N00b question about Lee 38/357 dies

[baz]

Still climbing the learning curve here. I've been loading and shooting 38 spl, and want to begin loading and shooting some 357 magnum. Before I do that, I have some questions about what I've been doing. I'm using the Lee Hand Press, and the instructions are probably meant for the 3 die set w/o the FC die. Being a N00b, and not having any instructions specific to the 4 die set w/ the FC die, I've been using the FC die to both seat the bullet and crimp. In other words, I've never used the regular bullet seating die.

Is that okay, or not?

My other question has to do with changing the dies to do 357. It took a few tries to get the FC die adjusted to seating the bullet to just the right depth. Of course, if I'm not supposed to be doing that, I feel stupid. But if it is okay, then my question is should I really get another set of dies to do 357? I hate the idea of having to fiddle with readjusting the bullet seating (or FC) die back and forth between 38 and 357 each time I want to change cartidges.

TIA for helping.

 

[ranger335v]

Weellll...I never even thought of trying to seat in the Lee crimper! Why not just use the seating die as it is intended and save the crimper for what it is made for? I think you will find that easier.

I don't think it's much of a problem to reset the dies between a .38 and .357 but, if you don't want to do it, another set of dies is the only answer!

 

[Bacchus]

Good questions. I also use the 4 die sets and usually only use 3 like you mentioned--no big deal. As for your second question, you can use the same dies, but you will have to readjust them each time. If you find an easier way, let me know...

 

[Eljay]

If you are using the same bullets the seating will be the same only the crimp will change between 357 and 38. On all my Lee dies (12 sets) I screw the seat stem all the way in and draw line with a marker from the stem to the die body. When screwing the stem out to set seating depth I count the turns it takes to get the seat right and record that number for that brand and style of bullet. When changing bullets, screw the stem all the way in, and back out correct number of turns and your done, the crimp never changes much. When you find your crimp adjustments for 38 and 357 count the threads (or measure) to the lock nut, you may have to tweek a little, but you will be close.

 

[baz]

Thanks for a couple of quick, helpful answers. On using the bullet seating die, and the FC die, remember that I am using a hand press, so adding another stage to the process is not trivial. If there is nothing wrong with seating with the FC die, then I'll continue to do it that way, for now. I hope a turret press is in my future before long, though.

 

[W Turner]

I really wish some enterprising soul would make a spacer or bushing that would allow you to just insert it under the seat and crimp die when going from .38 to .357. That way you wouldn't have to fool with couting turns or any of that other stuff.



Hmmm, a trip to the hardware store may be in order...


W

 

[Quoheleth]

As someone in the same boat, but currently only works on .38s, would a large lock-washer or even a couple of flat washers work here?

 

[The Bushmaster]

Am I missing domething here? All my .38 Special dies do .357 magnum too. Why even the die has written on it .38/.357. I may have missed something here, but what...Washer? For Lee dies so you can do .357 magnum? Have you concidered adjusting the dies for .357 magnum? I have two sets of .38/.357...One set for .38 special and the other set for .357 magnum...

Now I am using a Lee turret press...But I thought that the hand set used the same dies...

 

[baz]

Bushmaster,

Sure, the die is the same for either cartridge. But the cartidge lengths are different. I haven't tried to load 357 yet, so maybe I'm maybe I'm worrying about nothing, but I'm thinking that if I do not turn top nob that adjusts the seating depth out to allow for the longer cartridge length of the 357, that it will seat the bullet too deep. Is that not right?

 

[ranger335v]

...thinking that if I do not turn top nob that adjusts the seating depth out to allow for the longer cartridge length of the 357, that it will seat the bullet too deep. Is that not right?

Not really. You will just reach the stopping point of ram travel sooner when the longer cartridge hits the top of the die.

 

[SSN Vet]

I give.

can't see what the problem is.

I reload .38 special and .357 mag with the same Lee 4-die set and I just follow the insturctions provided with the dies whenever I switch over.

 

[baz]

I give.

can't see what the problem is.

I reload .38 special and .357 mag with the same Lee 4-die set and I just follow the insturctions provided with the dies whenever I switch over.

Instructions? I didn't get instructions with the dies.

 

[joneb]

I use a RCBS Rock Chucker press and RCBS dies for .38spl/ .357mag. the die set came with a washer for loading magnum cases. The washer is is not needed for the size/decap die, but is used with the case bell and seat/crimp die. This is the same with the RCBS .44spl/.44mag dies.
When I trim my cases the difference in length between spl. and mag. cases is equal to the thickness of the washer.

 

[SASS#23149]

jibjab beat me to it on the RCBS spacers.They work with Lee dies as well.Call RCBS ,I'll bet they arent' very expensive,and you only buy them once anyway
Call RCBS Customer Service at
1-800-533-5000 .
I could not find them on their site,but I know I have gotten them from RCBS in the past.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Baz...Send me your e-mail address and I'll send you a copy of the instructions.

By the way...Just how did you adjust the seating plug in the first place...??

 

[baz]

Bushmaster,

I've PM'd you my email address.

By the way...Just how did you adjust the seating plug in the first place...??

Trial and error.