I've been reloading 38 special rounds for range use with standard cast lead 158 gr SWC from rimrockbullets.net.
http://www.rimrockbullets.net/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7&products_id=147
At $33 per 500, that's $0.06 per bullet. But with shipping, it comes near $50 which is $0.10 per bullet.
Now, to load 357 magnum rounds in medium to full strength, I am getting the impression that I need something different to avoid excessive leading of the barrel -- either hard cast, gas checked, or jacketed. The rim rock gas checked version of that bullet runs $18.50 per hundred, or $0.185 per bullet, plus shipping -- which puts it in the ballpark of $0.22 or more per bullet. Their hard cast runs $59.95 per 500 bullets, or $0.12 per bullet -- or around $0.16 per bullet with shipping.
I see that cheaperthandirt.com has Winchester jacketed hollow points (125 gr) for $13.33 per hundred, plus shipping, which would probably come out close to the price of the Rim Rock hard cast bullet.
Is there a better (cheaper but decent) option for bullets for 357 magnum pressure levels, for range use? Maybe something local (Gwinnett county or Atlanta area) that would eliminate the shipping cost?
I suspect it would be cheaper in the long run to cast my own bullets, once I invest in the equipment. But I'm not wanting to go that far yet.
Thanks
http://www.rimrockbullets.net/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7&products_id=147
At $33 per 500, that's $0.06 per bullet. But with shipping, it comes near $50 which is $0.10 per bullet.
Now, to load 357 magnum rounds in medium to full strength, I am getting the impression that I need something different to avoid excessive leading of the barrel -- either hard cast, gas checked, or jacketed. The rim rock gas checked version of that bullet runs $18.50 per hundred, or $0.185 per bullet, plus shipping -- which puts it in the ballpark of $0.22 or more per bullet. Their hard cast runs $59.95 per 500 bullets, or $0.12 per bullet -- or around $0.16 per bullet with shipping.
I see that cheaperthandirt.com has Winchester jacketed hollow points (125 gr) for $13.33 per hundred, plus shipping, which would probably come out close to the price of the Rim Rock hard cast bullet.
Is there a better (cheaper but decent) option for bullets for 357 magnum pressure levels, for range use? Maybe something local (Gwinnett county or Atlanta area) that would eliminate the shipping cost?
I suspect it would be cheaper in the long run to cast my own bullets, once I invest in the equipment. But I'm not wanting to go that far yet.
Thanks
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