Which bullet do you reload and why?

[Coldin Callous]

New to CAS, several matches under my belt. Even newer to reloading. Loaded my first 40 rounds over the weekend, and all went bang. I used 125 gr RNFP and 158 gr RNFP .38's on top of IMR Trailboss. I've since loaded the same bullets over some Titegroup and HP-38 because I found load data for those bullets weights and thought I'd experiment. I have not shot the Titegroup or HP-38 loads yet but the Trailboss loads seemed to work fine. I definately like the trailboss better as a new reloader as I can see it easier in the case before I seat the bullet. I notice there are many different bullet weights and shapes that are available for CAS. Where I am running into issues is I can't find load data for the " Truncated cone, Round nose, ect." I know it's out there because I see it being shot. I have the Lyman manual, Speer, and Lee will be here tomorrow. Is one bullet preferable than the other and why? And where can I find load data specific to CAS and lead bullets? Breif background if it helps with responses. I have Ruger Vaqueros in .357/.38, and a Uberti 1873.  Thanks!

[Shotgun Franklin]

Look for the Truncated Cone' as the RNFP. Unless you're really pushing the limits on top velocity loads, all bullets of the same material, such as lead, of the same weight will do just fine with the same powder and primer. Heavier bullets tend to shoot higher and lighter bullets tend to shoot lower. I shoot 200 gr bullets in my .45s because they shoot closest to point of aim.

[Coldin Callous]

Thanks for the reply. What about COL? Would the case overall length be the same for different bullet shapes of the same weight?

[Johnny McCrae]

My 1866 Uberti Yellow Boy in .38 special is a finicky about overall length. I use a special 147 grain bullet from Moulton Lead in Vermont in my 1866. Here is Moulton's website http://www.moultonlead.com/  The 147 grain bullet makes for a longer COL (1.555") and it has been trouble free. I shoot 158 grain bullets in my .38 Special !873 SAA's. I use Trail Boss for everything including .45 Colt and .45-70 Govt.

[Jefro]

Howdy js22, for the .38 most of us use 125gr TC, my OAL is 1.423 with RNFP. For the .45 I use 200gr RNFP. Any reloading data for RNFP will apply to the TC bullet. OAL will vary with different bullets and weights, I always crimp in the crimp groove, at our velocities the OAL is not as critical. Hodgon Load Data Center has plenty of info, check page 30 of the Download Data Manual for CAS loads. I use Red Dot for smokeless (3.3gr for .38), there is limited data in thier Cowboy Load section so I call them if I have a question. Although I shoot BP most of the time, I still load plenty of smokeless (passing fad powder) for the little lady and 45acp. Good Luck.
http://www.hodgdon.com/
http://www.hodgdon.com/PDF/Hodgdon%20Basic%20Manual.pdf
http://www.alliantpowder.com/
http://www.reloadammo.com/

Jefro

[Curley Cole]

I have been reloading since about 19and70. I have settled on the following for my CAS needs:

45lc:
205gr rnfp BearCreek bullet over Unique powder

38sp:
158gr rnfp BearCreek bullet over Bullseye powder.

I believe BC's moly coated bullets are best thing since sliced bread. clean shooting clean loading.
powder I have used since dirt was clean...just don't like change.
I find that a heavier bullet shoots flatter for me.
just my 2cents

curley

[N40W111]

I use 158 gr. LSWC's in .38 Special because my Rossi 92 loves 'em and they're plentiful and cheap where I buy 'em.  I had to switch from 125 RNFP because of premature ejection problems.  I said premature EJECTION....   I don't have the other problem.

[cpt dan blodgett]

I get all my bullets from Billy Bullets think molykote leads to less leading.  Started stricktly 247 grain Semi Wads in 44 spec cases.  Discovered the 200 grain FP RN fed lots better in my Rossi 92, but had to be loaded in 44 mag cases.  The 44 specs flew out the top of the gun as they were a little too short.  A problem I never experienced with the longer 247 semi wads.

I use Billy Bullets because the price is good, he has like $9 flat rate shipping, you call order the bullets, he gives you a price and ships the bullets before your check gets there in the mail.  Hope no one ever burns him as I like his way of doing business.