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junker · October 24, 2011, 08:10 PM

Well, I finally completed my first rounds. Took me about an hour to do 10 rounds.

I did five each of 38 special and 357 magnum. They are all 158 gr LSWC from MidAtlantic Bullets (I decided to put off casting my own until I figure out reloading). The 38's have 4.6 gr of Unique and the 357's have 6.0 gr of the same. I spent a lot of time adjusting dies and frigging with the powder dippers. The .5 cc lee dipper measured 4 grains of Unique instead of the 4.6 gr stated in the table it came with.

Anyhow, I used my ugliest brass figuring I'd screw these up. Picture is below. I would appreciate input on the crimps. The 38 in the lower right pushed in too far when I was just getting started, think its ok to shoot it?

Here is what I learned...

1. Lee 357 dies don't expand or crimp 38 special. Luckily I ended up with a set of 38 dies too when I bought some used gear.

2. I don't like these Lee powder dippers. They are slow and I had to weigh each load to get what I wanted.

3. Adjusting dies is a skill to be learned.

4. I think this is going to be an enjoyable hobby to pass the Maine winter.

October 24, 2011, 08:10 PM	#1
junker Member Join Date: January 10, 2011 Posts: 65	Did first reloads tonight, comments? Well, I finally completed my first rounds. Took me about an hour to do 10 rounds. I did five each of 38 special and 357 magnum. They are all 158 gr LSWC from MidAtlantic Bullets (I decided to put off casting my own until I figure out reloading). The 38's have 4.6 gr of Unique and the 357's have 6.0 gr of the same. I spent a lot of time adjusting dies and frigging with the powder dippers. The .5 cc lee dipper measured 4 grains of Unique instead of the 4.6 gr stated in the table it came with. Anyhow, I used my ugliest brass figuring I'd screw these up. Picture is below. I would appreciate input on the crimps. The 38 in the lower right pushed in too far when I was just getting started, think its ok to shoot it? Here is what I learned... 1. Lee 357 dies don't expand or crimp 38 special. Luckily I ended up with a set of 38 dies too when I bought some used gear. 2. I don't like these Lee powder dippers. They are slow and I had to weigh each load to get what I wanted. 3. Adjusting dies is a skill to be learned. 4. I think this is going to be an enjoyable hobby to pass the Maine winter.