Question regarding reloading of .38 long colt hollow base wad cutters

[Doc Rizzi]

I am considering ordering conversion cylinders for my navy 61 uberti colts. The cylinders convert .36 cal to .38 long colt. I want to reload my own but I am not sure what die set to use. I already have a RCBS .38/.357 die set. Will this be ok? The new hollow base .38 come in at .358. Should I buy a new die set for .38 long colt or can I use what I have?

 

[Jim Watson]

You can try.
The question is whether the seat-crimp die will reach to crimp the shorter .38 LC brass. I have never been impressed with the range of adjustment of RCBS dies, but it won't cost anything to try.

 

[gandog56]

I think that since they make dies especially for that caliber, and the .357/.38 special is listed on your other dies, you should get the correct dies. It will possibly size, but I don't know if they will put a bell on the case so you won't be shaving lead off to seat the bullet. I would worry about the crimp, too.

 

[wcwhitey]

Sorry, I originally posted info for the .38 Short Colt.

 

[GooseGestapo]

Doc, The long colt uses a Heel type (and external lubrication- like the .22rf) bullet and the bore is slightly larger.


However, you should be able to get decent results using the .38spl dies and Hollow Base Wadcutters. You may however need to grind down the bottom of the .38spl seating/crimping dies to get it short enough to be able to get a slight crimp (needed!) on the case necks.

This isn't a major deal. The base of the dies don't have to be perfectly square, but it's nice if they are. An automotive machine shop could possibly help if you're not confident in the "shortning" process. Not more than 0.125" should be needed (1/8th inch).