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  1. #1
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    Default Reloading for 38/357.

    I want to start reloading for 38 special and 357 magnum. I was told to buy carbide dies but I want to find out if I can reload for both calibers with one die set. I have a Lee reloading press and I will be reloading for a 357 Colt Trooper Mark 111 and for a Marlin lever action rifle.
    Will I be able to use the same load for both guns?

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Reloading for 38/357.

    As far as I am aware, 38 and 357 can be reloaded with the same dies. Atleast thats what my dads dies say on them. Dont know about loads

    SAS

  3. #3

    Default Re: Reloading for 38/357.

    The Lee dies are normally marked .38 Special and in small print below states that .357 Magnum can also be loaded. Sizing is done the same but adjustment is required for flaring and bullet seating/crimping. I use the same die set for both and works well.

    You can load .38 ammo and use in .357 revolvers and lever actions but DON'T load .38 ammo to .357 specs.

    Bullet diameter for both is the same can use the same bullet weight for both. Download the load info from the Somchem website for .38 and .357

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Reloading for 38/357.

    What the others has said. Both can be used in both fire arms. Loads are developed separately for the 2 case sizes.
    If you have 2.7 mm washers made you can lock the dies and just space for changing between 38 and 357. Just remember to change the charge at the same time....

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Reloading for 38/357.

    Thanks for all the advice guys! Am I correct when I say that I should buy 38 special dies and not 357 dies?

  6. #6
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    Default Re: Reloading for 38/357.

    My dies say .38 special/357 magnum, so just check the dies when you purchase. Also, after some scary results found some fineprint on the somchem book that stated 1.5gr less than stated min to max load for a snub (2").

  7. #7

    Default Re: Reloading for 38/357.

    Quote Originally Posted by The Beast View Post
    Both can be used in both fire arms.
    Not exactly. There is a small "if" about crimping. 357 Cartridges can be loaded with 38 Spl dies. 38 Special cartridges can be loaded with 357 dies only if you don;t need the roll crimp. That's because the crimp shoulder is too high in the die for the shorter 38 Spl case mouth to reach. If you don't need the roll crimp, or use a taper crimp die, then yes, each works with both. The answer to the OP is "buy 38 Spl carbide dies." Not that its necessary to say "carbide" these days, as I doubt that plain steel dies are available.

    Shouldn't this be in the reloading section ?

  8. #8
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    Default Re: Reloading for 38/357.

    You can load a 357 Mag rifle/carbine a little hotter than a handgun and use the longer barrel to build up speed. Somchem mentions MP 200 and S265 but I think S121 might also work.

  9. #9

    Default Re: Reloading for 38/357.

    Sorry should have said that 158 gr bullets seems to be most common for both .38 and .357. Buy the .38 dies that states you can load .357 as well.

    Not sure you can fire .357 in .38 calibre guns (for revolvers the cylinder chamber normally tapers towards the front and the .357 cartridge will not go all the way in and prevent the cylinder from closing) would not recommend it also as the loads and pressures for .357 is higher. But .38 does work in .357

  10. #10
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    Default Re: Reloading for 38/357.

    Sorry if I posted in the wrong place, it was not intentional.

    Thanks I will buy the 38 special. I am new to the reloading world and will buy tomorrow and start taking out the primers . I have about 700 once shot brass so i will be very busy. I bought some bullets from B & J bullets and cant wait to shoot the first ones.

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