Calling all 38 special and 357 mag loaders

[Seymour380]

I have one set of carbide dies with a spacer ring, using a RCBS Rockchucker. When I get tired of handling little cases and chasing brass for my 380 Makarov it is very relaxing to load up some 38 specials and 357 magnums.

 

[cfullgraf]

When I started reloading, I had one set of RCBS 38/357 dies that came with a spacer ring. The spacer worked well for the mouth expander and seater die. Yes, if I changed bullets, I had to reset the seater plug but not a difficult task.

When I finally bought a progressive press after 29 years of using a single stage press, I bought a second set of dies which are dedicated for 38 Special. My original dies were set for 357 Magnum. I also added a separate crimp die for both die sets.

 

[entropy]

One set of dies, one spacer ring.

 

[Bazoo]

Forgot to mention that I load on two single stage presses. A spartan and a lee hand press. I have made a spacer ring for the difference between them so I don't have to adjust my dies between them.

 

[Hondo 60]

I actually have multiple sets for wc, swc & rnfp

 

[Bfh_auto]

I have one set and a spacer washer for changing.

 

[AgPilot]

I use the same rcbs dies for both.

 

[reloaded_in_pa]

I use the same set for both. When the craziness is over I do want another set.

 

[Speer4447s]

Pro: consistency ... every 38 or 357 round will have the same seating depth and crimp
Pro: time saved when changing calibers
Con: additional cost in dies, but that's just a one-time charge and you're going to pass these dies down to your kids or grandkids

 

[kcofohio]

I have one set. But 357s are the majority of loads through the set. I don't see it a problem setting up back and forth.

At one time another set was considered. But I talked myself out of it.

 

[George P]

RCBS always included a spacer washer so all you had to do is insert that on the flare and seating dies and you were adjusted for 357 from 38 lengths. Works great and is easy.

 

[Blue68f100]

The spacer was actually shorter than at should be. But did not cause very many issues when it came to crimping. They supplied a 0.125" spacer and difference between 38spl and 357 mag length is actually 0.130" if my memory recall is any good.

 

[Pat Riot]

I actually have 3 sets of dies.
1 - 38 Special
2 - .357 Magnum
3 - .38 Special Wadcutter (new set)

I use a Lee Breechlock single stage press. Once dies are adjusted and set in the breechlock bushings it makes things very simple and quick to change out.

 

[WiTom]

Two sets for the Hornady LNL, with bushing set for each.

 

[valleyforge.1777]

CAUTION: The following post includes loading data beyond currently published maximums for this cartridge. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The High Road, nor the staff of THR assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information.

I load on a Dillon XL650 and I have dedicated tool heads set up with the dies for each caliber and cartridge that I load. I don't load 38 Special anymore, but years ago I got a Dillon tool head that came with a shim that goes above the tool head for 38 and under the tool head for 357 Magnum. changing cartridges just means moving the shim above or below the toolhead. Long ago stopped loading 38 Special when an experiment I did with making "38 Magnums" (overloaded 38 Special) did not work out the way I wanted it to. I was trying to get a 38 Special load that I could shoot at 50 yards with a lever rifle and a 357 Magnum load for 100 yards such that the scope would not need to be adjusted back and forth as I changed from 50 to 100 yards. Never had a safety problem, by the way, but found it was easier to fine tune the 357 Magnum load to accomplish flat shooting between 50 and 100 yards than to get the 38 "Magnum" and 357 Magnum loads worked out.