New loader focused on .357sig...

[BlueRidgeGlockman]

I am looking for a little info, suggestions and help, new to the skills of handloading, on a budget, but likes to do things right the first time.

Everything I can read tells me that Dillon is the way to go for a new press (if u think another direction will be as good I'm willing to listen.) I do know I'm not going to start with a single stage and re-purchase later. Ill learn my press and invest early, but .357 sig is my favorite cartridge. So I understand I need a .357sig carbide die so I do not need to use much lube if any. But I don't understand if I can only use dillon dies with dillon press or if someone else has an idea for a progressive press that will run .357sig with no problem and no lube.

I do know I need a
-Press
-Powder scale
-primer flip can
-primer pick up
-3 .357sig dies
-1 powder die
-powder measurer for powder die

I would love suggestions for all of this...
I have found a lot of threads for starters but I'm just worried not all companies do .357sig easily. Any .357sig experienced people I'd love to hear what you have to say. Remember I'm on a budget and trying to start out with out all the accessories just the neccesities.
Thank you

 

[TfflHndn]

I have seen threads talking about sizing the 357 sig cases with a carbide .40 s&w sizing die, then using the steel 357 dies to flare and crimp, due to the unavailability of reasonably priced carbide 357 sig dies. I have yet to try it. The bullets are scarce too, since you can't use just any 9mm bullet. Good luck, stay safe and enjoy!

 

[mboylan]

Not the best cartridge for a beginner. High pressure. Specialized bullets. Bottle necked cases. Do yourself a favor and pick up a case guage and calipers.

Start with a couple reloading manuals and something like the ABCs of Reloading. Read them twice, then ask questions about equipment.

 

[cfullgraf]

I believe 357SIG resizing dies in carbide are virtually nonexistent. At least, I have never ween or heard of them.

Some folks resize the body with a 40 S&W carbide die and then resize the neck with a 357SIG steel resizing die. This allows them to resize without lubricant.

I prefer to tumble my cases, whether 357 SIG or other handgun cartridges, between resizing/mouth expanding and loading. It makes loading on a progressive go smoother for me and less stressful for me. Hence, lubricant on bottle neck handgun cases, I also load 38/45 Clerke, is not an issue. (While you are learning to reload, try it, separating the process will make learning reloading easier. Besides, you might just like it.)

You will still need something to expand the neck. Many folks use a "powder thru the die" expander and drop the powder at the same time.

If you do the two die resizing for 357SIG, you will want a 5 station press like the Dillon 650. Even then you will sacrifice either a powder cop die or the ability to crimp in a separate station from bullet seating. Unless you separate the resizing from the loading process.

Hope this helps.

 

[Beanie-Bean]

Be sure to read the stickies posted at the top of most reloading forums, that information will be invaluable as you start to load your own ammo. Two big things that stuck out as missing-in-action on your list are:

1. Calipers. I bought a digital caliper from Amazon, and later bought a dial caliper from Midway later on. I prefer the needle (and no batteries) on the dial caliper a lot more.

2. Load manuals. Gotta have a couple. You'll find that load data is different from one book to another, and even from the same company when comparying different editions of the same book!

Be sure to have safety equipment (goggles, hearing protection) and ample lighting. Can't stress that enough.

***

.357SIG is one of my favorite calibers to shoot, and has made me be even more careful as a reloader. I've got Dillon's carbide dies (they cost twice as much as their standard caliber dies) and a Redding G-Rx carbide sizing die. The Redding die is used to remove the "bulge" you see on 10mm, .357SIG, and .40S&W. I use the same die for all three calibers.

When choosing powder for this caliber, choose a bulkier/slower powder. My favorites are Blue Dot and Longshot for this caliber. I'll be testing out some AA #7 and #9 soon.

Good luck, have fun, and be safe when you start!

 

[beatledog7]

I am one of those who sizes 357Sig brass with a carbide .40S&W die then neck sizes with a .357 die. It's an extra step, but still less trouble than using lube. I have used spray lube and just the steel .357Sig FL sizing die, but then I'm left with removing that lube.

The two-step sizing process is the one I'll be using going forward.

 

[bigdaa]

I have seen threads talking about sizing the 357 sig cases with a carbide .40 s&w sizing die, then using the steel 357 dies to flare and crimp, due to the unavailability of reasonably priced carbide 357 sig dies. I have yet to try it. The bullets are scarce too, since you can't use just any 9mm bullet. Good luck, stay safe and enjoy!

What you speak of is near spot on. The 40 carbide sizes the case for the lions share of the bearing surface.

THEN, full length size with the dry steel .357 Sig sizing die. The rest is done normally.

It works fine for me as I generate .357 Sigs for the Storm Lake Barrel Conversion in my Glock M22.

No muss no fuss. Make sure your brass is grit free first!

Happy loading!


PS: I use Hornady 124gr XTP's, 9mm, .355" diameter.

 

[john wall]

Check these sites out, once you have properly set dies, you are good to go.


http://www.realguns.com/archives/001.htm

http://www.realguns.com/Commentary/comar65.htm

 

[BlueRidgeGlockman]

Thanks for all the info... I will continue reading books and maybe ill go ahead with a single stage and just start slow. Anyone have any specific suggestion for single stage press and a brand of dies for .357sig...

 

[cfullgraf]

Choose the press whose color best matches the decor in your reloading room.

Any of the single stage presses will serve you well and last more than a lifetime if properly cared for.

Same for the dies, any will serve you well.

That said, I like my Redding single stage press and Redding dies.

In today's atmosphere, it may be finding something in stock more than choosing a specific brand.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

I love my Dillon 357 Sig carbide die. I was not aware that others did not use them.

Great dies. Yes you can use them "dry" but I use just a touch of Hornady One Shot on them. It reduces the squeal of dry dies.

I just finished up around 4000 357 Sigs. Great little round and one of my favorites to reload. Very easy and forgiving. You just have to learn the keys. Carbide dies, Lee collet FCD, AA9 powder and the right bullet. Beyond that it is crank them out.

 

[Chief 0652]

Watch out for range pickup brass fired in Glocks or others that do not fully support the base. These may have a low base bulge. Even if you remove it with a bulge buster, the case may have a weakness in that spot. The .357 Sig is the highest pressure cartridge (of the common police/self-defense pistols) and a case failure is possible. Make sure to start with the lowest loads and work up. A case failure would be bad.

 

[FROGO207]

IMHO starting with a SS press is the surest way to learn the basics of crafting a safe reliable round. In the future there will always be a need for that press. If for no other reason you can still load ammo when your fancy dancy progressive is down waiting for more blue parts from the factory. I do not load this cartridge yet but understand that it is one that you have to pay extra attention to just because of all the little things that could go wrong/impact safe results. Good luck with all things reloading and remember starting off slow is not to be berated in any way.