My first post in this sub forum, just gathering materials to start casting for the first time. Apologies in advance for the newbie questions..

I found this old Ideal single cavity mold for $25. My intention was to use it to cast for an S&W 27-2 .357/.38spl.
From what I've been reading tonight online I'm less convinced that this mold is 'ideal' for this application.

Your opinion?

That’s a very old design without the more modern crimp groove. It will work in the 357 for the short N frame cylinder if you crimp over the front band. It may even have a short enough nose to work with the crimp in the top lube groove if you leave it empty when you lube. It’s probably not the best design but it will probably shoot fine.

Appreciate the input, thanks

I think it is a .360 " dia meant for the old 38 S&W cartridge not the 357. Get a 358156 swc gc or a 358429 plain base which is the 168 gr swc keith style which has to be crimped over the frt drive band to fit a N frame cyl. Better yet a dbl cavity RCBS 38-150Kt is their version of a 158 gr swc that you crimp in the crimping groove and works in the N frame cyl. Mb

MB I am thinking you are correct here. Take a look at this Ideal mold catalogue from 1929. Scroll down to page 84 and the mold is the first one listed on that page.

https://castbulletassoc.org/download/Ideal%20moulds%20-%201929.pdf

You can adjust the size it drops bullets by adjusting your alloy. You may also check your throats and find that you need .359 or bigger bullets anyway. Not an ideal bullet design but I bet it will work.

Thanks TheKid. I'll cast a few and measure them before I decide to flip the mold

I'm not all that seasoned as a caster myself, but both my 1894c and my .35 rem 336 slug out in a range where .360" bullets are the ideal diameter. A bullet like the one you have there... I'd get a Lee Factory Crimp die, crimp on the front driving band, and call it a day. Have you had a chance to put any down range yet?

Mine throw .358-.359 with several different alloys and if memory serves me it is right at 150 grain. I would like to find one that casts at the advertised .360 in the light version of that bullet for my m32 Smith.

I like the looks of that mold and in spite of having Ideal molds 358101,358495, 357466, 358477, 358439,358429 I would give it a try. I would try it with both .38 Special & .357 brass.

Also, quite a few are sizing their cast bullets at .360 diameter.

If this mold does not pan out buy a Lyman 358477 and you will be happy.