new to lead reloading

[woodchopper]

Well since I have had no luck in finding .361 bullets for my 38 S&W I ended up with a big box of cast lead .357 bullets. The are all a little oversized and should work well.

Now loading Hornady lead bullets, do you need lube on the lead or gas checks

I've never loaded anything but jacketed bullets.

 

[stocker]

Woodchopper: Are these a plain based bullet with no step to accept a gas check? If no diameter step at the bottom no check should be used. I haven't seen these Hornady bullets. Do they have a knurled surface? If so, they should have been factory lubed but you could lube them with lee Liquid Alox if you are in doubt. Have you tried slugging your bore to see what diameter it actually is? Normally .001 to .002 larger is the ticket but you may get away with what you have if they are pure lead and can slug up a bit on firing.

 

[woodchopper]

factory knurled, no step or groove.

barrel was slugged and it was .361

loads will be kept nice and mild, my enfield pistols are dated 1931 and 1932, and are top breaks

 

[kodiak1]

Sounds like you don't have bullets for GC. As stocker stated lube more with Alox if you want more, The bullets should have a waxy film on them that is the factory lube they use. I THINK IT IS CRAP but it does work.
How hard are these bullets 20 to 1? If that is what they are or a little softer they may plump up when you shoot them.
Good Luck Ken.