200 grain .38 Special?

[Rapier]

Paul,
I use the cast 200gr RCBS FP GC or at times, the 200 Rem RN. But I prefer the 200 FP as it allows a bit more case capacity due to the flat point.

I too have loaded the 200 FP for friends in the department for their backup guns. It usually takes one trip to the range for the process to really take root and be appreciated.
Ed

[PJgunner]

Originally Posted by Rapier

Paul,
I use the cast 200gr RCBS FP GC or at times, the 200 Rem RN. But I prefer the 200 FP as it allows a bit more case capacity due to the flat point.

I too have loaded the 200 FP for friends in the department for their backup guns. It usually takes one trip to the range for the process to really take root and be appreciated.
Ed

Are you talking the RCBS #35-200-FP bullet? You'd have to really deep seat that one to make it fit. It, along with the Lyman #358315HP, anther bullet in the 200 gr. range made a round that's a bit too long for my S&W M60. They just barely clear in my S&W M28 .357 mag. using ,38 Spl. brass. I dunno if Lyman even makes the #358430 mold anymore although I did see loads for it in their #4 manual at Sportsman's warehouse. They were showing it as a plinking bullet for the .358 Win. as I recall. I have all three of the bullet molds mentioned as well as some other .35 caliber molds for rifles that arre way too heavy and too long for handgun use.
I've been giving some consideration to working up a stiff .357 mag. load with #358430 as I can seat it properly and have room for it in the cylinder without it's being too long. Might be a very interesting project.
Paul B.

[Rapier]

"Are you talking the RCBS #35-200-FP bullet? You'd have to really deep seat that one to make it fit."

Yes and yes you do. There are two items one must pay attention to, seating to the cylinder length and crimping the bullet over the ojive, without refrence to any manual, if using the 357 case. Now the 38 spl can be crimped into the crimping groove if trimmed correctly.

The other item is the choice of brass. Usually the RCBS FP bullet requires the use of brass / brass as even the thickness of a nickel coating will cause a bulge at the web that will prevent the loaded cartridge from fitting in the chamber.

I use H-110 in my loads and Federal 205m primers with a hard crimp. This is not a loading process for a novice.
Ed

[PJgunner]

"This is not a loading process for a novice."

I'll buy that.
Paul B.