Might as well start reloading .357 Sig...

...and so I need some advice from you fine folks.

I'll be reloading on a Lee Classic Turret. Any reason not to use Lee dies? Is the FCD worth getting? Or should I maybe consider a carbide .40S&W resizing die? I read somewhere that using one can be helpful and maybe avoid needing case lube. Any truth to that?

I believe there's a device for checking cartridge seating, like the plunk test in the barrel chamber, but a separate piece of machined steel. I have no idea what it's called. Can anyone help with that?

Is Acc#9 a good powder choice, or are their better options? I'm not looking for reduced loads, just full power, and really just one load right now.

I want to use 125gr bullets. Plated, or jacketed? I'd prefer to keep it simple and just use one brand and style. They will be for range practice, and maybe (I say maybe because I have other, better options) for a passable woods load.

Thanks for the replies! I believe I'll be up and running before the end of the year.

Update:

I got Lee dies and their factory crimp die. I also got a case gauge, 500 starline cases, 1000 RMR 124gr FMJ-FP bullets, 1lb of Power Pistol and already had CCI 500 primers.

The cases needed minimal sizing, and the necks actually put the head below flush in both the case gauge and the KKM .357 SIG barrel I have for my G23. I hoped the extractor would hold them where they needed to be (and it did).

I made a couple dummy rounds, but couldn't seem to avoid bullet set back with multiple chamberings of the dummies. A single chambering set the bullet back up to 0.007" but I figured that'd be okay with less than a max charge, as I started at an OAL of 1.140".

Anyhow, I tried 10 rounds each at 7.5gr, 7.8gr, and 8.1gr. I had to adjust the seating depth down a little, because the crimping seemed to increase it. I'd had a few at 1.142" but they still chambered. I put almost no flare on the cases, but did chamber the inside of the mouths just a little. I tuned the crimp die in to what I think is a pretty heavy crimp, but the instructions do say 25lbs of down force at a minimum on the end of the stroke. I know it was more than that but it wasn't lifting me out of my seat.

So they all went bang and not boom, everything fed and extracted correctly, and I even found most of my brass afterwards. The groupings at 25yds from bags weren't great, but the best (and I do mean best) I've managed with that gun previously was 2-1/8" with factory ammo. Possibly it's me and the Trijicon HD sights not getting along too well. The groups I got (discounting the odd flier) were all within 3".



Not exactly great, but I suppose it could have been worse. I think more than anything they show that I'm not terribly accurate with this gun even off of bags.

I'll been dialing it in a little more now, then chrono testing. Thanks everyone!!