I have never reloaded for my handguns, but am about to start. I have both standard steel and carbide dies. The carbide set needs a new de-capping rod, so I am going to use the steel set for now. When do I need to use the spacer ring? Why do I need to use it? How do I properly set-up with it? Also, the carbide set did not include one, but I recieved them second-hand. Perhaps it is missing? Thanks, more questions to follow. mtmuley
spacer ring with .357 dies
- Thread starter mtmuley
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Floppy_D
Member In Memoriam
The theory is that If you use the ring and set your height to 357 overall length (OAL), you can take the spacer out and be set to 38spl OAL.
I've always readjusted rather than used the ring, but it may work for you. Make sure you measure your OAL, one way or another.
I've always readjusted rather than used the ring, but it may work for you. Make sure you measure your OAL, one way or another.
ReloaderFred
Member
That's correct. You can set up the dies either way, for the .38 Special, and then add the ring for .357 Magnum, or vice versa.
Hope this helps.
Fred
Hope this helps.
Fred
Sunray
Member
Take the decapping rod out of the steel die and put it in the carbide sizing die. It'll work just fine.
As Sunray mentioned, use the decapping pin from the steel set in the carbide set. Otherwise, you have to lube the cases to keep them from getting stuck in the steel sizing die. Much easier and cleaner to use the carbide sizing die (which is the only one in the set that actually has carbide-the other dies are identical between the sets).
Seafarer12
Member
I have never used spacer rings when going from 38 to 357. I guess they make them for people that can't figure it out.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
I got very lazy and bought a set of .357 Magnum dies and mounted them in their own turret. Now I have a dedicated turret for .38 Special and .357 Magnum reloading...
I load both .38 spl and .357 mag on my RCBS die set that came with a spacer washer. Its a great idea and you only use it with the expanding operation and the seating operation. The sizing die is set the same for both cartridges, just off the shell holder. Set the dies up for .38 spl and when you go to mags just add the spacer for those 2 dies.
BTW, does your die need a complete new decapping rod or just the pin? With RCBS dies you just replace the pin if you break or bend one (usually from getting a berdan primved case mixed in). Most sporting good stores have decapping pins if they handle RCBS dies. I bought a little bag of 5 or 6 that they're sold in maybe 25 years ago, still have 3 spares left.
BTW, does your die need a complete new decapping rod or just the pin? With RCBS dies you just replace the pin if you break or bend one (usually from getting a berdan primved case mixed in). Most sporting good stores have decapping pins if they handle RCBS dies. I bought a little bag of 5 or 6 that they're sold in maybe 25 years ago, still have 3 spares left.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
I don't know, I think I like lazy better... 
4sarge
Member
A quick call to RCBS will net you a new decapping stem and extra pins for free! They've replaced my 30-06 stem twice. (Berdan primers!)
Seafarer12
Member
It's not being stupid. Everything is a learning experience. Nobody is born knowing everything you need to know. The spacer is just so you can set the dies up the same per directions for different length cases. I just thread the dies a bit shallow when I am loading 357.
Seafarer12
Member
Some people never figure it out though.
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