Die recommendations for 357 mag

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Blackhawkdc

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Hey All, I need to pick up a set of dies for reloading 38 special and 357 Mag. What do you recommend? Looking at RCBS, Lyman, Lee and others. Any reason to go with one over another? I've used RCBS dies in the past for rifle (30-06 and 243). For a press, I have a Lyman T-Mag with standard 7/8"-14 threads. Just thought I'd ask other's opinions before I made a decision.

Thanks!

SGP
 
RCBS, Lee, Hornady, Redding.
All are good dies.

I've had spotty luck with Lyman in the past.

Just be sure to get .38 Special dies unless they specifically say they work with both .38 Spl. & .357 Mag.

rcmodel
 
Bottom line, a set of dies is a set of dies but I greatly prefer pistol dies from Lyman and Redding because of their "two step" expander and flaring plug.
 
I like the Lyman/Redding two step expanders. I have had BAD luck with Redding sizers.(carbide ring getting loose) and will NOT be buying any more. Lee sizers are as good as anyones. I like the Hornady seater for pistol calibers because of price, although the Redding is the best, bar none. I will not have a Hornady nitride coated sizer.

Yep. I have some mismatched sets. :D

I also have full sets of Lee & RCBS in pistol, and Redding & Forster in rifle.

Lee or RCBS for pistol. The RCBS will be better machined all around, despite Lee's claims.
 
these are cheap and they work ....


Lee Deluxe Handgun 4-Die Set 38 Special, 357 Magnum


This set includes a carbide sizing die, expanding die, bullet seating die, and Lee's exclusive carbide Factory Crimp Die. The carbide Factory Crimp Die checks the size of the case, ensuring that every round will chamber properly in your gun. Also includes shellholder, powder dipper and load data sheet.
 
The first set of dies I bought were RCBS 3 die set in 38spcl/357mag. They have loaded several several 1K rounds. I now have Redding in all calibers i Handload and doubled up with Dillon for my main pistols and I bought Lee Deluxe 4 die sets as back up and to see how they work. They are all nice and of course I have my favorites but they all work great, Some greater that others. I have heard great things of other brands as well.


RCBS: 38/357, 44mag, 223 rem, 30-06
Redding: 9mm,45acp, 38/357, 44mag, 223, 308, 30-30, 30-06,300 weath. mag, 338 RUM, 375 RUM plus crimp dies for most and Comp seating dies for most of the rifle.
Dillon: 9mm, 45acp
Lee: 38/357, 44mag, 9mm, 45acp.

*I know, kinda dumb to have so many of the same calibers but I gave some of my RCBS rifle calibers to my Dad and brother and sometimes I wish I would have just bought them a set instead. I guess it's the pack rack in me.
 
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I have never experienced a loose sizer ring till this spring, with a set of Dillon 9mm dies and it was replaces pronto! I have used every thing offered. But, I firmly believe that allthe companies offer good carbide sizers, but when it comes to CS Lee sucks! Buy RCBS/Redding/Lyman!
 
45,
I'm with you on the Redding, RCBS, and even Lyman. But your gonna upset some Lee fans, Mate. Especially right after one chap posts that all he uses is Lee dies...LOL I guess we all have our least favorite dies.

Cheers, Mate.
 
I reload on the cast iron Lee turret, and use Lee Pistol Dies on the first three stations, but for revolver rounds I use a Redding Profile Crimp Die on the 4th.
 
I have RCBS and the Lee Deluxe die sets for all of my handgun calibers. I only use the Lee now. I like the bullet seating and crimp in separate stations. I use only RCBS for my rifles.
 
Getting a "carbide die set" is more inportant than the specific manufacturer. RCBS and LEE have worked fine for me. Dillon dies work better in progressive presses. I last bought a LEE 4 die carbide set with FCD.
 
HEy All, thanks for the opinions. I'm guessing I'll probably buy a set of RCBS carbide dies when I get that magical stimulus check in the mail. I'm not going to be terribly worried about accuracy with these rounds, just reload as a cheaper way to shoot lots. Carry ammo and probably hunting ammo as well, will probably be factory loads. Especially for carry ammo. Don't need some lawyer coming after me, saying I modified my ammunition to be more destructive.

Thanks again!

SGP
 
I own and like the Lee Carbide Deluxe Die Set for the 38/357 which includes the Factory Crimp Die. You can find them on the NET and in stores from between $31 to $39.

I use a Lee FCD on all my reloads and find it provides much lower SD when tested over a Chrono than rounds that aren't crimped.
 
Redding Pistol Dies

Why does Redding make a separate set of dies for .357 Magnum in addition to their set for .38 spl. / .357 Magnum? Seems like the .357 seater die would have a bit more support for the .357 case compared to the .38 spl. / .357 Mag. die assuming you would have to back off the 38 Spl. / .357 mag seater die to seat for .357 mag. because of the crimp ring. I would like to know if there is any benefit using the designated .357 magnum die set for .357 magnum, or is it just marketing to sell another die set?
 
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I've got dies from every major manufacturer, I have no major complaints with any of them. When it comes to pumping out bulk ammo LEE does it as well as anyone for less money. I'll catch some grief for saying this because some hate this feature but I really like LEE's locking rings. I've put them on all my other dies. I hate having to tighten a set screw on a locking ring and then have it loosen up. I like LEE's carbide sizer and their factory crimp features also.
 
i also like the Lee style lock ring and have also purchased extras for my other brands of dies. Not all, just the ones I use most often, probably about 40 sets with the Lee rings. The rest of my sets are standard with what they came with. When I buy new dies I always look to Lee first.
 
I have used Lee Dies in my Dillon 550B for decades now. I like the fact the decapping die does not unscrew and get bent or broken. Which has happened on RCBS, Lyman dies.

The best dies I have used are Dillion. Really excellent features. Very expensive. But I like their service. I don't know how a rock got in a 45 ACP case, but one did. And it bent, then broke the decapper in my Dillion die. When I called Dillion, for a replacement, they sent me a new decapping spindle for free!.
 
Lee also has dies which will work for the 38/357 and dies that will work for the 357 only. I think the crimp die is different on the 357 die and won't crimp a 38 correctly.
 
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