spook
Member
Can the .38 Long Colt be loaded using .38 Special dies? A shooter using this round in his S&W 627 cleaned our clocks this past weekend and I thought I might try this cartridge in mine if I don't have to buy new dies.
One of my church members has a home machine shop and should be able to trim a .38 Special crimp die to the proper length.
You're right Jim, we were getting beat on the reloads. Every little bit helps.
I discovered that Lee has a set of dies for the .38 Long Colt and cases are available. Now I just have to determine if the Dillon .38 Special shell plate will work with the .38 Long Colt. I like the idea of cutting down .38 Special cases. Can anyone tell me if the case wall thickness increases to the extent that bullet seating would be a problem?
That said, I don't see why you can't go back to .900", which is the case length of Colt's Super .38...
How about .38 S&W at .754" case length? Good enough for the British.