The_Antibubba
Member
I want to load both calibers. I know one set of dies allows me to do both, but I can't remember which set.
Lee dies--.38 or .357?
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Wildfire
Member
.357
Hey there;
Not sure what dies you have . But, most are in .357 and use a spacer ring to raise them up for the .38s.
Hey there;
Not sure what dies you have . But, most are in .357 and use a spacer ring to raise them up for the .38s.
71Commander
Member
Wouldn't that be the other way around
I use the spacer rings to load my 357's.Seafarer12
Member
The 357 only would be too long. Most dies are 38/357 you just thread the dies shallow for 357's.
Z-Michigan
Member
I have the Lee dies marked .38 Spl and reload both. The instructions with the dies say something about turning the dies more for .357 (I'm usually loading .38). I've had no problems with the dies. I did find that at least with this caliber, seat the bullet and crimp in two separate steps to avoid crushing cases and bullets from trying to combine both.
FWIW, I also bought the Lee factory crimp die for 38/357 and am now using it, but I don't think it works any better than the crimping shoulder on the seater die. I use it because I have the Lee breech-lock bushing system, and having a separate crimp die lets me leave all four dies adjusted properly for .38 Spl without adjusting for each reloading session. You could get the same result by buying a spare seater die (or the non-FCD "improved crimp die).
FWIW, I also bought the Lee factory crimp die for 38/357 and am now using it, but I don't think it works any better than the crimping shoulder on the seater die. I use it because I have the Lee breech-lock bushing system, and having a separate crimp die lets me leave all four dies adjusted properly for .38 Spl without adjusting for each reloading session. You could get the same result by buying a spare seater die (or the non-FCD "improved crimp die).
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
If you buy .38 Spl. specific dies, you can load .357 with them also by either using a spacer ring, or re-adjusting them.
You cannot load .38 Spl. with .357 specific dies because the seater / crimp die is 1/10" too long.
I do understand that some die companies now make combination dies that load both calibers.
They are in effect, really just .38 Spl. dies marked .38/.357.
rcmodel
You cannot load .38 Spl. with .357 specific dies because the seater / crimp die is 1/10" too long.
I do understand that some die companies now make combination dies that load both calibers.
They are in effect, really just .38 Spl. dies marked .38/.357.
rcmodel
RCBS has a nice carbide .38/.357 die 3 die set with roll crimp with a 1/10" spacer for .357mag without messing readjusting the die (too much) and Lee should also have a .38/.357 die kit with spacer and the factory crimp die.
With a .38 die set all you have to do is adjust the flare and crimp die 1/10" higher up when loading .357mag instead of .38's . Run the sizer die full length of the shell.
You will have to trim the cases all even length to get a consistent roll crimp.
With a .38 die set all you have to do is adjust the flare and crimp die 1/10" higher up when loading .357mag instead of .38's . Run the sizer die full length of the shell.
You will have to trim the cases all even length to get a consistent roll crimp.
brentwal
Member
I use one set of dies for .38spl (RCBS w/Lee FCD) and one for .357mag (Lee 4 piece deluxe set), less hassles that way.
Seafarer12
Member
What is the hassle with unscrewing a die a few turns to load 357's. I would rather spend the money on componets than buy dies I don't need.
I am new on this site, so my first post.
My response is regarding Lee dies. From your question it appears that you are asking about Lee Dies in particular.
To load both .38 Special and .357 Magnum you would want the .38 Special Set. The Lee part number for the Carbide 3 Die Set is 90510 or the Deluxe Carbide 4 Die Set is 90964.
The major difference between the 2 calibers is the powder drop funnel length for expanding the case mouth and to actuate the Auto-Disk Powder Measure. The .38 Special set can be adjusted for either cartridge.
Hope this is of some use.
My response is regarding Lee dies. From your question it appears that you are asking about Lee Dies in particular.
To load both .38 Special and .357 Magnum you would want the .38 Special Set. The Lee part number for the Carbide 3 Die Set is 90510 or the Deluxe Carbide 4 Die Set is 90964.
The major difference between the 2 calibers is the powder drop funnel length for expanding the case mouth and to actuate the Auto-Disk Powder Measure. The .38 Special set can be adjusted for either cartridge.
Hope this is of some use.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
Since I'm using a Lee Turret Press I bought a Deluxe set of both .38 Special and .357 Magnum dies and mounted them on their own turret. I know it's being a little lazy but with limited time to reload it's very easy to switch the turret and load.. (not that it takes all that much time to re-adjust the dies) If the dies were as expensive as RCBS I would have stuck with 1 die set for both but since they are only $30 each it wasn't that hard to do.
zxcvbob
Member
Lee dies don't come with the spacer.
I scrounged up an aluminum spacer from an old disk drive that looked about right; I was gonna sand it down to the right thickness, and just by accident it was already perfect. I seat and crimp at the same time, and with the spacer I don't have to readjust anything. (however, I have gotten really fast at readjusting the die when I change bullets or something).
The expander die is really quick to adjust anyway, and you don't have adjust the sizing die.
I scrounged up an aluminum spacer from an old disk drive that looked about right; I was gonna sand it down to the right thickness, and just by accident it was already perfect. I seat and crimp at the same time, and with the spacer I don't have to readjust anything. (however, I have gotten really fast at readjusting the die when I change bullets or something).
The expander die is really quick to adjust anyway, and you don't have adjust the sizing die.
nambu1
Member
I load both with my Lee dies. I just have to reset the seating die.
Wildfire
Member
Every once in a while.
Hey there;
I some times say things back wards . The spacer ring is for the .357. Sorry about that.
I use the RCBS dies, but never mess with the ring. Just turn the die in more.
Thanks for catching me .
Hey there;
I some times say things back wards . The spacer ring is for the .357. Sorry about that.
I use the RCBS dies, but never mess with the ring. Just turn the die in more.
Thanks for catching me .
sig228
Member
Get Two Sets
Like someone else said, get two sets. Lee dies are relatively inexpensive. Getting them set right is not just about "turning the screw a few times".
You will appreciate the time savings and ability to quickly swap the turrets.
Like someone else said, get two sets. Lee dies are relatively inexpensive. Getting them set right is not just about "turning the screw a few times".
You will appreciate the time savings and ability to quickly swap the turrets.
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