.

 

[CWLONGSHOT]

I have to admit it’s not my favorite. That distinction goes to the Lyman 358429 170g.
But the 358-158 is my SECOND favorite!! Shoots well in my lever as well as my revolvers up to about 1500 FPS powder coated.
I am sure to keep a coffee can full on the shelf! I have a two cav Mold. Been thinking of updating to the 6 dropper.

CW

 

[Wallyl]

CWLONGSHOT I have/use the 358429 as well. While it is an accurate bullet, it is not better than the Lyman 358477 or the RCBS (82032) version. As it is too long in my Taurus 66 and S & W -29....I just don't use it much. I can use out in my Marlin 1894C, but have to single shot load it. Again, no stellar accuracy using it. Every so often I read how others rave about the 358429; so I load some up and go out to try it again....I've always found that it is no better then the others that I've mentioned. I even trimmed some .357 Mag cases to shorten them enough so I can use the 358429 in my Model 27: again it isn't more accurate than the others. I have not used the Lee 158 RNF often and frankly it is as accurate as any SWC that I've used.