Lee Powder Thru Expander Question: 357 and 38 Spl

[clelaj]

I currently have the Lee 357 Powder through expander die and use with the Lee Auto Disk. I would like to use with 38 Spl. Can I get just the 38 spl expander plug and use that in the 357 die body? Or do I have to get a whole new Powder thru expander die just for 38 spl?

Thanks

 

[red_zr24x4]

If I'm following what you're saying the 357 die set should all work with the 38's. Most die set are 357/38 you just adjust the die s to which caliber you are loading. Both calibers are basically the same except for the length.

 

[kludge]

Yep. Just adjust the die for the .38 SPL case length.

 

[mdemetz]

The part numbers for both the plugs and bodies are different.

 

[bstewrat3]

Just set it in an 1/8" farther and it will work.

 

[Cynical]

I have an exact same set up that you do. Just turn the die in a couple turns and test on a case to make sure it's flaring just enough so you don't shave the projectile and tighten up and load away.

 

[kludge]

Hmmm... so after reading again I see that you have a .357 die not a .38 SPL die... the opposite will (almost) always work (.38 dies can load .357) , but by screwing in the .357 expander die another 1/8 inch, the ram/shell holder might hit the die before you can get the right amount of flare. You'll just have to try it and see.

 

[noylj]

Like most such questions, it is simply a matter of try and see. The most you can lose is one case.
I would expect that a .357-designed PTE die won't go down low enough to operate .38 Spl, since it is only about 1 turn up from the shell holder for the .357. The .38 Spl would work.
However, it also comes down to what Lee says. I only see Lee offering .38 spl/.357 Mag die sets, so they have designed the dies already to do both, so the PTE die that comes with the 3- and 4-die sets will do both.

 

[throttletony]

Ok, to follow what others here have said...
From investigating this quite a bit a couple years ago when I bought dies, they make 2 different SKUs --
#1 is good for 38 and 357 magnum (just turning it/lengthen it as others have said)
#2 is good for 357 magnum and 357 maximum, but TOO long for 38 spl.

Most local shops only carry the #1 above.

 

[clelaj]

Thanks for the comments. When I get back to the bench, more trial and error until I get it.

 

[red_zr24x4]

The comments I made up thread deal with RCBS dies, as that is what we have. We have 3 sets, 2 are marked .38/.357 and 1 is marked .38/.357mag/.357max. It would seem to me that adjusting your die should do it.