38/357 die setup/Lee Turrett Press

Ken29745 · December 24, 2009, 09:34 PM

I've loaded a good many 38 specials on my Lee Turret press with great success. I want to try some 357 mags now but I'm not sure how to set up the dies from 38 to 357? I've belled one of the cases severely screwing around with it. Lee provided info for the 38 sp but not 357 mag. It seems like thread engagement would be a problem if the die is backed out enough to prevent belling? I'm obviously doing something wrong. Can someone help me? Thanks.

islander · December 24, 2009, 10:43 PM

It's easy just back out the dies for the longer 357 case length, adjust per directions and reset the die lock ring. Or, you can leave the dies as they are set for 38 spcl. and use the threaded spacer that is normally provided with the 38/357 die sets.

If your case belling is excessive you need to back out the main die body as I stated above - I don't think the neck expander threading has enough adjustment to cover both case lengths as you have discovered.

Sport45 · December 24, 2009, 10:50 PM

You don't have to change anything with the sizing die. Back the expanding die out a couple of turns and then run it in a bit at a time until you get the bell you want and then set the lock ring. Do the same thing with your crimping die. I've never used the spacers since I figured I'd be readjusting the dies anyway.

Ken29745 · December 25, 2009, 10:25 AM

Thanks guys. I'll give it a try. I don't remember seeing a spacer but I'll double check. I wish the instructions were a little more clear when changing calibers.

Islander, I'm not sure I know what the neck expander threading is? Is this the threaded piece on top of the die which is used for inserting the funnel or powder measure?

80viking · December 25, 2009, 10:45 AM

the older lee 38spl sizing dies won't size the .357, it has to be marked 38spl/.357, the expander and seating dies will work as stated above

Jim243 · December 25, 2009, 10:49 AM

Ken

Don't feel bad, I've belled (Crushed) many a 357 case using the 38 spl set of dies. Finally got ****** enought about being unable to get it right that I went out and bought the Lee 357 mag die set. One of those "right tool for job" things.

Stay safe and keep your blood pressure down and get a set.

Jim

Uncle Buck · December 25, 2009, 10:52 AM

The neck expander on the die should be able to be screwed up or down, depending on the length of the cartridge.

What I do after resizing/depriming the shell, I completely remove my expander and get the die set to where I need it. Then, with the shell in place, I run the ram all the way up, so the cartridge is in the die. I then take the expander and run it down until it touches the top of the shell casing. (Remember, your shell is already in the die.) I back raise the ram, lowering the shell out of the die, and then give my expander a 1/4 turn down. Lock it, run the ram again and check the belling. I always adjust with a 1/4 turn, until I get it where I need it to be. Remember, it is the same as the .38 or any other caliber, you only need enough bell to get the bullet to start so you can seat it.

Ken29745 · December 25, 2009, 11:27 AM

I bought my dies new two years ago. The deprime/sizing die is marked 38/357, expander die marked 38 spl, bullet seat marked 38 spl, and the factory crimp is marked 38/357.

Uncle Buck: When you talk about lowering the "expander" down 1/4 turn; you're not talking about the die itself are you? I'm assuming you're talking about the threaded piece with o-ring that threads into the top of the expander?

islander · December 25, 2009, 11:37 AM

Ken I meant the threading on the expander itself. There may not be enough threading to allow you to back out the expander to bell 357 cases, requiring you to back out the main die body. Your best bet is to reset the die and expander as noted by Uncle Buck.

Ken29745 · December 25, 2009, 12:27 PM

I got ya now. Thanks!

Ken29745 · December 26, 2009, 10:51 AM

I loaded up some 357's last night and it worked out fine thanks to you guys help. I was making it much more complicated than it really is. In the end, I think I'd rather have a set of 357 mag dies and eliminate the need to go through all the setup when switching from 38spcl to 357 mag.

This forum is a great resource for people like me and I really appreciate the willingness to help a newbie! Thanks! Ken

islander · December 26, 2009, 11:30 AM

I'd save the money on the 357 dies and get a hold of a spacer. That will save you from having to reset the locking rings, and only have to adjust the expander and seater for every batch, which I do regardless of caliber.

Ken29745 · December 26, 2009, 12:04 PM

Islander: Did you buy your spacer or make it yourself? I haven't seen them @ Midway?

Don P · December 26, 2009, 12:10 PM

Quote:

In the end, I think I'd rather have a set of 357 mag dies and eliminate the need to go through all the setup when switching from 38spcl to 357 mag.

Now you're using your head son.

It's the simplest way to go. I did the same, a 38spl set and a set for 357mag. Got through the set up once with each and just have to change out the turret plate when changing calibers. It's well worth it as you have figured out for the price of the dies and a turret plate.

