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  #1  
Old 12-17-2024, 07:43 PM
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Default 9MM / 38super/ 38 spl sizer die

Are these dies interchangeable ?
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Old 12-17-2024, 08:11 PM
toad67 toad67 is offline
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It doesn't look like it. The case neck diameters a
Case neck diameters:
9mm-.380", with +.011" of taper to the base.
38 Super- .385", with .000" of taper to the base.
38 Spl- .379", with .000" of taper to the base.
The 9mm and 38 Spl- are close to the same length, but the super is shorter too.
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Old 12-17-2024, 08:25 PM
GypsmJim GypsmJim is offline
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9mm and 38 don't even have the same bullet diameter.
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Old 12-17-2024, 08:46 PM
Kp321 Kp321 is offline
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Some swaps will work. For example, using a 38 Super sizing die when loading 38 Special HBWC bullets can minimize skirt deformation when seating. (The loaded rounds function through my 52 with no problems, be sure to check your ammo/pistol combination yourself). On the other hand, the Special sizing die can be used when loading thinner Super brass to give more neck tension.
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Old 12-17-2024, 09:16 PM
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The taper on the 9mm is THE big difference as noted!
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Old 12-17-2024, 09:22 PM
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.38 Super and .38 Special sizer dies are interchangeable with adjustments. The expander die can be. The seater die is a problem because of length. 9mm is not interchangeable.

Contrary to GypsmJim, all three cartridges can use the same diameter bullets, it depends on the specific gun they will be fired in!
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Last edited by Alk8944; 12-17-2024 at 09:24 PM.
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Old 12-17-2024, 11:41 PM
Ivan the Butcher Ivan the Butcher is offline
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I use a 38 Super sizing die on 38 S&W. 9mm seat and taper crimp.

I did one batch of 38 Special with a 9mm die, functioned but marginal accuracy.

I size everything 45 with a early 80's RCBS 45 ACP carbide sizer.

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Old 12-19-2024, 07:03 AM
STORMINORMAN STORMINORMAN is offline
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In one word: NO.

Cheers!
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Old 12-19-2024, 10:39 PM
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I have used .38 Super dies for loading .38 S&W for many years. 9mm cases have a slight taper and it would probably be better to not use 38 Super dies for 9mm as the .38 Super cases are not tapered. I would not use .38 Super dies for .38 Special, or vice versa as the .38 Special case diameter is smaller than the .38 Super. I have used .45 ACP dies for loading .45 Colt. It will work but I do not recommend it.

Last edited by DWalt; 12-19-2024 at 10:43 PM.
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Old 12-20-2024, 01:02 PM
STORMINORMAN STORMINORMAN is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by STORMINORMAN View Post
In one word: NO.

Cheers!
I should have been more specific: according to Hornady THEIR Custom 38 Special/357 Mag sizing die is the same as THEIR 9mm sizing die.

The only difference is the identification printed on the die body.

The reason I know this is that they sent me a sizing die marked 9mm when I had a 38 Special/357 Mag sizing die with a loose carbide ring and they confirmed this when I contacted them to see if there was an inadvertent error.

P.S. As far as 38 Super is concerned, no interchangability with 380acp for sizing, either. Other than that, various other expander and even crimp dies may "work". I just bought a set of LEEs.

Cheers!
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