Lee 38sp/357 {four} die set load data
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rfwobbly
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That is a question probably better asked to Lee.
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larry7293
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Tried calling Lee but phone number listed on their website was not working.
RealGun
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They will tell you to buy their load book, which isn't a bad idea. Die sets I have from various sources didn't come with data at all, so I wouldn't have your expectation. The best data for a given powder is from the powder company's website or hard copy that looks like a magazine, like my LGS has near the powder display. Some powders have some basics on the label..
Mauser69
Member
You bought the .38 Spl dies, so that is the load data included. Yes, the same dies can be used for .357 Mag and .357 Maximum, but that is not how they are labeled (those are considered secondary uses). If you buy the .357 Magnum dies, you get the Magnum load data, but you also loose the ability to load the .38 Spl with the same dies.
Lee load data is simply a compilation of load data published by the individual powder companies. For a very reasonable price you can buy Richard Lee's excellent book Modern Reloading, and you will get ALL of the data. And a whole bunch more excellent information too. If you have not read this book in detail, you need to do so.
I also happen to think that the load data charts in Lee's book are formatted in a much more usable way than most other sources., and no other book has as much comprehensive data COMBINED into a single place so that it is easily comparable. I am not sure how anybody can reasonably say that Lee data is not as good as others, since it IS THE IDENTICAL DATA published by each powder manufacturer. If they are telling you that Lee data is no good, they are also telling you that they think Hodgdon, Alliant, Western, et al. data is no good. Seems like a dumb statement to me.
Lee load data is simply a compilation of load data published by the individual powder companies. For a very reasonable price you can buy Richard Lee's excellent book Modern Reloading, and you will get ALL of the data. And a whole bunch more excellent information too. If you have not read this book in detail, you need to do so.
I also happen to think that the load data charts in Lee's book are formatted in a much more usable way than most other sources., and no other book has as much comprehensive data COMBINED into a single place so that it is easily comparable. I am not sure how anybody can reasonably say that Lee data is not as good as others, since it IS THE IDENTICAL DATA published by each powder manufacturer. If they are telling you that Lee data is no good, they are also telling you that they think Hodgdon, Alliant, Western, et al. data is no good. Seems like a dumb statement to me.
The Lee Manual is an underrated reloading manual that pretty much covers all of the steps for a new reloader. It also has a good intro to cast bullets and is cheap. If you use the Lee Pro-Disk powder dispenser, it is very useful as it has those setting.
Lee can probably send you the .357 magnum data sheet by mail if you ask them nicely--not sure if they would charge or not. I actually have both the .38 and .357 dies simply because I use the classic turret press and have them nicely adjusted on separate turret heads for reloading each caliber.
Lee can probably send you the .357 magnum data sheet by mail if you ask them nicely--not sure if they would charge or not. I actually have both the .38 and .357 dies simply because I use the classic turret press and have them nicely adjusted on separate turret heads for reloading each caliber.
Mauser69
Member
No need for this - anyone can download the die instructions from Lee's site, and each of those contain the one-page of load data on the reverse. As others have said, including that data with the dies is just a nice added feature, but since it is only one page, it is very abbreviated from the full comprehensive data you get in the book.
I didn't see where anyone in this thread said that.
If your referring to my statement then I was talking about the limited data in the sheet that comes with the dies. I also don't like the VM conversion chart. It will get you in the ball park & have you shooting usable ammo but I'd suggest using a scale & setting by weight.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
I don't know anyone who uses the load data on die instructions. Like said above, buy a load manual or three and read them. You can also get up to data data from the powder company's sites and most bullet manufacturer's sites too.
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larry7293
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I have Lyman's 50th edition, but the the load data is sparse compared to that included on my Lee 38cal instruction sheet. What book would be best for load data on cast lead bullets?
ArchAngelCD
Member.
The only load manual better than the Lyman 50th Edition is the Lyman 4th Edition Cast Bullet Handbook. It's not a copy if the full manual and includes molds from other companies.
I find it hard to believe there us more data for the .38 Special on the instruction sheet than in the Lyman manual. Lyman is the best IMO.
I hope bachelors, if not ask for more.
I find it hard to believe there us more data for the .38 Special on the instruction sheet than in the Lyman manual. Lyman is the best IMO.
