Quick change from 38 Spl to 357 Mag

[Mikie]

You guys that load both 38 Spl and 357 Mag do you have a washer that you use to compensate for the difference in brass length instead of readjusting them every time you switch?

Same question either 44 Spl vs 44 Mag.

 

[DW357]

I don’t because I just use magnum brass for magnum and “special” loads

But this is probably what you need?

Redding Die Spacer .135 Height (38 Special 357 Mag)

Redding Die Spacers allow for quick compensation for case length, partial resizing, or to make a no-crimp adjustment without the need to move the...

www.midwayusa.com

Redding Die Spacer .125 Height (44 Special 44 Remington Mag)

Redding Die Spacers allow for quick compensation for case length, partial resizing, or to make a no-crimp adjustment without the need to move the...

www.midwayusa.com

 

[EddieZoom]

I don't load a ton of 357 or 44mag....and when I do i make decent size batches. Dies get adjusted back and forth as needed. Those spaces look pretty neat.

 

[allen-1]

Separate quick change setups for each.

 

[BarnBuilder]

Separate quick change setups for each.

Same here with (2) Dillon 650's

 

[Lennypeters]

I use the washer for flaring and seating / crimp dies.

 

[pastera]

I have separate tool heads for 38 and 357 but spacers would be an easy project.

 

[northny]

I had separate dies sets for 38 and 357 even back in single stage press days

 

[38ExtraSpecial]

I have done it in the past for a sizing die. One set of dies I scored years ago came with some home made washers and they worked great.

Definitely a nice investment for a single stage.

 

[Mikie]

Thanks, guys.

 

[walter62]

in 44, I just load 'light' magnum brass and swap powder/projo as needed.

For 44Spl level, it's usually HP-38 and change out to AA9/N110 for something
w/ more umpf.

For the one time expense of $25 head and $45 Lee set, it's easier to just put in a new toolhead.

 

[dhuze]

I don't shoot a lot of 38's or 44 Special so I just adjust them back and forth. Most of the time I shoot .357 and use the .38's for new shooters. As for 44 Special I almost never shoot them, but my wife likes them better than the .44 Mag.

 

[T-Unit]

Separate quick change setups for each.

Yeah, since it's likely a different bullet is being used it will require a different seating depth and crimp amount, so may as well just use a different set of dies.

 

[RKG]

Yes. I h.ad a machinist friend make me two spacers: .135" for .38/.357 and .125 for 44 Spl/Mag. Adjust the dies for the shorter round; use the spacer for belling and seating the longer rounds. Been doing this for decades.

 

[EddieCoyle]

I use dummy rounds as gages and just reset the dies. I can do it in way less time than it'll take to install spacers.

 

[Malibru]

I use the spacers myself, on a dillon 550. For these I use rcbs style lock rings with the set screws so that way they stay adjusted. I use 158g swc for both 357/38 so that makes it easy to swap out no adjustments.

 

[steve8140]

I had a couple spare tool heads laying around and picked up a second of dies. Even got a powder funnel die for basically free so all I have to do is switch over the powder drop and I’m good to go for my 650.

 

[Malibru]

That's even better, a second set of dies would be the best route. Even a set of Lee pacesetters.

 

[massboykie]

That's even better, a second set of dies would be the best route. Even a set of Lee pacesetters.

Yeah I had the same problem with the .45 and .460 Rowland and eventually just bit the bullet and got a second set of dies. ;-)

 

[Mikie]

The main reason I’m bothering to load 44 Spl is because someone at my gun club fired a bunch of factory 44 Spl ammo and left the OFB in the brass bucket. I guess I’m kind of a brass hound so I grabbed them knowing I’ll make use of them in my model 29. Maybe I will pry open my wallet and get another set of dies…

 

[mac1911]

I got tired of swapping out the ring and just bought another set of dies