What to use for a 38/40 mold.

[wildman1]

Title says it all. What mold does everybody use for a 38/40? wM1

[Trailrider]

Can't give you a specific mould, but a .403" 180 gr Flat Point would be correct.

[Navy Six]

In the past I've used Lyman # 401043 which is an older design with two lube grooves which is accurate in most guns. NEI # 401195 has a similar nose design, also shoots accurately, but with one smaller lube groove. In the last year I've settled on Accurate Molds # 401185C. Again, similar nose design but with one large lube groove with plenty of capacity if you want to shoot blackpowder( I do ). Accurate Molds has more designs for the 38/40 and is worth checking out.

[Black River Smith]

wildman1'

I use an original Ideal reloading tool.  See link to ebay.  I will admit I did not pay these prices back in early 90's.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-1884-Ideal-38-40-caliber-bullet-mold-reloading-tool-combo-/322121599592?hash=item4afff18a68:g:01AAAOSw7ehXReWJ


editted on 5/30/16.  Just looked closely at the first link I posted and noticed that the bullet mold had been drilled out, so I deleted that one.

[Ranch 13]

The RCBS 180 works well.
http://www.buffaloarms.com/RCBS_Bullet_Moulds_it-162468.aspx?CAT=4124

[Black River Smith]

Why not try the Lee 401-175-TC just to get you started.  I am sure it will be the cheapest approach.


Guess should have asked what are you putting these in - a pistol or rifle?  What is the bore measuring out to be, 401 or larger?

[wildman1]

Thanks for all the replies.
BRS it is going in a Colt Lightning, I don't have it in hand yet. It is supposed to be here tomorrow. I will have to slug the bore to see what it size would be best. I'm thinking that a .401 would probably work as the bullets will be relatively soft as I plan on shooting BP in it. My first 38/40. wM1
I would really like to get my grubby little paws on one of those Ideal molds but that will have to wait for a while. The only Ideal mold I have is for a 32/40, casts a real nice bullet. Too bad I don't have anything to use em in. wM1
PS Rifle made in 1891.

[w44wcf]

[Ranch 13]

The original Ideal bullet is a good one, but it doesn't feed and cycle as well thru my Marlin as does the RCBS bullet. They both carry the same amount of lube, and using a good lube, fouling isn't a problem especially when combined with the excellent Olde Eynsford 2f powder.

[rbertalotto]

RCBS 180g is just about perfect!

[wildman1]

RB if you are going to Tristate Bring a couple of bullets and I'll have a look at em.
Thanks
wM1

[Cholla Hill Tirador]

 I use an older Lyman 40143 and an RCBS 40-180-FN. The bullets weigh 177 and 192 grs. respectively and I use them in my two original '73 Winchesters, a 1902 Colt SA and a 1903 Colt Bisley.

I fire the rifles at 100 and 200 yds. and the RCBS cast bullet is a bit more accurate at the longer range. From the handguns I don't see much difference in the two.

Most of my loading is with smokeless powder, but I have loaded a pound or so of Swiss 3F with the heavier bullet. As expected, fouling accumulates fairly quickly, but it's not a big deal to me and I brush and dry swab the bore every 10 rounds or so to keep fouling under control.

The bullet from the Lyman mould would probably be just fine for most informal shooting, but if/when I use one of the old girls for deer hunting, I'll definitely use the RCBS bullet because of its heavier weight and slightly wider nose.

CHT

[wildman1]

R13 thanks. I plan on using OE and haven't decided on the mold yet. RB brought some Cowboy 38/40 rounds to TRistate and the Lightning ran fine and was very accurate. Thanks Roy. wM1

[Colt Fanning]

Hi,
I use 38-40 in blackpowder guns.  I order the 40 cal 180 grn flat point from hunters supply unsized and unlubed.  they are about .402.  Then I lubesize them with spg.  Works great and is cheap enough to avoid the trouble of casting.
regards
Colt

[Ranch 13]

Wildman, choice of lube is pretty important as you know. I like the Bullshop Nasa and Big Sky's BSC lube, either one will work great for long runs of bp loads in the wcf and similar cartridges. I give the Nasa the edge when the cartridges get longer.

[Cholla Hill Tirador]

 Here are pictures of the two bullets I use in my 38-40's. The bullet on the left is from a Lyman 40143 mould (177 grs.)and the one on the right from an RCBS 40-180-FN (193 grs. ) :



 It's a shame this cartridge is typically relegated to close range use such as in CAS. My old '73's both shoot quite well as far out as 200 yds. The 1890 productions sights are conveniently on at 100, 150 and 200 and one only need use the steps in the rear sight elevator to be "on" at any of these three ranges. The '86 pictured below is sighted at 100 yds. with the original sights and 200 with the tang sight.





 CHT

[Montana Slim]

For BP loads, I'd look hard at the big lube offerings.
I have one for my 44's and one I use for various 38's (38 SW, .38 Spl, etc).

Also recommend holding off until you get a chance to look at the new rifle's bore, clean it very well & then "slug" it.

Good one on your new purchase!!
Lightning's are fun & have shot my Pa's 38 WCF with great delight. Very accurate & reliable when you know how to work it. His has a beautiful relined 26" barrel & shoots like a dream, too. Unfortunately he's not into BP anymore.....unless his iron runs low on ammo or has a malfunction & he's stuck shootin' mine ..hehe. Oh...I see he's working on a 44 WCF Lightning now, so I hope it has a good bore & he needs loan of my ammo.

humorous "Dig" intended to my friends at Colt Defense for "WCF" nomenclature rather than Colt's preference for 44-40, 38-40, etc.

Slim

[Black River Smith]

Wildman1,

Send you 2 PM's about this mold topic.

Good luck.