9mm-38 super-38 special crimp

[cundiff5535]

Looking for some advice on crimp dies in regard to taper crimp...

I am really liking Redding does, so I am going to get a few new crimp dies... I need both 9mm and 38 super/super comp.

Can I use a Redding 9mm or 38sp/357 crimp die vs the 38 super... for 38 super? Reason I am asking is because I have a gift card to amazon and the 38 super isn’t there. Only the 9mm or 38sp.

Thoughts on this?

 

[AICS308]

Semi-autos will use a taper crimp die while 38 SP and .357 use what I call a roll crimp die. You should not mix the two.

 

[watercam]

Lee makes excellent crimp dies in both configurations if Redding is OOS.

 

[Dave Berg]

Can I use a Redding 9mm or 38sp/357 crimp die vs the 38 super... for 38 super?

Shouldn't. The 38 Super headspaces on the case mouth so you want a taper crimp die. The 38 Special headspaces on the rim and normally a roll crimp die is used. The 9mm is a different diameter.

Having said that, you could probably make the 9mm work on the 38 Super as I know guys who do. Some manufacturers even sell a combination 9mm/38 Super crimp die.

 

[AICS308]

I load both 9 and 38 Super and use the same bullet for both. I also use separate taper dies. It is possible to use one die for both with a shim or something (don't remember for sure) to account for the longer case of the 38 Super.

 

[Uncle Ed]

Semi-autos will use a taper crimp die while 38 SP and .357 use what I call a roll crimp die. You should not mix the two.

When I shoot lite loads with plated bullets in my revolvers I use a taper crimp die. If a roll crimp is used on a plated bullet it is possible to break through the thin copper plating. This saves you from adjusting and exparamenting with your roll crimp die and moving the perfect roll crimp setting.

Redding Reloading 38 Spec/357 Mag Taper Crimp Die #85282
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017OAQ66/?tag=accuratescom-20

 

[riflewoman]

To properly crimp the rounds you really need specific dies for the caliber your loading. You might be able to “cobble something up” and make a 38 Special die function, but the results will be less than satisfactory over the long haul. The Super has a case length of .895 and the Soecial has a case length of 1.155. So a Special die just won’t work, unless you modify it...

reloaders are frugal, but this may be a bit too far.

 

[AICS308]

When I shoot lite loads with plated bullets in my revolvers I use a taper crimp die. If a roll crimp is used on a plated bullet it is possible to break through the thin copper plating. This saves you from adjusting and exparamenting with your roll crimp die and moving the perfect roll crimp setting.

Redding Reloading 38 Spec/357 Mag Taper Crimp Die #85282
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017OAQ66/?tag=accuratescom-20

Good information. It's been about 40 years since I last loaded for revolvers. Now mostly 38 Super with a few 9mm and .40.

 

[JackT]

If you are reloading for both calibers do your self a favor and buy a taper crimp die for each caliber. Once you get the dies set up and delivering the consistent quality you need, lock it down tight, mark the die component with a marker and never look back unless something seems to change that may warrant taking a look. I have been reloading both calibers for a while and while I may change bullets or powder/charge, I never need to change the die setting.

 

[Hoser]

If your bullets have a cannelure, either type crimp works. For heavy recoiling calibers, a healthy roll crimp is good. If not, a taper crimp works fine.

For the most part, neck tension prevents bullet set back.

Several companies make custom bell dies that can add/remove tension.

44 and 454 are the only two handgun calibers that I roll crimp.