When reloading .357 magnums with a .38 die

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per the instuctions back out the bullet seating die and the expanding die 1 3/4 turns to load 357.

YOu won't need to back out the sizer
 
For some reason the bullets can slide in and out some of my brass pieces without any tension right after resizing, before expanding. This is purchased stainless range brass, mixed head stamps. Any idea what's going on? Would resizing them again help?

Thanks.
 
adjust the sizing die. turn it in until it sizes them correctly. Really, this is basic adjustment as described in the instructions.
 
Lee instructions tell you how

If you have the instruction sheet that came with the 38 Special die set it has instructions for 357 Mag adjustments on the side of the sheet that has load data.

These instructions are on the Lee website: "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."

I have not done this myself, I only load 38 Special.
 
You mean nickel plated brass?

Are the bullets cast and are they sized correctly?

If the brass is resized it should be impossible to place in to the brass with out first expanding. Unless something is really wrong here.
 
The sizing die is the same and most are marked 38/357. The adjustment of the die in the press is also the same for both .38 and .357 mag.
 
The instructions do not say anything different about the sizing die. They say "back out bullet seating & expanding die 13/4 extra turns to load .357 magnum." Unless ofcourse I'm not finding that part. Where does it offer instructions about the sizing die in the instructions Splattergun? Or what basic adjustment you mentioned in your 2nd post am I missing?

Thanks.
 
Turns out the problem was only with 3 Speer brass pieces.
What is an adapter ring? I use Lee dies. Mine did not have one included. Thanks for your help everybody.
 
Thanks a million fellows. I wanna do a quick load check. I'm using range brass, each piece checked. My charge is 18.6 grains of Imr 4227. Hornady 125 grain jacketed bullets, Winchester small standard primers. My length, which I'm looking for confirmation on is 1.572-1.576. That is shorter than my listed OAL. But that puts me in the crimping groove. I called Hornady to confirm my length a while ago. My only concern with length is I'm jumping up in charge. The last .357s I made had 16.4 of IMR 4227. They were the same bullets and chronographed at a lame 937 feet per second. So I'm heading up to 18.6. These will be tested in a ruger go 100, six inch barrel.

Thanks again/
 
JohnhenrySTL said:
Thanks a million fellows. I wanna do a quick load check. I'm using range brass, each piece checked. My charge is 18.6 grains of Imr 4227. Hornady 125 grain jacketed bullets, Winchester small standard primers. My length, which I'm looking for confirmation on is 1.572-1.576. That is shorter than my listed OAL. But that puts me in the crimping groove. I called Hornady to confirm my length a while ago. My only concern with length is I'm jumping up in charge. The last .357s I made had 16.4 of IMR 4227. They were the same bullets and chronographed at a lame 937 feet per second. So I'm heading up to 18.6. These will be tested in a ruger go 100, six inch barrel.

Thanks again/
Click to expand...
Work up SLOWLY. 1/2 grain increments.

Might want to use mag primers for 4227.
 
I also have 2 sets of dies lol.

The low velocities you got were probably caused by too low of a charge. Hodgdon recommends a starting charge of 18.0gr H4227 under a 125gr XTP bullet. Your charge of 16.4gr is quite a bit below that. They also list a max charge of 20.0gr 4227.

Just a suggestion, I have found 4227 to work great in the .44 Magnum but not so great in the .357 Magnum. Powders like W296/H110, 2400, AA#9, 300-MP and the like will deliver higher velocities and better accuracy in the .357 Magnum.
 
I just bought my second set of dies too :D

I don't load any where near as many .357 as I do .38spcl but its a pain to switch just for even a few. I wound up finding another set of LEE dies at a yard sale for $10, ordered another turret and LEE auto drum. Set up is easy now!
 
#1, if you have no neck tension after sizing look for a split neck. I don't look any more, just toss that piece into the recycle bucket.

Lafitte
 
SARuger said:
I just bought my second set of dies too :D

I don't load any where near as many .357 as I do .38spcl but its a pain to switch just for even a few. I wound up finding another set of LEE dies at a yard sale for $10, ordered another turret and LEE auto drum. Set up is easy now!
Click to expand...
I bought my second set when Lee was closing out their dedicated.357 Magnum dies. The price was just too low to pass up. Believe it or not, the Lee turrets were also on sale that weekend lol. (I'm frugal you know)
 
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