38 Super die problem

[floydster]

I have just started loading for the 38 Super with a set of Lee carbide dies.

The sizing die seems too big (taper crimp), I can push a .356 dia. bullet in the sized case almost by hand so I am using my 9mm die instead, this sizes
the case to .354+ which works ok.
Anyone else experience this problem?

Thanks for input.
Floydster a.k.a. Smokeyloads:banghead:

 

[Walkalong]

If after sizing, and before expanding, the bullet seats too loosely, your sizing die is too big, assuming it was set up properly. If after sizing only everything is fine, look at your expander for the problem.

I am using a Lee .38 Super sizer for mine and it works fine.

 

[floydster]

Walkalong,
I do believe the sizing die is too big, I will have to contact Lee about it.
I have been reloading for a loooooong time,hehe, like 54 years.
Thanks for your input.
Floydster

 

[ReloaderFred]

I've found a couple of Lee sizing dies that were too large in diameter to use. One is a .45 acp die that won't size any case enough to hold a bullet, and another was a .38/.357 sizing die.

It's ironic though, of the 4 .38 Super sizing dies I own, the one I use is the Lee Carbide, since it sizes down the case further than the others. I've found with some brass, particularly Starline .38 Super Comp, that I have to use a 9mm die to size the brass enough to hold the bullet in place.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[Walkalong]

My Lee die must be pretty tight, because I am using Starline Super Comp brass.

54 years.

My bad, sounded like a question, early in the AM, half asleep.

 

[floydster]

Humm, I am using Winchester brass, could it be possible the case walls are thinner then others----I would bet that is the problem.
Nope, just got back from the Cave, mic'd four different headstamps in 9mm
and the Win 38 super-they all mic. 10 thousands wall thicknes.
So it is the die.
Floydster

 

[grendelbane]

I have a Lee carbide sizing die which is also too large. I have to use my steel RCBS sizing die to properly size my .38 super cases to hold .355" bullets.

Not a big problem, but irritating, nonetheless.