Author Topic: cast bullet in 358jdj  (Read 556 times)

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Offline 358jdj

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cast bullet in 358jdj
« on: January 11, 2007, 06:31:12 AM »
Why is it that a cast load in a 35 Whelen is supposed to be great, yet when you ask about a cast bullet loading in the 358jdj, people act like I am crazy?  Is the neck to short???

Has anyone else ever considered using a cast bullet in the 358jdj?  SKS does not have any load data for cast.  Does anyone have a starting point?

Offline Graybeard

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Re: cast bullet in 358jdj
« Reply #1 on: January 11, 2007, 06:54:30 AM »
The neck is NOT too short. I'm not sure if 250s would work or not and I'm pretty sure heavier might be too long but anything up to that should do fine. For load data cast bullets generally give lower pressures than jacketed bullets of equal weight so you can use jacketed bullet data for equal or slightly heavier bullets as your starting point.

Nothing at all wrong with using cast in your .358 JDJ. I'd recommend one with as wide a meplat as possible for hunting but there is no reason not to use them in it.


Bill aka the Graybeard
President, Graybeard Outdoor Enterprises
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I am not a lawyer and do not give legal advice.

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Offline jhalcott

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Re: cast bullet in 358jdj
« Reply #2 on: January 11, 2007, 08:39:30 AM »
  what Bill said! Does your barrel have a break? That COULD cause a problem or 2. The problem using cast in the 358JDJ is the pressure curve. BUT IF THE BULLET FITS and the lube is good you should not have a problem. For high speed loads I'd use a gas check. Think of your 358JDJ as a 358 winchester just not as strong. 250 grain bullets at modest velocity are great plinking loads.Punching paper or tin cans with jacketed ammo gets pricey quick. I shoot some cast pistol (357,358 dia) bullets in my 35 REM and 358JDJ for grins. I just have to remove the break on the 358JDJ

Offline 358jdj

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Re: cast bullet in 358jdj
« Reply #3 on: January 11, 2007, 09:10:52 AM »
Thanks for the comments and suggestions.  I am feeling better.  BTW, my 358 jdj supper 14 does not have a break.  After reading your ideas I may try a 200 grain, FP with gas check.  Per Graybeard's article, I have been shooting 225 grain BT.  It is kinda pricey to shoot with that bullet.  Accuracy is good, but the recoil is, shall we say "severe" (at least by my book).  I would trade 50 yards of range for a little milder recoil if I can come up with a 200 yard big game thumper.

If anyone else has ideas, my mind is still open.  Thanks...

Offline jhalcott

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Re: cast bullet in 358jdj
« Reply #4 on: January 13, 2007, 09:05:05 AM »
  Some body is running a "group buy" for a 200-220 grain flat nose Lee mold right now! I am considering crying and begging the wife to let ME get one ! I figure if it works for the grand kids, why not for me!

Offline chazgin

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Cast bullet group buy
« Reply #5 on: January 13, 2007, 04:25:55 PM »
Can you post a link to the group buy? I'm interested in getting one. thanks

Offline jhalcott

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Re: cast bullet in 358jdj
« Reply #6 on: January 13, 2007, 05:48:20 PM »
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/
just scroll down to "group buys". Those guys do a lot of these for different molds, gas checks and even liquid alox!