Howdy,
I bought my wife a Rossi 1892 in .357/.38. The OAL for proper feeding has to be 1.49 to 1.51 inches. Using Missouri Bullet Co. 125gr. RNFP bullets, and setting them to the top of the crimping groove, they are WAY to short. In order to get close to the correct length, I would need to crimp at the lube groove and I don't feel comfortable about that.
My thought is to use .357 brass and the same bullet. I think this will get me the correct OAL but I want her to be able to use them in her pistols which are 1871 Navy Open Tops in .38 special. I use Trail Boss for her rounds and the charge I use is almost dead between the min and max for both rounds, according to the data from IMR. So, if the rounds will fit in her pistols, is it safe to load using .357 brass? I'm only loading for cowboy action. Any thoughts or advice will be greatly appreciated.
Sgt. John McAfferty