38/357 idea

[ArchAngelCD]

Thanks to the OP for the idea.

I'm in the 2 sets of dies camp. I would not have bought the second set but they were Lee .357 Magnum specific on a close out. They were extremely cheap so I bought them. That works well for me... This is on a Lee turret press with separate turrets for each.

 

[gwpercle]

You could make the spacer into a "C" washer so you only have to unscrew the die a little more than the thickness of the washer, slide it in place, and tighten the die. That would take a few seconds. Same for removing it.

This is what I did ... found a big washer the right thickness at a hardware store among their large fasteners .
Hacksawed a section out so I can slip it under ...
... works like a charm . I would have thought someone would make and sell such a quick and easy installing spacer !
Gary

 

[ken158]

The time spent in putting a washer under a die is way less wasted then answering the phone and talking to the guy that wants to sell you an extended warranty for your car…

 

[BigMoneyGrip]

I made it easy on myself. One set of dies for .38 and another set for .357.

 

[Ron IL]

I run a Lee classic turret four die press and use Lee carbide 4 die sets. I load for three different calibers. I have a turret set up for each one including the powder measure. All I have to do is lift out one and drop in the other one. Change out the shell holder and dump in the powder. I have a favorite load for each and don't have to change anything. Can't get any easier.

 

[Maurice H]

The simple solution to using spacers is to also use the lock rings on the dies as a jam nut. After adjusting die to proper position, first tighten (lock!) the lock ring to the die via the small set screw without simultaneously tightening the ring to the toolhead. Then wrench the lock nut against the toolhead.

When moving between Spc and Mag, just remove/reinstall the die to/from toolhead via the lock ring so the ring always remains in the same position relative to die. Insert/remove the spacer as needed.

 

[Scharfschuetzer]

Using a different height shell holder is a good idea for a single station press, but in the end, I just adjust the dies when using my Rockchucker instead of the Dillon.

On the other hand, match rifle shooters have been using various height shell holders to control headspace in the various long range cartridges with success for some time. I've used 'em in my 7.62 and 5.56 match rifles for several years as my bolt rifles have slightly different headspace dimensions than my semi-auto match rifles.