What 38 special dies.

I'm looking to start reloading for 38/357. I started looking on ebay for a deal on some used dies and got confused quickly. It looks like I need different die sets for different bullet styles. I anticipate loading swc and some jhp for defense loads, maybe wc but not a deal breaker. Can someone lead me in the right direction as to what I need for a die set that might do it all. I'm open to any brand but am familiar with Lee as I am currently using them for 9mm.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kingrich09

I'm looking to start reloading for 38/357. I started looking on ebay for a deal on some used dies and got confused quickly. It looks like I need different die sets for different bullet styles. I anticipate loading swc and some jhp for defense loads, maybe wc but not a deal breaker. Can someone lead me in the right direction as to what I need for a die set that might do it all. I'm open to any brand but am familiar with Lee as I am currently using them for 9mm.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

---

I have two Lee die sets for .38/.357
One I use for .38 only and the other for .357mag, that way don't have to constantly adjust the dies switching between the two. The delux Lee 4 die set will do everything you need for both.

Sent from my SM-J727V using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kingrich09

I'm looking to start reloading for 38/357. I started looking on ebay for a deal on some used dies and got confused quickly. It looks like I need different die sets for different bullet styles. I anticipate loading swc and some jhp for defense loads, maybe wc but not a deal breaker. Can someone lead me in the right direction as to what I need for a die set that might do it all. I'm open to any brand but am familiar with Lee as I am currently using them for 9mm.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

---

No you don't just buy the Lee carbide die set and go for it. I have 2 seating stems for different bullets but it's not really necessary.

Sent from my XT1635-01 using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by coachk12

No you don't just buy the Lee carbide die set and go for it. I have 2 seating stems for different bullets but it's not really necessary.

Sent from my XT1635-01 using Tapatalk

---

Does Lee sell different style seating stems?

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kingrich09

Does Lee sell different style seating stems?

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

---

Not sure if they do, but if you don't plan on loading odd ball bullets it shouldn't be an issue.
What bullets were mentioned as needing a different seating die?

Sent from my SM-J727V using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CodySPowell

Not sure if they do, but if you don't plan on loading odd ball bullets it shouldn't be an issue.
What bullets were mentioned as needing a different seating die?

Sent from my SM-J727V using Tapatalk

---

Some of the listing I saw on ebay for rcbs dies listed them as for wc and swc only. Some said round nose only.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kingrich09

Does Lee sell different style seating stems?

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

---

Not sure but it's not needed really. I have a set of Rcbs for 44 mag and have 2 different stems for different bullets. Frankly it's a pia, I never swap it out.

Sent from my XT1635-01 using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by coachk12

Not sure but it's not needed really. I have a set of Rcbs for 44 mag and have 2 different stems for different bullets. Frankly it's a pia, I never swap it out.

Sent from my XT1635-01 using Tapatalk

---

You will leave a little mark on your bullet but it won't hurt anything..

Sent from my XT1635-01 using Tapatalk

Thanks guys I'll keep me eyes open for a set of lee dies hopefully I can find a steal somewhere used.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

They are not expensive new like $29. Make sure you get carbide sizing die

In my opinion, the more important thing to look for is the crimp die. For anything with a crimp groove, like a lead SWC may have, or for the DEWC, the roll crimp (Redding calls it a Profile Crimp die) is what works best. For anything without that groove, then a basic taper crimp works well.

If you're loading bunny fart, plinking loads, then it really doesn't matter much...

Nothing wrong with Lee dies for this caliber! All the manufacturers make dies for this round, big difference is what seating stems are included, what type of crimp's used, and as mentioned, you really want a carbide sizing die!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MarkDisciplinare

In my opinion, the more important thing to look for is the crimp die. For anything with a crimp groove, like a lead SWC may have, or for the DEWC, the roll crimp (Redding calls it a Profile Crimp die) is what works best. For anything without that groove, then a basic taper crimp works well.

If you're loading bunny fart, plinking loads, then it really doesn't matter much...

Nothing wrong with Lee dies for this caliber! All the manufacturers make dies for this round, big difference is what seating stems are included, what type of crimp's used, and as mentioned, you really want a carbide sizing die!

---

Wes swears by the Lee factory crimp dies, I haven't needed them yet but....

Sent from my XT1635-01 using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by coachk12

Wes swears by the Lee factory crimp dies, I haven't needed them yet but....

Sent from my XT1635-01 using Tapatalk

---

That's all I use. And I'll tell you from experience. You'll need a pretty good crimp on light loads to prevent flash over.

Sent from my SM-J727V using Tapatalk

I use Lee dies in my turret press for my plinking loads, which are cast, 158 gr Lee SWC TL, and the stem works just fine with no damage at all. I have the RCBS B series dies that I use in my single stage for full magnum loads using Lee 158 gr SWC, and Hornady XTP's. With that stem, I ground it down flat because it was leaving a ring on my tips. It works well with both style of bullets like that.

Also, I don't crimp and seat in one step, I use the Lee FCD for everything.

Hope this helps

I prefer the Lee over RCBS, just because (to me) the Lee is a lot easier to set up. I ended up giving the RCBS set away. Definitely get carbide, and definitely get one for 38’s and one for 357’s.

Go with the lee 4 die set and you wont have any trouble i use the 38/357 dies for both, if you had both sets of dies it would save a little time in adjusting dies but im never in that big a hurry. I use 4 die set for all my pistols reloading.

They had some I believe on the cheap at Palmetto State Armory. I bought a ton of cheap RCBS shellholders, RCBS trim dies, RCBS neck sizing dies, .308 X-dies, etc.