differences between loading .357 and .38

[seeking_coyotes]

I have always loaded and shot .357 in my .357 blackhawk. I bid on 1,000 used cases of .38 on gunbroker and won. I have never loaded .38 but my RCBS carbide dies say they are for both calibers. Do I just load the .38 bullets the same way I have dine my .357 bullets or should I do something different?

 

[GLShooter]

Load the same. Adjust the powder to what the books say. Don't use magnum primers. Piece of cake.

Greg

 

[rcmodel]

differences between loading .357 and .38

About 10.0 grains per powder charge.

Other then that they are the same.

The sizing die adjustment is the same.
The belling and seating dies will need to be backed out .135".

rc

 

[howlnmad]

The RCBS dies should have come with a spacer. This is placed between the die and press to change the height from 38 to 357.

 

[gamestalker]

Resize die is the same. Belling the mouth and seating/crimp die need adjusting in porportion to case length varince.

 

[mbopp]

I've got 5 dies in my turret press for 38 / 357. One sizer, and one expander and one crimp die for dedicated 38 or 357 cases.
I got tired of unscrewing the dies to add or remove the .135" spacer washer.

Don't be tempted to load "short magnums" in 38 cases.

 

[Walkalong]

Pressures, and powders used. Other than that, everything is the same.

Spacers work fine if you trim your brass right. I did that for years, but finally broke down and bought a second set of dies. I now use the same sizer for both, the same seater for both (Redding Competition die), with separate expanders and crimp dies. I use spacers under the crimp dies to adjust the crimp.

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=104879&d=1252256428

 

[REL1203]

I just load for 357 and call it a day, figure if the gun shoots both, might as well go with the bigger one Thats just me though, i decided when I got my 38/357 lee die set, i wasnt gonna bother with 38special in my 1 and only revolver.

 

[Hondo 60]

Lower powder charge & of course you'll have to adjust the dies to use the shorter cases.

 

[Hanshi]

With some brands of dies I've noticed the crimping shoulder doesn't touch the mouth of the shorter case. Other than that there should be no problem.

 

[seeking_coyotes]

I am using the RCBS Carbide Dies. I kinda bought the .38 brass by accident...didn't think I would win the auction. Id like to stick with .357 but I am having fun cleaning and soon redsizing it. Ill probably shoot some and give a bunch to friends.