RCBS die question

[Action_Can_Do]

Not too long ago I picked up a Rock Chucker Supreme press and a few other items for reloading. My friend, FullEffect1911 has been helping me start out, and so far I've had alot of fun. I do have a question about RCBS dies though. I've noticed that RCBS sells dies for both 44 mag and 44 special. Ditto the 357 and 38. Is it necessary to buy both? Since you can adjust the length of the die while using the press, I don't see the need to buy another die. Wouldn't the 44 special die and the 44 magnum die be almost identical?

 

[buck460XVR]

The boxes my RCBS Dies came in say 44mag/44spl and 38spl/357mag on them and can be used for both. They both came with a spacer that adjusts the die for the difference in case length. Didn't know they made a die(unless it's a trim die) for both.

 

[lordgroom]

They can be used for both but I have one of each set in die plates for easy caliber changes in my progressive.

 

[rcmodel]

If you buy .38 or .44 Spec. dies, they can be adjusted longer to load Magnums.

If you buy .357 or .44 Magnum dies, some brands cannot be adjusted short enough to load Specials.

There is a trend toward Spec/Mag universal dies though.

RCBS #18212 - 3-DIE CARB SET 357MAG/38SPL/357MAX loads all three.

RCBS #18612 - 3-DIE CARB SET .44 MAG/.44 SPL loads both.

rcmodel

 

[paperpuncher49]

Action-Can-Do: If you do not have the spacer (it's a washer that goes under the die lock ring and effectively raises the expander and seating dies the difference between the special and the magnum lengths), call RCBS and order /ask they send you a spacer(s). Also, Redding sells a set of spacers for the same purpose. Do not use the spacer with the sizer/decapping die as it is not necessary. Adjust the other two dies to do the .38 or .44 special, and the washer will raise the two dies in question to accomodate for the added length of the magnums, thereby adjusting upward where the case expansion and crimping will occur.

 

[Action_Can_Do]

thanks for the information.

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