X-Metal makes some fine bullets, and they used to make a 147 grain 357 diameter bullet for the 38 Spl and 357 Magnum. In essence it is a 147 gr 9mm bullet, cast a bit bigger.
I like that you can set the OAL and then crimp into the bullet shank. The Hi-Tek coating is tough, and does a fantastic job of preventing any leading. It can be driven a bit facter than a uncoated cast bullet, but for my application, shooting Cowboy Action, velocity is kept low.
Using these for reloading is also a bit safer I assume, because there is no exposed lead.
X-Metal did not have enough sales to support the the production of some of the products, so they discontinued them. In fact about half of their original product line has been discontinued. IMHO this is a typical short sighted bean counter move, looks good on paper but in reality is the path to obscurity.
I've tried to contact X-Metal, but I am but a single voice, here is my last email to them. The email I set a few months ago was unanswered.
"This is not my first time contacted you concerning this, but in my quest for a nearly perfect bullet for my 38 Spl and 357 Mag guns I discovered your 357-147 bullet. I used a few thousand and then I couldn't find any more.
I don't think you appreciate how well this bullet worked. It can be loaded long in the 38 Spl and short in the 357 Mag. I found it accurate and leading was not an issue. I have found other bullets for most of my 38/357 ammo, but for my 1866 rifle, it is the only bullet that works without jamming or leading.
In our small club we have less than 20 shooters, but 3 of us use that bullet.
I'll steal a line from Ronald Regan and take a bit of poetic license with it as well.
X-Metal, bring back the 357-147 bullet for us Cowboys. "
