I'm new to casting and I'm looking to duplicate the old FBI .38+P load of a 158gr SWCHP but can't find a mold to do that in. Does it have to be cast or are the hollow points added to the bullets later? How can I add HP's to my revolver self defense loads?

You can use a 1/16 inch drill and then a 1/8 inch drill to open the hollow points mouth part way larger ! Hollow points don't work well below 1000fps ! I think Lyman still makes a hollow point mould also ! I would use soft lead alloy !JAGG

Either way. There are HP moulds, but they're slow and somewhat of a pain to cast with. You can HP an existing mould, but will probably cost more than it's worth. Scrounge ebay for moulds.

Somebody, I think maybe Forster, makes a jig so that you can do this to existing bullets with their case trimmer.

For occasional use, or carry, it'd probably be cheaper and less trouble to just buy a box of what you want. Look around, someone is bound to have the ammo ready to go.

Lee also lists a hp mold (I have one) it throws a 155gr bullet w/ wheel weights, so I would guess it is close to 158 w/ softer alloy.. Marty

For occasional use, or carry, it'd probably be cheaper and less trouble to just buy a box of what you want. Look around, someone is bound to have the ammo ready to go."Roger that", Mike.