dies for 357 maximum

[spaaz]

Hi Guys,

I have been reloading rifle shells for several years now but i'm new at reloading for handgun.

I have been playing around with some 357 maximum cases and bullets that I have lying around (I don't even have the gun yet but am thinking of getting a 15 incher  for my TC Encore, so if I can figure out how to reload them and someone has on for sale let me know)

Anyway, I have a set of Lee dies for "38/357". The resizer die seems to works fine, the crimper die seems to work fine, but when I try to seat a bullet the dies will not screw out/up far enough to set the bullet in the maxi case. I just squishes it way down in the case!!!!!!

This is an older set of dies.....do I need a newer set that will handle the maxi case or am I doing something wrong?

The Midway catalog says they have Lee dies for "38/357/357maximum......If that is the case why aren't mine working?  Is it just because mine are too old or what?  Does anyone else make dies for the maxi?  (I perfer RCBS)

Also, should I be able to load any type of bullet or do I have to stay with the flat nose?

[Lone Star]

I'm not certain why your seating die doesn't work.  I can't believe that you can't screw the die body up an extra 0.315" into the press - that should do it.

Loading for the Encore you can use any bullet shape.  The Hornady 180 SSP bullet was popular for deer in this cartridge, but I understand that it may be discontinued.  The Speer 180 FN is almost pointed and is soft enough to expand some at close range.  The Hornady 200 SP is pretty hard, I would not expect it to expand much at Maxi velocities.  Most of the lighter weight FN bullets are too soft for big game from a 15" Maxi.


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[R.W.Dale]

 I just use an old set of Pacific 357 mag dies to load for the MAX.  In order to size I partial length resize in the shorter sizing die. To seat I just have the seater die unscrewed higher in the press. I can't imagine why you would be having any issues

[Badnews Bob]

I have a set of older Lee .38/.357 dies and they work just fine. Did you readjust the die body itself? It should be adjusted higher in the press, I love my Max it knocks the snot outta deer, I use 180gr hardcast outta mine but 180 gr XTPs shoot very well also.