Does .38 Super require its own dies, or will .38 special/.357 dies work?

[BehindBlueI's]

Title says it. My understanding is the bullet itself is the same, but obviously the case length is quite different.

 

[chezuki]

Title says it. My understanding is the bullet itself is the same, but obviously the case length is quite different.

Totally different. Needs it's own dies and uses the same bullet as 9mm (.356).

 

[NHT3]

Not sure about the dies, I believe they are different but obviously the shell holder is different.


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[Mark 1911]

BBB,

You will need a separate set of dies for .38 super than for .38 special / .357.

https://shop.rcbs.com/WebConnect/Ma...oductDisplay&screenlabel=index&productId=2324

https://shop.rcbs.com/WebConnect/Ma...oductDisplay&screenlabel=index&productId=2314

 

[BehindBlueI's]

Aight, thanks. I knew I needed a different shell holder, but I have that covered. I was mulling over a Commander in .38 super, but I'm hesitant to add a new caliber to the logistics table, so to speak.

 

[billybob44]

9MM "Magnum"

'Eyes' the .38 Super is like a 9MM Magnum..

The .38 Super is to a 9MM what a 10MM is to .40 S&W...Bill.

 

[rockhopper46038]

Please please please let me take that .38 Super Commander off your hands!

 

[Mark 1911]

Close friend of mine once had a Llama 1911 in .38 super. He sold it about 25 years ago and hasn't stopped kicking himself since.

 

[BehindBlueI's]

Please please please let me take that .38 Super Commander off your hands!

Eh, its a Colt lightweight TALO. You probably wouldn't be interested....

 

[rockhopper46038]

Eh, its a Colt lightweight TALO. You probably wouldn't be interested....

Well not new retail, but if it's a scuffed up project gun, absolutely!

 

[chezuki]

Eh, its a Colt lightweight TALO. You probably wouldn't be interested....

BBI, if you decide to get it, I think I still have some .38 Super dies around if you're interested. I'll have to check and make sure.

 

[IndyGlockMan]

I checked my Dillon dies...
the die set just says 9mm
the conversion kit says 9mm/38 super

 

[chezuki]

Again... They are NOT the same dies as 9mm. 9mm cases are tapered, .38 Super are not. The shell plates are the same, but the dies are not.

 

[45fan]

I have a set of 38 S&W dies, and if I am reading the label correctly, they will work for 38 Super with a shell plate change...

 

[CB45]

I have a set of 38 S&W dies, and if I am reading the label correctly, they will work for 38 Super with a shell plate change...

I think you are reading it wrong, you will find out shortly if you try. The .38 S&W dies won't resize the brass enough, and your ammo won't run.

Reloading manuals come in awful handy.

 

[mssmith44]

I have tried several different brands of 38 super dies.
Lees and Hornady titanium are both unsatisfactory.
Lees did not resize small enough.
Hornady left a ridge of over working the brass.
Dillons are currently my choice.
With a 9mm set of dies you can adjust the belling, seating, and crimping dies for 38 super.
The sizer is slightly different. Just get a Dillon sizer die and you are good to go.

 

[Whip_McCord]

I think you are reading it wrong, you will find out shortly if you try. The .38 S&W dies won't resize the brass enough, and your ammo won't run.

Reloading manuals come in awful handy.

The .38 S&W takes a bullet diameter of .360". That's why they won't resize the brass enough. They will also expand the mouth too much. I do know that 38 Super dies will work. I use Lee dies and they work fine for my Super. I don't know why people try to make other dies work. You will need to re-adjust the dies each time you change calibers. Just get the right dies and adjust them once.

Yes, reloading manuals are very helpful. Newer reloaders seem to think they are not needed.

 

[45fan]

The .38 S&W takes a bullet diameter of .360". That's why they won't resize the brass enough. They will also expand the mouth too much. I do know that 38 Super dies will work. I use Lee dies and they work fine for my Super. I don't know why people try to make other dies work. You will need to re-adjust the dies each time you change calibers. Just get the right dies and adjust them once.

Yes, reloading manuals are very helpful. Newer reloaders seem to think they are not needed.

Never intended to try, as I do not own a 38 Super. I purchased the dies for a 38 S&W to reload for an Uncle that has an old Webly. I was going from memory, and that might have been where I was wrong. Looking at the label on the box, it it listed as "38 Auto", in my understanding to be an older name for the 38 Super.

I couldnt comment on the suitability of these dies for that dual purpose, only that according to the manufacturers labeling that it was true.

 

[Whip_McCord]

45fan, I was just expanding on CB45's comment that .38 S&W dies would not size 38 Super brass enough. I did not mean to suggest you were wrong in your observation. The manufacturer may have listed another cartridge that was compatible. I am not familiar with the 38 Auto.

 

[CB45]

Sorry, I wrote my statement backwards... 38 S&W dies will resize 38 Super brass too much...

Casewall OD of difference of 0.005" maybe OK if you don't mind working the brass a little more.

Good luck.

Edit: Also there is the roll crimp vs taper crimp difference between the two.