.38 special die

[hookr88]

I just started reloading and love it. I have an RCBS .38 special die can I use this for .357 rounds as well? I read a previous posting about this topic but it didn't really help because I think they referred to dies labeled .38/.357. Also are nickel plated cases worth reloading? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

[AWS]

You can use the 38 special die , just back off the seater or you' crush the case crimping.  You might want to size the first ones slowly to make sure the sizer is long enough, if not just use a washer for a spacer between the shell holder and the die base.  Nickle cases work just fine be sure to use plenty of lube.

AWS

[JackOfAllTrades]

Nickle cases work just fine be sure to use plenty of lube.

Modern pistol cartridge dies are made of carbide steel. No lubrication of the case is required for nickel or brass up through 445super mag! If you're using archaic/antique mild steel dies from prior to the 60's, then you would lube cases. Toss those dies and get modern.

To answer your .38spl die question.. You've got two dies. A sizer for .38cal and a bullet seat/crimp die. (yes, you could have a three or four die set with separate size, seat, roll/taper crimp dies.) The full length size die for 38spl is most often too short to completely size 357mag brass. Most modern carbide die sets since the mid 70's for 357mag would work fine and are often stamped 38spl/357mag. If you truly have a 38spl seat die, it would be fine to seat/crimp bullets loaded into 357mag cases.

-Steve

[hookr88]

Thanks for the input. They are modern dies, now I know I don't have to go out and buy a new set of dies to reload my Christmas present   I have a four die set, but I think one of them is missing part of the die. I'll figure that out myself.

[high country]

the seater likley has two different inserts for RN and FN bullets. I bet that is the spare parts you are seeing

[hookr88]

Ahh. Got it. Thanks again. Have a Merry Christmas