Lee Steel Dies

[bullet8542]

I have decided to start reloading .357 Sig, I currently reload 10mm & .45 ACP only and the cost of the Sig ammo is killing me I used Lee carbide dies for all rifle and pistol reloading absolutely best buy for the money.

Looking through Lee's catalog they only make the .357 Sig in Steel I have no experience with "steel" dies what are the ups or downs to using "steel" for reloading and no have experience with Lee steel dies pro or con would be helpful or any good starting recipe would be greatly appreciated.
And lastly I am moving into progressive reloading and would the steel dies be an issue.

Thanks in advance this forum has been a ton of help in the past and have no doubt it will always be.

[securitysix]

Steel dies require that you lube the cases.  Other than that, it's pretty much the same.  I doubt you'll find carbide dies for the .357 Sig (unless Dillon makes them?), but since you'd have to lube cases for .357 Sig even with carbide dies (tapered or bottle necked cases generally require lube anyway), I don't think carbide is worth the extra expense even if you can find it.

As for using them on a progressive press, lubing the cases might slow you down a little, I'm not sure.  Others will probably hit that one for you.

For actual load data, you'll have to consult your friendly reloading manual, but I've had good luck with Accurate Arms #7 in my .357 Sig reloads, and it's pretty much all my dad uses for his .357 Sig reloads.

Best of luck, and enjoy your .357 Sig.

[shot1]

If you are going to be using a progressive press with the 357 sig you will need to get some Hornady One Shot spray lube and spray your cases down good and let it dry. This leaves a non-greasy lube on the case. Just follow the directions on the can. I use this lube for all my case lubing and it works great.

[drdougrx]

I think there's an article on reloading the 357sig in this month Guns and Ammo.

[mangulator]

I have use lee "steel" dies they are not bad for the money. I use Hornady One Shot spray lube and experienced no problems.

[wncchester]

" I used Lee carbide dies for all rifle and pistol reloading absolutely best buy for the money."

Well, I don't know what carbide dies you used for previous rifles but they weren't Lee's; they don't make 'em. All bottle-neck cases require lube, carbide or no. 

Lee's dies are indeed the best buy for the money and they load good ammo as well as any others.  All anyone gets for more cost is prettier polished exteriors and some really nice knurling, neither of which make for more accuracy!

[bullet8542]

I guess I should have clarified I use the Deluxe rifle dies for the .270, .308 and .300 Win they don't need lube, I may have confused them for carbide but if I aint lubing it's carbide to me.

Thanks for the help, I have tons of data for the .357 Sig but was wondering if someone had a good starting info.

[wncchester]

Guess I should have specified all FL dies for bottle neck cases need lube.  Ditto all neck sizers EXCEPT Lee's Collet Neck Sizers but even they ain't carbide.

[bullet8542]

Thanks you learn something new everyday. 

So you all seem to swear by the Hornady one shot lube I guess I will have to give that a try as well

Thanks Again

[spinafish]

When I reload .357 Sig I run the case through a 40 S&W die first and on through the .357 SIG..no lube necessary!
the 40 S&W dies sizes the body and the .357 Sig die sizes the neck.