can i use my 357 die to re-size 38sp cases ?

[dleak]

curious for input : my reloading area used to be in my dank basement where my 38 dies spotted up w rust (did not yet have the 357 dies so they r not rusty) , am in a better environment now also the 38 dies have a steel sizer compared to carbide in the 357 set reducing the need to lube cases ... i guess all could be resolved w the purchase of new set of carbide 38 dies , but im kind of a tightwad

 

[jcwit]

No reason why not.

 

[dleak]

i thought i could get away with it , external dimensions same except (obviously) length ... i was thinking internal dimension the 357 case was thicker toward the base though ... thanks

 

[billybob44]

Yes, you can size in your .357 die.

FWIW: you can run your rusty dies through your tumbler to clean up somewhat. Finish up
With a patch with Flitz on a cordless drill for a good finish..Bill

 

[baba]

I think the set of dies I bought is for both 38 and 357. I guess it makes sense that you couldn't fully resize a 357 in a 38 die, but the other way around it works. My universal set seating die has enough travel to seat 38s and 357s, so I'm guessing you'll be OK there too. May want to check that though.

-Brian

 

[Broom_jm]

Some of the older 357 dies (as well as 44RM dies) came with a spacer that could be placed under the die to resize for either cartridge without having to adjust each time. You set the die to size the longer cartridge and then when you wanted to size the shorter round, you just put the spacer under the die.

 

[wolfman]

Check the directions that came with the dies, I will bet they say something to the effect that they are for both .38, and .357. I use Lee dies, and they only sell one set for both cal, same for .40 and 10mm, along with .45acp and .45gap, plus a few others, one die set for both.