Lost Sheep · December 26, 2009, 05:37 PM

Ken29745.

Welcome to the forum.

Most of my guns have never even SEEN a 38 Special cartridge. I load all .357 Magnum cases to whatever power level I want (choosing powders with care, so reduced power loads are safe).

Problem never arose for me. If I were you, I would load my 38 special cartridges over and over until they wear out and replace them with .357 by attrition.

This is a behavior that works for me, and I recommend it to anyone who does not actually shoot any 38 Special guns.

Happy New Year.

Lost Sheep

islander · December 26, 2009, 06:24 PM

Midway does carry the spacer for 38/357 good for any die with 7/8x14 threads (the standard):

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct...tnumber=312274

islander · December 26, 2009, 06:33 PM

Lost Sheep your method appeals to me, if I could load very mild 357's on a par with mild 38's - my 38 pet load right now is 4.3 gr. of W231 behind Hornady XTP 125 gr. bullets, it's a pussycat to shoot. I just finished an experimental batch with 4.0 gr., we like mild shooting at the range. The good thing about firing 357 exclusively is it makes cleaning the cylinders much easier. Where could I find some very mild 357 load data?

80viking · December 26, 2009, 06:39 PM

after owning several .357 revolvers and being frustrated by the extractors that are just long enough to extract the longer magnum cases, often leaving one or two empty cases hung up while trying to quickly recharge the cylinder during a bowling pin match, my solution was to use 38spl cases loaded to +p power levels, a compromise that worked out very well,

Ken29745 · December 27, 2009, 01:16 AM

Islander, you're right about the spacers. I was looking under the Lee stuff. I'm actually thinking about making my own now. Heck there's really nothing to it.

I like Lost Sheep's thoughts on light 357 loads in lieu of 38 spcls. I hadn't thought of that. Lots of good ideas here.

December 24, 2009, 09:34 PM	#1
Ken29745 Member Join Date: August 25, 2007 Location: South Carolina Posts: 21	38/357 die setup/Lee Turrett Press I've loaded a good many 38 specials on my Lee Turret press with great success. I want to try some 357 mags now but I'm not sure how to set up the dies from 38 to 357? I've belled one of the cases severely screwing around with it. Lee provided info for the 38 sp but not 357 mag. It seems like thread engagement would be a problem if the die is backed out enough to prevent belling? I'm obviously doing something wrong. Can someone help me? Thanks.

December 24, 2009, 10:50 PM	#3
Sport45 Senior Member Join Date: May 25, 1999 Location: Too close to Houston Posts: 4,196	You don't have to change anything with the sizing die. Back the expanding die out a couple of turns and then run it in a bit at a time until you get the bell you want and then set the lock ring. Do the same thing with your crimping die. I've never used the spacers since I figured I'd be readjusting the dies anyway. __________________ Proud member of the NRA and Texas State Rifle Association. Registered and active voter.

December 25, 2009, 10:52 AM	#7
Uncle Buck Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2009 Location: West Central Missouri Posts: 2,592	The neck expander on the die should be able to be screwed up or down, depending on the length of the cartridge. What I do after resizing/depriming the shell, I completely remove my expander and get the die set to where I need it. Then, with the shell in place, I run the ram all the way up, so the cartridge is in the die. I then take the expander and run it down until it touches the top of the shell casing. (Remember, your shell is already in the die.) I back raise the ram, lowering the shell out of the die, and then give my expander a 1/4 turn down. Lock it, run the ram again and check the belling. I always adjust with a 1/4 turn, until I get it where I need it to be. Remember, it is the same as the .38 or any other caliber, you only need enough bell to get the bullet to start so you can seat it. __________________ Inside Every Bright Idea Is The 50% Probability Of A Disaster Waiting To Happen.

December 26, 2009, 05:37 PM	#15
Lost Sheep Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2009 Location: Anchorage Alaska Posts: 3,341	Why bother? Ken29745. Welcome to the forum. Most of my guns have never even SEEN a 38 Special cartridge. I load all .357 Magnum cases to whatever power level I want (choosing powders with care, so reduced power loads are safe). Problem never arose for me. If I were you, I would load my 38 special cartridges over and over until they wear out and replace them with .357 by attrition. This is a behavior that works for me, and I recommend it to anyone who does not actually shoot any 38 Special guns. Happy New Year. Lost Sheep

December 24, 2009, 10:43 PM	#2
islander Member Join Date: July 30, 2009 Posts: 42	It's easy just back out the dies for the longer 357 case length, adjust per directions and reset the die lock ring. Or, you can leave the dies as they are set for 38 spcl. and use the threaded spacer that is normally provided with the 38/357 die sets. If your case belling is excessive you need to back out the main die body as I stated above - I don't think the neck expander threading has enough adjustment to cover both case lengths as you have discovered.

