As stated in a previous thread, I am looking at loading .38 & .357 mag exclusively.

I'm building my reloading kit purchase gradually, and recently came across the powder coated (PC) bullet debacle.

From what I've seen and read, I have a basic understand as to why it is done and the benefits behind it, but wanted more info on if it would be worth it for an entry level reloader who doesn't plan on shooting more than 100-200 rounds every 2-4 weeks.




Another thing I wanted to know is if I PC, should I also invest in a bullet sizing die? I have heard that it does add to the overall diameter of the bullet, depending on how many coats and how thick it is.

Powder coating is like a chemical jacket instead of copper jacket.
It is used by people who cast their own bullets.
Traditional home made bullets are lubricated with waxy stuff.
Today you have various polymer coatings that you can apply.
That's why you run across red, green, gold, blue bullets at the range now days.
I know many people that buy and use these new coated bullets with good results.
In researching good economical bullets for reloading, I discovered that high quality copper plated bullets cost about the same as coated bullets.
Personally, I like the shiny copper bling better, but I have never tried the new coated bullets either.
I think you will get good results with either type.
I recommend buying bullets since you are just starting to reload.
Making your own bullets can come later.

Powder coating is like a chemical jacket instead of copper jacket.
It is used by people who cast their own bullets.
Traditional home made bullets are lubricated with waxy stuff.
Today you have various polymer coatings that you can apply.
That's why you run across red, green, gold, blue bullets at the range now days.
I know many people that buy and use these new coated bullets with good results.
In researching good economical bullets for reloading, I discovered that high quality copper plated bullets cost about the same as coated bullets.
Personally, I like the shiny copper bling better, but I have never tried the new coated bullets either.
I think you will get good results with either type.
I recommend buying bullets since you are just starting to reload.
Making your own bullets can come later.

I already cast my own slugs, so figured might as well cast my own revolver ammo as well since I have the set up.

It is good, in that leading of the barrel is greatly reduced.  If your load is correct, and your cast bullets are good, it won't lead either.  If you wanted to push the speed and load, the coating will help alleviate leading, however there are still limits to what you can do.  If you wanted magnum loading you'd need either gas checked bullets or jacketed.  Either way is a good option, just depends on what you want to accomplish.  Lead bullets, light to medium loads, plastic coated medium to warm, jacket/gas check medium to heavy loads...

I already cast my own slugs, so figured might as well cast my own revolver ammo as well since I have the set up.

...
Did not know you casting slugs.
In that case, I suggest a lee 6cav 158 gr swc mold.
I use the 6cav lee for my 45s.
Try the new coatings and write a review.

Where can I find cheap jacketed ammo?

Almost everywhere I look, they are sold out.

Is it because I'm looking for semi-jacket hollow points?

As stated in a previous thread, I am looking at loading .38 & .357 mag

Another thing I wanted to know is if I PC, should I also invest in a bullet sizing die? I have heard that it does add to the overall diameter of the bullet, depending on how many coats and how thick it is.

..
Re. Sizer die...most molds throw as-cast several thou oversize, then you run them thru a lubresizer.
Lee claims their cast bullets are close enough to go as cast. I think this is true, as they seem to go thru my lubresizer with little effort.
There is a slight accuracy advantage in running unsized. I'm not sure why. Perhaps better bore obturation, especially with older or service grade guns.

Re. Cheap jacketed ammo...you talking about 357 mag right? Try OGC?
You would be hard pressed to find jhp 38 spec...ever since the fbi came out with that 158 lswchp nobody wants 38 jhp.

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Re. Sizer die...most molds throw as-cast several thou oversize, then you run them thru a lubresizer.
Lee claims their cast bullets are close enough to go as cast. I think this is true, as they seem to go thru my lubresizer with little effort.
There is a slight accuracy advantage in running unsized. I'm not sure why. Perhaps better bore obturation, especially with older or service grade guns.

Re. Cheap jacketed ammo...you talking about 357 mag right? Try OGC?
You would be hard pressed to find jhp 38 spec...ever since the fbi came out with that 158 lswchp nobody wants 38 jhp.

I know that the PC adds several thousands to the overall diameter, so i think it might be worth it just getting the sizing die. From what i read, the PC makes it so you don't need to lube, which many find to be a plus when sizing. I've read acceptable and preferred range is about .010 - .020 over bore diameter, but I'm not sure how much the PC will add in the end.

What I'm really concerned about is the gas check, as there are so many different opinions on of its necessary or not with PC.



I'm thinking of getting the Lee 2 cavity 158 gr SWC, just because I uses a lead ladle to cast, and 6 cavities might be a headache with my ladle. If I want hollow points, Im thinking I  could always go the DIY route and make my own using the case trimmer lathe method.

I know that the PC adds several thousands to the overall diameter, so i think it might be worth it just getting the sizing die. From what i read, the PC makes it so you don't need to lube, which many find to be a plus when sizing. I've read acceptable and preferred range is about .010 - .020 over bore diameter, but I'm not sure how much the PC will add in the end.

What I'm really concerned about is the gas check, as there are so many different opinions on of its necessary or not with PC.



I'm thinking of getting the Lee 2 cavity 158 gr SWC, just because I uses a lead ladle to cast, and 6 cavities might be a headache with my ladle. If I want hollow points, Im thinking I  could always go the DIY route and make my own using the case trimmer lathe method.

Take a look here for bullets. RMR has some nice deals.

http://rmrbullets.com/product-category/bullets-for-reloading/

The Lee 158gr SWC TL mold puts out some pretty decent bullets that are accurate in my .38 spl S&W and they are inexpensive.

Take a look here for bullets. RMR has some nice deals.

http://rmrbullets.com/product-category/bullets-for-reloading/

The Lee 158gr SWC TL mold puts out some pretty decent bullets that are accurate in my .38 spl S&W and they are inexpensive.

I picked up the 158 SWC double mold.

After doing more research, I think I'm gonna go with the cast and  PC route.

Looks like I gotta stock up on harbor freight red next time I go to Vegas 

I picked up the 158 SWC double mold.

After doing more research, I think I'm gonna go with the cast and  PC route.

Looks like I gotta stock up on harbor freight red next time I go to Vegas 

Did you pick up the tumble lube version of the mold? If so, you may wish to try that before embarking on spending money to do PC. If TL works well, you can avoid the trouble and expense of PC. I haven't tried PC  but from the looks of it, it appears just as messy as pan lubing. Of course, if you want to do PC just for the fun of it, that's a different story. I started of with TL and still use TL with my .38 spl and 45 ACP loads. I moved to pan lubing for 9mm because of leading problems.

Did you pick up the tumble lube version of the mold? If so, you may wish to try that before embarking on spending money to do PC. If TL works well, you can avoid the trouble and expense of PC. I haven't tried PC  but from the looks of it, it appears just as messy as pan lubing. Of course, if you want to do PC just for the fun of it, that's a different story. I started of with TL and still use TL with my .38 spl and 45 ACP loads. I moved to pan lubing for 9mm because of leading problems.

PC seems way easier and less messy, plus burns a lot cleaner and doesn't gunk up the dies.

All you need to do is shake up the boolits in a plastic container for a few minutes, ensure they are coated, pop them in a toaster oven and bake for 20 minutes.

I was originally going to do TL because it's faster, but I'm liking the supposed benefits of PC.