loading 357 on 38 spcl dies.

[magyars4]

I have a set of Lee 38 Spcl dies. Can they be used to load 357>
Any tricks or concerns I should look for?
Thanks

[stimpylu32]

If they are 38spl. only dies  , you will not be able to size all the way down the case of a 357 .

This may be a problem if the case has any bulge at the base , meaning that the round may not chamber in your gun .

As far as loading , the 38 spl. and the 357 mag are the same case dimensions only the 357 is longer .

A lot of guys , me too use 357 mag dies to load 357 max with is longer than the 357 mag .

So my answer is maybe .

[cwlongshot]

I only have 357/38 dies, RCBS and lyman. I load mostly 357 and 357 Max in mine.
 I will say NO, only because there is a reason they are labeled 38spl. Why, I can only guess internal dimensions will not allow the 1/10 " longer 357 mag case.
 From a manufacturing stand point, I fail to see the advantage for this. Unless it is only labeled 38Spl and is infact identical to the companys 38/357 dies...Check product numbers...All this is only speculation.
 
 I say try it with a couple pieces. Skip the primer and powder, but put in a bullet or two. Then see if they will chamber. If they chamber, you are good to go. Load 'em up! A chamber gauge is best for this as it is chambered to minimum case specifications. So if it fits in that it is definitely fine.

CW

[Black Jaque Janaviac]

Yes you can.  Read the instructions that came w/ the dies.  The powder-thru-expander die needs to be backed out several turns, as does the bullet seating die.  The factory crimp and sizing-depriming dies should stay flush to the shellholder.

In fact the Lee dies should be stamped .38spl/.357mag.

Lee also makes a .357 mag die which are not suitable for .38spl.   I have both sets simply because I have a turret press and I have one plate all set and ready to go for .38s and another plate all set and ready to go for .357s.  The stamps help me distinguish which is which.

[jhm]

possibly and the reason yours say 38 spcl is maybe age b4 the 357 came out

[Steve P]

You have to be careful loading 357s with 38 dies.  The dies are shorter i.e. not all of the case is going up into the die.  If you are not careful, you can bulge the lower portion of the case when you seat the bullet, and/or when you crimp.  If you do bulge the brass, it will not chamber.  The bulge will also be too low to remove with 357 dies.  

Not saying it can't be done, just saying be careful so you don't find out you have a bunch of ammo that won't fit in your gun.

Been there, done that.

Steve