December 25, 2009, 10:25 AM	#4
Ken29745 Member Join Date: August 25, 2007 Location: South Carolina Posts: 21	Thanks guys. I'll give it a try. I don't remember seeing a spacer but I'll double check. I wish the instructions were a little more clear when changing calibers. Islander, I'm not sure I know what the neck expander threading is? Is this the threaded piece on top of the die which is used for inserting the funnel or powder measure?

December 25, 2009, 10:45 AM	#5
80viking Senior Member Join Date: December 8, 2009 Location: The Peoples Republic of Massac Posts: 333	the older lee 38spl sizing dies won't size the .357, it has to be marked 38spl/.357, the expander and seating dies will work as stated above

December 25, 2009, 10:49 AM	#6
Jim243 Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2009 Location: Just off Route 66 Posts: 5,067	Ken Don't feel bad, I've belled (Crushed) many a 357 case using the 38 spl set of dies. Finally got ****** enought about being unable to get it right that I went out and bought the Lee 357 mag die set. One of those "right tool for job" things. Stay safe and keep your blood pressure down and get a set. Jim

December 25, 2009, 11:27 AM	#8
Ken29745 Member Join Date: August 25, 2007 Location: South Carolina Posts: 21	I bought my dies new two years ago. The deprime/sizing die is marked 38/357, expander die marked 38 spl, bullet seat marked 38 spl, and the factory crimp is marked 38/357. Uncle Buck: When you talk about lowering the "expander" down 1/4 turn; you're not talking about the die itself are you? I'm assuming you're talking about the threaded piece with o-ring that threads into the top of the expander?

December 25, 2009, 11:37 AM	#9
islander Member Join Date: July 30, 2009 Posts: 42	Ken I meant the threading on the expander itself. There may not be enough threading to allow you to back out the expander to bell 357 cases, requiring you to back out the main die body. Your best bet is to reset the die and expander as noted by Uncle Buck.

December 25, 2009, 12:27 PM	#10
Ken29745 Member Join Date: August 25, 2007 Location: South Carolina Posts: 21	I got ya now. Thanks!

December 26, 2009, 10:51 AM	#11
Ken29745 Member Join Date: August 25, 2007 Location: South Carolina Posts: 21	I loaded up some 357's last night and it worked out fine thanks to you guys help. I was making it much more complicated than it really is. In the end, I think I'd rather have a set of 357 mag dies and eliminate the need to go through all the setup when switching from 38spcl to 357 mag. This forum is a great resource for people like me and I really appreciate the willingness to help a newbie! Thanks! Ken

December 26, 2009, 11:30 AM	#12
islander Member Join Date: July 30, 2009 Posts: 42	I'd save the money on the 357 dies and get a hold of a spacer. That will save you from having to reset the locking rings, and only have to adjust the expander and seater for every batch, which I do regardless of caliber.

December 26, 2009, 12:04 PM	#13
Ken29745 Member Join Date: August 25, 2007 Location: South Carolina Posts: 21	Islander: Did you buy your spacer or make it yourself? I haven't seen them @ Midway?

December 26, 2009, 06:24 PM	#16
islander Member Join Date: July 30, 2009 Posts: 42	Midway does carry the spacer for 38/357 good for any die with 7/8x14 threads (the standard): http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct...tnumber=312274

December 26, 2009, 06:33 PM	#17
islander Member Join Date: July 30, 2009 Posts: 42	Lost Sheep your method appeals to me, if I could load very mild 357's on a par with mild 38's - my 38 pet load right now is 4.3 gr. of W231 behind Hornady XTP 125 gr. bullets, it's a pussycat to shoot. I just finished an experimental batch with 4.0 gr., we like mild shooting at the range. The good thing about firing 357 exclusively is it makes cleaning the cylinders much easier. Where could I find some very mild 357 load data?

December 26, 2009, 06:39 PM	#18
80viking Senior Member Join Date: December 8, 2009 Location: The Peoples Republic of Massac Posts: 333	after owning several .357 revolvers and being frustrated by the extractors that are just long enough to extract the longer magnum cases, often leaving one or two empty cases hung up while trying to quickly recharge the cylinder during a bowling pin match, my solution was to use 38spl cases loaded to +p power levels, a compromise that worked out very well,

December 27, 2009, 01:16 AM	#19
Ken29745 Member Join Date: August 25, 2007 Location: South Carolina Posts: 21	Islander, you're right about the spacers. I was looking under the Lee stuff. I'm actually thinking about making my own now. Heck there's really nothing to it. I like Lost Sheep's thoughts on light 357 loads in lieu of 38 spcls. I hadn't thought of that. Lots of good ideas here.