Redding Profile Crimp die 38/357

[38SPL HV]

...says to use lubricant when using? Just another step I prefer to be without.

Any success without lubricant? I'm still on the fence with buying this thing...came close...but retreated.

 

[Ignatz]

I have used Redding Profile Crimp dies years ago, but now like the Dillon crimp die.
In fact, years back it was RCBS dies and a Redding Profile Crimp die.
Now its Dillon stuff throughout.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I have the rifle Profile Crip die in 38-55. It has a micrometer adjustment for adjusting seating. Very expensive! If your brass is trimmed to the same length it isn't necessary! If your brass is untrimmed mish-mash it is pointless! If you have got some reason you have brass in multiple length groups (like 45-70 for Hornady and 45-70 for everything else) then it might be worthwhile, but much less expensive to have separate seat/crimp dies for each application. I bought the one and won't buy another until I find a real problem it is the solution to.

Ivan

 

[6string]

Yes, I have this exact Redding die set. Actually, it's the Pro Series for use in a progressive press. So, the seater die and crimp die are separate. I love this die set!
No, I do not use any lubrication. Of course, it has the titanium nitride sizer die.
I use these dies to load for my Giles 1911 in 38 special wadcutter. The profile crimp die actually let me dial in the exact crimp I needed to get very best 50 yd groups!

Jim

 

[robert1804]

I use Redding profile crimp dies without lube, works fine.

 

[Nemo288]

I have used the 44 Pro Crimp die for decades.
Never any lube.
Works perfectly.
And I do like perfect ammo.
Just keep it clean.
I run a paper towel with some One-Shot cleaner-lube thru it after use.

It doesn't take a whole lot of force to fold over the lip of the case into a crimp groove or cannelure.
To crimp bullets with neither of those I use the Redding taper crimp die sparingly.
Think plated smooth shank bullets like the Rainier or solids like the General Bullet (COP).
Crimping the big 444 right into the meat of a big cast bullet (the crimp groove usually does not line up with the case mouth when the correct COAL is achieved) I use the Lee collet crimper which is capable of a lot more force and will create a shallow groove on it's own.

Have not had a bullet move with any of these crimps (that I know of).

 

[mikld]

I have a Redding profile crimp for my 38/357s and 44s. I haven't lubed a case for crimping, done mebbe 5,000 rounds...

 

[noylj]

Never, ever heard of using lubricant.
ALL my roll crimp dies are Profile Crimp and I have NEVER used any case lube.
I ran tests on EVERY crimp die I could find and found the Redding Profile Crimp Dies gave better accuracy than any other roll crimp die.
Second place, and a step down from the Redding die, was a Lee FCD with the carbide ring removed.
All others were the same and in third place.
I went in expecting to find that the crimp die had NO effect on accuracy, if used properly.

 

[Greenjoytj]

I use the Redding 38/357 profile crimp die. I tried it with & without lube it works best effortlessly when used withe Imperial sizing wax case lube.
I lube the first 5 cases then just lube every forth or fifth case or when the press handle effort increases. I tried Imperial Bio lube an hated it for every use I put it to because it so so hard to wipe off. The wax lube come off easy with a micro fibre cloth or paper towel sheet. When you see the unique shape that the profile crimp applies (looks like a tiny neck & shoulder of a bottle neck 308 rifle case) you'll see why lube is beneficial you will see no or little wear on the case brass. Less brass particles to Q-Tip out of the crimp die body. I think this type crimp works ok on lead bullets with the classic tapered crimp groove but it works best on jacked bullets with a cannelure. The amount the case neck is rolled inward is fixed by the dies internal dimensions but the length of the little neck that is formed is user adjustable from non existent to how much case you want to press into the die.

 

[MJFlores]

I have that exact die, and in .44 also. You dont have to lube it, but I do after a few sessions. All I do is put a small drop of RCBS case lube on a qtip, and rub it around where the ase mouth will make contact. It's a good way of keeping the die clean and does make it feel smoother. I'm a huge fan of Redding dies, if you ask me it doesn't get any better...my opinion only of course.

 

[Calliope]

I've been using the Redding .357 profile crimp for about 15 years. Never lubed it or any other crimp die, never saw a need to. I use it for everything from light taper crimps on lead target ammo to full profile crimps on jacketed bullets.

Top quality die, just buy it and use it. If you want to get fussy you can oil it I guess.

The only time I've ever lubed a 357 case was when I had a wrist injury and I re-sized them with RCBS water base case lube. Huge reduction in effort there. Cleaned off after re-priming and flaring.