rickj62

[rickj62]

I just purchased a 686-6 and have a lot of .357 and 38 sp brass. Is it possable to reload 38 sp with a .357 die? Thanks for the help.

 

[kwselke]

Yes. My .38/.357 dies came with a spacer ring to allow for easy changeover from one to the other, but I just readjust the dies.

 

[Doubless]

You will only be able to load 38s if your die set is specifically marked 38/357. I don't know of any dies currently made that are not made to load both, but your post specifically asked about using a "357" die. If the die is marked 357, you probably won't be able to seat the bullet properly and crimp, as the crimp shoulder will be set for the .357 case, which is .115" longer than the 38 case, if memory serves.

 

[rickj62]

Thanks for the advice. Might be easier to just get two sets of dies.

 

[venomballistics]

Thanks for the advice. Might be easier to just get two sets of dies.

not really ... setting up for either involves a description far more daunting than the actual task

 

[MichiganScott]

Thanks for the advice. Might be easier to just get two sets of dies.

You don't need two sets, just two seater/crimp dies.

When I bought my first set back in the early 1970's, RCBS made separate .38 Spec. and .357 Mag sets so I ended up with both. As mentioned, the new sets come with a spacer that I have found to be useless.

 

[moxie]

Spacer works for me just fine!

 

[rickj62]

Thanks again. I am new to pistol reloading and relativley new to reloading (a few years), but I can get started with this and I am sure something will work. the forum is a great help