Loading 357 sig on a 550..

[borged]

OK... first question.. has anyone tried to interchange the shell plates and "buttons" on a 550 to "make" the 357 sig conversion kit you can buy?

I currently load 40sw and 9mm, and have the complete kits for them. As I see it on the Dillon’s web site, you need shell plate #5 (same as 9mm) and buttons #2 (same as 40sw) to make the 357 sig kit.. (my 9mm powder funnel is also the same required by Dillon’s chart)... has anyone been loading 357 sig in this manner?

http://www.dillonhelp.com/rl550benglish/cal_conv_chart.htm

2nd... I am looking for good / not too expensive dies... I can get a new set of lee's steel dies for about $25-30 locally (need the case lube too)... anyone had any issues or bad experiences with the lee dies?

Thanks for any input!...

borged

 

[ReloaderFred]

I can't answer your question concerning the parts for a 550, since the only Dillon equipment I own is their powder measure, case trimmer and a couple of die sets, including the carbide 357 Sig dies.

I'll comment on the shell plate, because the 357 Sig uses the same shellholder as .40 S&W and 10mm. A 9mm shellholder (or plate in your case) won't allow the 357 Sig case to fit into the slots. I have a Hornady Pro-Jector and I use my 10mm shell plate for loading 357 Sig rounds on it.

The other end of the case, the case mouth portion, would require 9mm sizer buttons, but a 9mm die won't fit over the case.

As for lubricating cases, it's best to lubricate any bottlenecked case when sizing, whether it's rifle or pistol. I lubricate my 357 Sig, even when using the carbide sizer die, as it's much easier on the brass that way. I tumble in untreated corncob to remove the lube, prior to priming and loading.

I've got a couple of Lee die sets, but the first thing I do is replace the lock rings with either Hornady or RCBS lock rings and throw the Lee rings away. The Lee dies will size farther down the case, as they aren't bevelled at the die mouth. This is a good feature, especially with the higher pressure rounds like .38 Super and 357 Sig. The dies are the only Lee equipment I own. I load for 27 different calibers and have dies from most of the major companies. Each has it's good points and some have their bad points.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[caz223]

There's nothing magic about the conversion kit.
If you have the 9mm/.40/10mm shell plate, the 9mm powder funnel, and the .40/10mm locator buttons, you ALREADY HAVE the conversion kit you need, unless, like me, you use the deluxe quick change kits in each caliber.
THAT's a fast caliber change.
9mm to .40 as as fast as you can swap complete toolheads, hook up the failsafe rod and swap 3 locator buttons.