Laser-cast load data?

mutski · February 11, 2007, 04:26 PM

I just bought some Oregon Trail .38 caliber 158 gr Laser-Cast SWCs. Can I use the "158-grain Lead Bullet" load data from my Lee's Modern Reloading, or are these bullets harder than the usual lead bullet, and I need to look elsewhere for numbers? Also, am I correct in assuming the crimp should go in the top groove in the straight-sided part of the bullet, the groove above the lubrication? Thanks for any help!

Ifishsum · February 12, 2007, 04:51 AM

The data you have for 158 gr will work fine - it's more about friction than hardness. You are correct about the crimp groove. Good luck!

mutski · February 12, 2007, 02:00 PM

Thanks! I also talked to an experienced reloader at the range who says he uses the lead bullet data for .45 acp. I'll give it a shot (

) this afternoon!

The Real Wyatt · February 12, 2007, 08:52 PM

I've shot thousands of those bullets.

I use a +P load (my gun is up to it) of 3.8 grains of Bullseye with the bullet for an excellent round. Shoots straight and hits hard.

I buy Oregon Trail Laser Cast bullets almost exclusively for all my handgun rounds.

Crosshair · February 13, 2007, 12:53 AM

I use lead bullet data with no problems. Just use the same caution that you would for any new load.

February 11, 2007, 04:26 PM	#1
mutski Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 2006 Location: fairbanks, alaska Posts: 127	Laser-cast load data? I just bought some Oregon Trail .38 caliber 158 gr Laser-Cast SWCs. Can I use the "158-grain Lead Bullet" load data from my Lee's Modern Reloading, or are these bullets harder than the usual lead bullet, and I need to look elsewhere for numbers? Also, am I correct in assuming the crimp should go in the top groove in the straight-sided part of the bullet, the groove above the lubrication? Thanks for any help!

February 13, 2007, 12:53 AM	#5
Crosshair Senior Member Join Date: December 16, 2004 Location: Grand Forks, ND Posts: 5,333	I use lead bullet data with no problems. Just use the same caution that you would for any new load. __________________ I don't carry a gun to go looking for trouble, I carry a gun in case trouble finds me.

February 12, 2007, 04:51 AM	#2
Ifishsum Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2005 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,033	The data you have for 158 gr will work fine - it's more about friction than hardness. You are correct about the crimp groove. Good luck!

February 12, 2007, 02:00 PM	#3
mutski Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 2006 Location: fairbanks, alaska Posts: 127	Thanks! I also talked to an experienced reloader at the range who says he uses the lead bullet data for .45 acp. I'll give it a shot ( ) this afternoon!

February 12, 2007, 08:52 PM	#4
The Real Wyatt Senior Member Join Date: July 10, 2006 Location: South Central KY Posts: 339	I've shot thousands of those bullets. I use a +P load (my gun is up to it) of 3.8 grains of Bullseye with the bullet for an excellent round. Shoots straight and hits hard. I buy Oregon Trail Laser Cast bullets almost exclusively for all my handgun rounds.