38Spl/357 Mag Dies

[Flouncer]

Is it plausible, realistic, to use a common die (or die set) for both cartridges ? Maybe one die set for both ? Given that the dies may have be adjusted when switching. Obviously using different powder loads. I have collected substantial quantities of each. They will all be shot through the same 357 revolver. Trying to limit the number of die sets I accumulate.

Thanks

 

[SSL]

Not uncommon at all. Used to be able to find precision ground washers to make swapping from .38 to .357 easy. Good idea in theory but adjustments are still needed.

 

[DGP4]

I use a lee carbide die set for both and it works perfectly. I have an older RCBS die set but I prefer using the carbide sizer/decapper die from lee.

 

[Flouncer]

Thanks both of you. . .. . . . ready to click mouse at the Midway site .. .

 

[dhagerty40]

I use one sizing die and expander for 38 spl, 357Mag and 357Max. I cheat though and use a separate seating die for each.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

I have a ground washer, die set for 38. Add washer under die, ready for 357.

 

[243Lapua]

My RCBS die came with a washer.

 

[Bill K]

As mentioned, not uncommon. 38/357, 44spc/44mag and a few others will interchange and/or to a couple cartridges, with minor adjustment, for length.

 

[mikeinct]

I forgot about that one. 6mmbr + .100 washer = 6mmBRX.

 

[Flouncer]

I am lazy. Also fogged form doing taxes .. . . 2 hrs on phone 1 hr 55 min on hold. CL 357-38spl = WT Washer Thickness = 1.290-1.155 = 0.135-inch. Find that washer ? Easier to simply adjust the die ?

Mercy. Which die set to purchase ?

 

[Rsadams]

For pistol I use the Lee 4 die set with the Lee factory crimp die.... Hard to beat and if your using them just for casual loading and plinking I wouldn't go with anything else.... I use different dies for rifle but for pistol the 4 die lee set is hard to beat.... As stated by bill k there's plenty of dies that can be used with other calibers.... Just be sure of what's going on before hand , there's plenty of information out there.... Dillon caliber conversions can be put together alot cheaper than buying the kit if you know which tabs , powder funnel etc you need.... Alot of the time you can just order a few things to go with what you already have...

I did the same thing and sold off the guns I didn't shoot or like and it helped out how much stuff I needed to keep on my shelves... That includes dies , powders , bullets even primers... I honestly don't know how some people on here keep up with everything....

 

[ebb]

I use the RCBS die set that does 38spc and 357 mag but make sure that you get the carbide set and then no lube required. Adjusting is so simple thats what i always do.

 

[Twicepop]

I did the two cartridges on the same die set for a few years and was never satisfied with the results. I bit the bullet (no pun intended) and got the additional die set(s) to dedicate to one cartridge. The cost of the extra die sets didn't break the bank and the benefits of not having to make the adjustments justified the cost. I did this with .38Spcl/.357 Magnum, the .40S&W/10MM and the .44Spcl/.44 Magnum. Each cartridge has its own die set along with a dedicated crimp die and a dedicated shell holder.

 

[mac86951]

I just picked up Hornady set for this to cover both sizes. Will have info after work/life balance results in a stay home and clean guns day...

I'm loading on a LnL AP progressive and my RCBS couldn't do the 38 special, it was an old kit with the extended shell-holder.

-Mac

 

[Kracken McGraw]

I’m using the Hornady dies on a Lyman turret press with dedicated crimp dies as mentioned above. On the 38 special I’m using an old rcbs seater as my crimp die. I can leave a full set of 38 special and 9mm dies setup and ready to go on the 8 hole turret press.

 

[vonb]

Use this spacer kit to go b/t .38/357, .44 Spl/Mag:

Redding Die Spacer Kit

Redding Die Spacers allow for quick compensation for case length, partial resizing, or to make a no-crimp adjustment without the need to move the...

www.midwayusa.com

 

[Flouncer]

Thanks Von - Big help

 

[robert8904]

Case thickness brass ductility varies between brands. Lead and jacketed bullets vary in diameter as does the desired case to bullet tension. Having two different sizers and expanders and using them in different combinations allows you load nearly any combination of bullet and brass.

 

[Lefty Trigger]

It's not uncommon but it's also not practical in the real world. I tried it for a while using the RCBS spacer washer and it never worked out the way it should have. I ended up just going with two dedicated sets of dies and eliminating one huge hassle.