.357 Sig sizing die?

[shovel66]

Hi,
I'm reloading .357 Sig with Dillon dies on a 550B. Have a good load and most chamber and shoot well. However about one out of ten loaded cases do not chamber fully causing the slide not to go into battery. The problem is that the sizing die does not seem to "full length resize" the case and it is just a tad bit too fat just above the head.
I've also tried "outside" resizing all the cases with a .40S&W Dillon die before resizing and loading with the .357 dies. Of course this die is also Dillon.

Can anyone recommend a different resize die that would get the outside of the case a little smaller and fit in the chamber?

The gun is a Glock 27 with a Storm Lake barrel. All factory and Georgia Arms reloads chamber and shoot 100%.
Thanks,
Shovel

 

[loadedround]

My first thought is that your sizing die is not set properly to full length resize your cases. I would suggest you review the instructions that came with your Dillon press and dies. Secondly, though I doubt it, is that you may have a case that possibly is too long to properly chamber.

 

[243winxb]

The Sig 357 thread is here. See post #34 http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=410358 Ask ReloaderFred. Looks like he uses a steel die with the shell holder ground down to size the shoulder back more. This will get lower on the web area where you think your problem is, But will push the shoulder back too. Or if possible/needed, Modify a Redding G-Rx Die Set where the whole case is run thru the die. Like here for 40 S&W http://www.shootingsportsretailer.com/content/view/974/1/ Just a guess on my part, i do not own a sig 357

 

[ReloaderFred]

Dillon sizing dies generally have a lot of radius at the mouth of the die to facilitate use in a progressive press. I have the Dillon 357 Sig Carbide set, but it won't do the sizing properly. A sizing die that will go farther down the case will probably solve the problem.

The milled off shell holder that 243winxb mentions was for solving another problem, which was not setting the shoulder back far enough. Even though all information provided on the 357 Sig round indicates that the case headspaces on the case mouth, there are actually two datum points on the case. These are the case mouth and the shoulder. The length of the case may be proper, but if the shoulder is not set back to the proper measurement, then the case can't be chambered.

It sounds like you're having a problem with the sizing die not going down the side wall of the case far enough to allow it to chamber. You can check this with some sized cases in your barrel, before seating a bullet. If they won't go all the way in and are catching on the bulge of the base, then the sizing die is the culprit.

I solved this problem with all rimless pistol cartridges by buying the Magma Case Master Jr. Here is a link to it: http://www.magmaengineering.com/pro...maker-model-65?page=shop.browse&category_id=6

I know this is too extreme for the average reloader, but I load a lot of rimless cartridges, so I do use it a lot. In your case, I would suggest another brand of sizing die. You'll probably have to lube the cases, since almost all other brands are steel dies, but it will solve your problem. I would size them all first, tumble them to remove the lube, and then load them on the Dillon press.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[shovel66]

Thank you LR, 243, and Fred for the quick responses to my problem. I'm placing an order with Grafs this morning for another resizing die or even set. It may be a while, but will let you know when the problem is gone.
Shovel

 

[FN5.7shooter]

Redding has a new pass thru sizing die for the 40S&W. It is for brass with a bulge at the base. It might work for the 357 sig.
I use Dillon dies and have had no problems. You might just get a case gauge and checkem before loadingem.

 

[243winxb]

Redding G-Rx Die 40 S&W, Sig 357, 10mm Auto

I emailed Redding>

Subject: G-Rx Die 40 S&W
Hi, can this die be use to size the body of a Sig 357 without modifications? How about the 10mm auto? Thank you

Reply from Redding>

RE: G-Rx Die 40 S&W Thank you for using Redding Reloading Equipment. Yes it will work for both as long as the die is screwed down tight to the press.



Regards,



Chris Fox

Customer Service





Redding Reloading Equipment

1089 Starr Road

Cortland, NY 13045

 

[jfdavis58]

I have a Dillon set-up (press/carbide die set) for 357SIG. Had an identical problem with chambering a small percentage of reloaded cartridges. This cartridge requires more of a rifle cartridge loading approach than that of straight-walled pistol reloading. Get an LE Wilson case gauge and redo your adjustments for the resizing/depriming die.

 

[orionengnr]

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