Different Lee 38spl dies

richfr · September 22, 2011, 05:29 AM

Hi I have just got 2 different sets of used Lee 38spl dies and they have different numbers stamped on them.
One set has
Sizer 38 357-85
Expander 38SP-D4
Seating38SP-85

The Newer looking set
Sizer 38/357 D4
Expander 38SPL-D4
Seating 38SPL-F4

Does anybody know if there any differences with them? I intend to use one set for 38spl and the other for 357mag.

Thanks

**Unclenick** · September 22, 2011, 08:00 AM

Lee has changed their designs some over time, like adding powder-through expanders for their scoops and powder measures. I would just call them ((262) 673-3075) or use their email contact page to ask the exact differences. I only have their old Speed Dies in handgun calibers, so I can't help you directly with the numbers. The bottom line, though, is you're going to end up using them as they are. Should both be fine if they weren't damaged by the previous owners.

richfr · September 22, 2011, 11:33 AM

Thanks I couldnt fint the contact us page.
Email sent

dickttx · September 22, 2011, 07:20 PM

I had this question on the first set of Lee Four Die Deluxe I bought. I e-mailed them and they told me the letters and numbers, other than the caliber, were a date code.

WANT A LCR 22LR · September 22, 2011, 08:14 PM

Last 2 characters are date codes. If you look at the LEE parts listing, the only difference between the 38 and 357 expander dies is a internal spacer from what I recall.

If you are using these dies in a turret or progressive, get a spare die holder, this way you don't have to readjust the dies everytime you change from 38 to 357.

Lost Sheep · September 22, 2011, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WANT A LCR 22LR

Last 2 characters are date codes. If you look at the LEE parts listing, the only difference between the 38 and 357 expander dies is a internal spacer from what I recall.

If you are using these dies in a turret or progressive, get a spare die holder, this way you don't have to readjust the dies everytime you change from 38 to 357.

Don't forget those who use breechlock (bushing equipped) presses.

Thanks for the inmformation about the date code.

Lost Sheep

spacecoast · September 23, 2011, 05:08 AM

Interesting. My relatively new set (almost two years old) has:

Sizer - LEE 38/357 G9
Expander - LEE-38-SPL
Seating - LEE-38-SPL
FCD - LEE-38/357-D9

Presumably the 9 stands for "2009". When I received the FCD it wouldn't touch either .38 special or .357 mag cases to crimp them, and I had to use the seating die for crimping as well. I contacted Lee and they sent me a different "plug" for the FCD, and it works great now.

richfr · September 23, 2011, 09:34 AM

Yep they confirmed one set was from 1985 and could be steel or carbide (looks like a carbide as it has an insert in the decap die)
The second set was produced in April and June of 2004 and are carbide both can be 38 or 357.

Result

they are even sending me for free to France a replacement 9mm cutting pilot as I have one that is undersize.
Excellent customer service especially from a supplier that doesn't charge the earth to begin with unheard of here in Europe.

mikeadams · September 23, 2011, 12:51 PM

They're sending you for free to France? Wow, now THAT'S customer service!

Heh, I know what you meant, but it's been a long day and just had to have a little fun.

Mike

September 22, 2011, 05:29 AM	#1
richfr Member Join Date: December 5, 2009 Location: France Posts: 79	Different Lee 38spl dies Hi I have just got 2 different sets of used Lee 38spl dies and they have different numbers stamped on them. One set has Sizer 38 357-85 Expander 38SP-D4 Seating38SP-85 The Newer looking set Sizer 38/357 D4 Expander 38SPL-D4 Seating 38SPL-F4 Does anybody know if there any differences with them? I intend to use one set for 38spl and the other for 357mag. Thanks

September 22, 2011, 08:00 AM	#2
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	Lee has changed their designs some over time, like adding powder-through expanders for their scoops and powder measures. I would just call them ((262) 673-3075) or use their email contact page to ask the exact differences. I only have their old Speed Dies in handgun calibers, so I can't help you directly with the numbers. The bottom line, though, is you're going to end up using them as they are. Should both be fine if they weren't damaged by the previous owners. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

September 22, 2011, 07:20 PM	#4
dickttx Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2011 Location: Fort Worth Posts: 500	I had this question on the first set of Lee Four Die Deluxe I bought. I e-mailed them and they told me the letters and numbers, other than the caliber, were a date code. __________________ Education teaches you the rules, experience teaches you the exceptions (Plagiarized from Claude Clay)

September 22, 2011, 11:33 AM	#3
richfr Member Join Date: December 5, 2009 Location: France Posts: 79	Thanks I couldnt fint the contact us page. Email sent

September 22, 2011, 08:14 PM	#5
WANT A LCR 22LR Senior Member Join Date: September 5, 2010 Posts: 389	Last 2 characters are date codes. If you look at the LEE parts listing, the only difference between the 38 and 357 expander dies is a internal spacer from what I recall. If you are using these dies in a turret or progressive, get a spare die holder, this way you don't have to readjust the dies everytime you change from 38 to 357.

September 23, 2011, 05:08 AM	#7
spacecoast Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 2009 Location: Sunshine and Keystone States Posts: 4,461	Interesting. My relatively new set (almost two years old) has: Sizer - LEE 38/357 G9 Expander - LEE-38-SPL Seating - LEE-38-SPL FCD - LEE-38/357-D9 Presumably the 9 stands for "2009". When I received the FCD it wouldn't touch either .38 special or .357 mag cases to crimp them, and I had to use the seating die for crimping as well. I contacted Lee and they sent me a different "plug" for the FCD, and it works great now.

September 23, 2011, 09:34 AM	#8
richfr Member Join Date: December 5, 2009 Location: France Posts: 79	Yep they confirmed one set was from 1985 and could be steel or carbide (looks like a carbide as it has an insert in the decap die) The second set was produced in April and June of 2004 and are carbide both can be 38 or 357. Result they are even sending me for free to France a replacement 9mm cutting pilot as I have one that is undersize. Excellent customer service especially from a supplier that doesn't charge the earth to begin with unheard of here in Europe.

September 23, 2011, 12:51 PM	#9
mikeadams Junior Member Join Date: February 24, 2010 Location: OKC Posts: 9	They're sending you for free to France? Wow, now THAT'S customer service! Heh, I know what you meant, but it's been a long day and just had to have a little fun. Mike