Reloading for 38 Super question.

grisbald · July 25, 2014, 01:57 AM

Can I use my 9mm Lee factory crimp die for the taper crimp?

iraiam · July 25, 2014, 07:11 AM

Probably, the 38 super has a slightly bigger bullet and neck diameter, you won't be able to put the case quite as deep into the taper.

I think lee markets the die as: 9MM LUGER/38 SUPER/38 ACP/380 AUTO

Nick_C_S · July 25, 2014, 12:43 PM

Lee makes a FCD specific to 38 Super.

That kinda tells me that it's a no-go for attempting to crimp with a 9mm FCD. You could try it, I suppose. But it would be prudent to proceed with caution.

WESHOOT2 · July 25, 2014, 05:09 PM

I most highly recommend the proper die.

Except me, first I'd try that 9mm die

Nick_C_S · July 25, 2014, 05:37 PM

I'm with you WESHOOT2. I'd give the 9mm die a whirl too

But fully expecting to have to spring for the correct die.

RickB · July 26, 2014, 04:17 PM

I'd recommend agains the FCD, in any application, but that's me.

testuser79 · July 27, 2014, 09:05 AM

The 9mm won't work because it's a tapered case. You'll need the correct die.

If you aren't getting proper next tension, then you'll need an undersized sizing die. I ran into this problem when trying to load .355 bullets.

I stopped using the Lee FCD on auto pistol cartridges, if the neck tension is fine, then that will hold the bullet. I do see some uses, though:

- For revolvers cartridges and rifle cartridges, it's great for crimping in a separate step.

- Some sizing dies won't size far enough down the case. Dillon dies are like that by design, it helps the machine work more smoothly. A FCD in the last stage could be used to post size the occasional odd sized round. My solution was to switch to Lee dies, which size further down the case.

July 25, 2014, 01:57 AM	#1
grisbald Member Join Date: October 23, 2011 Posts: 75	Reloading for 38 Super question. Can I use my 9mm Lee factory crimp die for the taper crimp?

July 25, 2014, 07:11 AM	#2
iraiam Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2012 Location: Lakewood, CO Posts: 1,057	Probably, the 38 super has a slightly bigger bullet and neck diameter, you won't be able to put the case quite as deep into the taper. I think lee markets the die as: 9MM LUGER/38 SUPER/38 ACP/380 AUTO __________________ NRA Lifetime Member Since 1999 "I ask, sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people except for a few public officials." George Mason

July 25, 2014, 12:43 PM	#3
Nick_C_S Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2013 Location: Idaho Posts: 5,616	Lee makes a FCD specific to 38 Super. That kinda tells me that it's a no-go for attempting to crimp with a 9mm FCD. You could try it, I suppose. But it would be prudent to proceed with caution. __________________ Gun control laws benefit only criminals and politicians - but then, I repeat myself. Life Member, National Rifle Association

July 25, 2014, 05:37 PM	#5
Nick_C_S Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2013 Location: Idaho Posts: 5,616	Yeah, me too I'm with you WESHOOT2. I'd give the 9mm die a whirl too But fully expecting to have to spring for the correct die. __________________ Gun control laws benefit only criminals and politicians - but then, I repeat myself. Life Member, National Rifle Association

July 27, 2014, 09:05 AM	#7
testuser79 Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2014 Posts: 115	The 9mm won't work because it's a tapered case. You'll need the correct die. If you aren't getting proper next tension, then you'll need an undersized sizing die. I ran into this problem when trying to load .355 bullets. I stopped using the Lee FCD on auto pistol cartridges, if the neck tension is fine, then that will hold the bullet. I do see some uses, though: - For revolvers cartridges and rifle cartridges, it's great for crimping in a separate step. - Some sizing dies won't size far enough down the case. Dillon dies are like that by design, it helps the machine work more smoothly. A FCD in the last stage could be used to post size the occasional odd sized round. My solution was to switch to Lee dies, which size further down the case. Last edited by testuser79; July 27, 2014 at 09:13 AM.

July 25, 2014, 05:09 PM	#4
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	I most highly recommend the proper die. Except me, first I'd try that 9mm die

July 26, 2014, 04:17 PM	#6
RickB Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2000 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 8,559	I'd recommend agains the FCD, in any application, but that's me.