Help with 357 RCBS Expander die

[mefitz]

I'm loading .357 cases with 148 gr HBWC. When using the RCBS expanding die, I'm having great difficulty on the "upstroke" (single stage press). The die does not want to let go of the case, and it takes great effort to set it free.

I'm trying to get max belling so the WC will seat properly.

I've loaded a boat-load of .38 with the same WC (.358 dia) with no problem, and have loaded about 30 rounds so far in the .357 case.

I've tried raising the die higher (works, but not much belling).

I've tried cleaning the inside of the die (not much help).

I ran all cases through the first die (sizing & de-priming).

It shouldn't be this difficult, should it? Plus, I've loaded hundreds of .357 cases with other bullets (belling wasn't as much).

I'm literally having to jerk the press handle in an upward fashion in order to relase the case. Now, some of those cases are disfigured.

I'm at a loss...

 

[joneb]

To much flare, the outside diameter of the case mouth is greater than the inside diameter of the die.

 

[mefitz]

jibjab

I guess that means I should back off the top screw (on the die) which determines the amount of flare?

I'll give that a shot. Thanks

 

[joneb]

I have the RCBS 38spl/357mag die set, when the dies are adjusted for 38spl a .128" ish spacer washer is used with the expander die and seating die to compensate for the longer .357 mag case length.

I guess that means I should back off the top screw (on the die) which determines the amount of flare?

Yes. if you don't have the spacer RCBS would maybe send you one at no charge ?

 

[mefitz]

I should have told you I use Lee dies...RCBS press with Lee dies. Would there still be a spacer washer?

 

[karday]

I just began brass reloading and doing 357 at present. The dies are Lyman/Pacific. I am getting lead shaving when pressing in the bullet. I tried a bigger bell but them had the same issue as poster getting too much resistance on the eject and some damaged brass. I thought the bullets were cast too big but it seems the Lee dies act differently so I bought them last night. I am using an RCBS AMMOMASTER Turret press. After a few rounds the shaved lead builds up in the seating die and causes interference and I have to remove it an clean out the shavings. A gun show vender said that shaving lead is not uncommon but it can impact accuracy??? I wonder if I were using metal jacket (copper) bullets if they would still be getting shaved?

 

[Walkalong]

The .125 spacer is the easiest way to use the same dies for .38 Spl and .357 Mag. I did that for years before finally buying a seperate set of dies. (Actually I use the same sizer and the same seater for both still. I use a Redding Competition seater that will work for anything from .38 Spl WC's to the longest .357 load I use with the flat seater stem I made)

When adjusting the flare you should loosen the top nut and adjust the stem up and down, and not adjust the whole die.

 

[rcmodel]

Would there still be a spacer washer?

No spacer washer is needed, or used, unless you are trying to use the same .38 Spl dies to load .357 cases.

If you just adjust the dies for .357 in the first place, no spacer washer is used.

rc