I hope bachelors, if not ask for more.
Hondo 60
Member
Yes, yes & yes!
I happen to have well over a dozen manuals including the Lee & Lyman manuals listed above.
Not bragging, and yes, at some point I've used them all.
Powder mfgs seem to give away data for free, just check their websites.
Bullet mfgs all want you to buy their manuals.
Nosler puts their load data online.
https://load-data.nosler.com/
https://load-data.nosler.com/
FROGO207
Member
If one actually compares the data on the Lee sheet that comes with the dies, the listed loads and propellants are the safe ones that will work with the provided dipper. They pretty much leave out all the others that need a scale to measure accurately that they have compiled in the book. Also the data in the Lee book is non copyrighted older data from trusted sources or whatever he was able to get permission to republish only. I also have a library of books spanning from the late 30's to present data. That helps me when finding loads for say, my Stevens 4 1/2 in 25-20 single shot. Try finding load data for that from a manufacturer today.
This has already been said but to quote it from the Lee site.
"Lee 38 SPL Pistol 4-Die Set. Includes Carbide Full Length Die, Bullet Seating Die, Powder Thru Expanding Die, Factory Crimp Die, Universal Shell Holder, Powder Dipper and Instructions/Load Data.
Note: you may use the 38 Special die set to reload for the 357 Mag. You would have to back out the Powder Thru Expander Die, and the Bullet Seating and Crimping Die about 2 turns to compensate for the longer 357 case. Consult Modern Reloading for 357 Mag load data."
I was going to see if I could download the charge table & repost it here but you can only get the instructions side of the paper.
"Lee 38 SPL Pistol 4-Die Set. Includes Carbide Full Length Die, Bullet Seating Die, Powder Thru Expanding Die, Factory Crimp Die, Universal Shell Holder, Powder Dipper and Instructions/Load Data.
Note: you may use the 38 Special die set to reload for the 357 Mag. You would have to back out the Powder Thru Expander Die, and the Bullet Seating and Crimping Die about 2 turns to compensate for the longer 357 case. Consult Modern Reloading for 357 Mag load data."
I was going to see if I could download the charge table & repost it here but you can only get the instructions side of the paper.
Mauser69
Member
Yeah, there have been some significant changes tot he Lee sites since I last went there - now they let you download only a generic die instruction sheet, not the caliber specific ones with the load data (I have downloaded the full double-sided instructions in the past, but it was hard to get them to print right). Now they tell you on their support site (.net) that if you want the instructions WITH load data, you need to buy them:
"If you need reloading die instructions with load data, replacements may be purchased on our website. The instruction sheet is free, you are just responsible for shipping charge to your residence."
Seems like a really dumb change to me, but I guess now they are hoping to force more people to buy their book. Lee Customer Service getting worse.
badkarmamib
Member
I use the included load data, as a single point of reference. I still check against other references as well. I use Lyman's 49th, my powder manufacturer's website (usually Hodgdon), and have the Reloading Assistant app installed on my phone. It is a handy, free app which is basically a comprehensive compilation of many different manufacturers' data.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
I would appreciate it if you would share that app. It sounds very useful. Thank you...
badkarmamib
Member
I found it on the Google Play store, it is Reloading Assistant by Polycompsol. I don't know if it is available for other platforms.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.polycompsol.reloadingassistant&hl=en
Also found it on Amazon, but I don't know how all of that works:
https://www.amazon.com/Polycompsol-...487179449&sr=8-1&keywords=reloading+assistant
ArchAngelCD
Member.
I just loaded it, thank you very much!
They did. That is the name of it & can be found on the Google play store. I use it myself. I find it a bit limited fit exact data but if you have some experience you can find a good starting point at least for everything I've ever used it for.
If your using a Windows system there used to be Reloaders Reference that is very good. I don't know if it's still available or not.
ETA: I was typing when you got your answer.
Don't know about "comprehensive" load data from the Lee manual, but I quit using my Lee manual when I found the data lacking. Yes the data is from other sources, not Lee, but I found too many listings for a particular bullet with only one powder manufacturer listed, or one or two loads with a particular bullet weight. Not a bad manual if you only load with the powders listed...
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