Reloading dies compatibility (38LC)

[Mataham]

Hi,
I would like to reload my old BP 38LC with a Lee breech loch hand press. I've read here and there that 38 short & long colt dies would allow me to reload some 38SP or 357 ammo. Could someone confirm or infirm this?

Besides, how can I get a correct crimp for 38LC ammo? Would the standard 3-dies set work? I ask it cause no 4-dies set is available for 38LC for Lee press.

Thanks for your attention.

 

[RealGun]

Hi,
I would like to reload my old BP 38LC with a Lee breech loch hand press. I've read here and there that 38 short & long colt dies would allow me to reload some 38SP or 357 ammo. Could someone confirm or infirm this?

Besides, how can I get a correct crimp for 38LC ammo? Would the standard 3-dies set work? I ask it cause no 4-dies set is available for 38LC for Lee press.

Thanks for your attention.

My recently delivered 38 Colt (short or Long) die set by Lee has a unique seat/crimp die with the other two standard 38/357. I do not need a factory crimp die (4th die) and would be skeptical of anyone else's belief that they need one. However, a 38/357 FCD would smooth out any rounds that would not gauge. I just don't believe a skilled reloader would need to run every round through it, covering up problems in die settings or bullet size.

 

[Mataham]

Great! Thanks for sharing.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Lee and most other die manufacturers will usually not develop new dies for cartridge which don't have a hugh following. (FCD) The development costs are not warrened.

 

[RealGun]

Great! Thanks for sharing.

I should note that part of the die set is the expander plug size in the powder through expander. That is Lee part SE1699.