I'm on two group buys. One is over two years old. I have been on a few others and dropped out...those buys of course have closed and the molds delivered.
It it looks like here recently more molds are being made than I've seen the last few years so maybe he has ramped up production.
I'm glad it worked for you.
The smoke is most likely from the lubricant used with cast bullets.
I like seeing the puff of smoke from my pistol and rifle cast loads.
I agree with everything billybob said except I would like to add that you want your lead bullet to be 0.001+ over you cylinder throats and your barrel groove diameter 0.001" under your cylinder throats.
Being that you have a older well made revolver your chances are good that this...
Good shooting. I'm glad the ammo and rifle worked so well for you.
Now we need a picture of you with a deer or random coyote that tried slipping by you while this rifle was in you hands!
Autocomp is in between HS6 and CFE Pistol on the burn rate chart. One step slower than HS6.
There are loads given here with autocomp for the 240 semiwadcutter.
Set your sights on pistol reloading data | Hodgdon Reloading
I have use cfe pistol in 44 mag with good luck. You should be able to...
Jason (Broom_jm) is a stand up guy here on INGO and in person. His knowledge of reloading and deer management has been extremely helpful to me and many other members.
He is not "trolling".
Here is a source for a front sight blank.
Factory-style Pin-in Front Sight Blank [P406] - $16.95 : + Bowen Classic Arms +, Parts Store
This will allow you to shoot point of aim with heavier bullets, that is if it's a problem.
I bet Jesse at JES could get you setup in about two weeks.
Home - Reboring by J E S
he did a great job on my savage 11 308 to 358 conversion. His prices are fair and work is excellent.
Fixed or adjustable sights? The factory fixed sight seem to shoot too high with a bullet heavy enough for hunting (160-180 grain). Have you shot any heavy bullets through this ruger yet?
Roll crimp in a crimp groove or cannelure (sp).
I haven't had a problem with my starline cases splitting. I expand my cases for 0.361" cast bullets for my marlin 1894c. My loads are pretty top end with lil gun.
I dont know why your cases would be splitting. What brand and age of brass?
What bullet or shooting application (hunting or target shooting)? Your question is so broad it will be hard for anyone to get you an answer that helps.