44 spl, 44 magnum dies interchangable?

Kayser · September 4, 2005, 06:52 PM

I'm looking at a set of Lee dies (the 4 die set) for 44 Special and 44 Magnum. I'm wondering - in general are 44 spl dies always interchangable with 44 magnum?

What's the reason behind this - same diameter case, just different lengths?

**Mike Irwin** · September 4, 2005, 08:19 PM

Yes, and yes.

Same with .357/.38 Spl.

Kayser · September 4, 2005, 10:48 PM

Rock on.

Side note : UMC and Federal 44 mag brass are an absolute breeze to prime with an auto-prime, as compared to my experiences with WWB .45 ACP.

flstfi · September 5, 2005, 10:51 AM

The case height is the only difference. Most die manufacturers incclude a spacer that you place on before you screw in the die (or dies if you have a progressive press..

**Mike Irwin** · September 5, 2005, 12:26 PM

RCBS used to include the spacer, but it drove me nuts, so I just readjusted the dies.

A few years ago I lucked into a spare set of .38/.357 Lee dies very cheap, and now have one set for .38 and one set for .357.

September 4, 2005, 06:52 PM	#1
Kayser Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2002 Location: Illinois :( Posts: 550	44 spl, 44 magnum dies interchangable? I'm looking at a set of Lee dies (the 4 die set) for 44 Special and 44 Magnum. I'm wondering - in general are 44 spl dies always interchangable with 44 magnum? What's the reason behind this - same diameter case, just different lengths? __________________ ----------------- Box Of Truth Afficionado!

September 4, 2005, 10:48 PM	#3
Kayser Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2002 Location: Illinois :( Posts: 550	Rock on. Side note : UMC and Federal 44 mag brass are an absolute breeze to prime with an auto-prime, as compared to my experiences with WWB .45 ACP. __________________ ----------------- Box Of Truth Afficionado!

September 5, 2005, 10:51 AM	#4
flstfi Member Join Date: March 28, 2005 Location: California Posts: 44	44 sp vs 44 MAG The case height is the only difference. Most die manufacturers incclude a spacer that you place on before you screw in the die (or dies if you have a progressive press..

September 4, 2005, 08:19 PM	#2
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,389	Yes, and yes. Same with .357/.38 Spl.

September 5, 2005, 12:26 PM	#5
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,389	RCBS used to include the spacer, but it drove me nuts, so I just readjusted the dies. A few years ago I lucked into a spare set of .38/.357 Lee dies very cheap, and now have one set for .38 and one set for .357.