New to reloading pistol ammo, I have Pacific 38 Spcl #2 Decapping Expanding die and the Seating/Crimping #3 die but no sizing die which I am quessing is the #1 for a 3 die set. Do you really have to resize 38 spcl if shooting target or light/medium loads in a Rossi Ranchhand and Rossi rifle? If I measure a factory loaded cartridge prior to firing and compare it to the fired brass each time they are reloaded to check for bulging cases is that acceptable? Anybody have a resizing die for 38 spcl / 357 Mag?
Reloading 38 Special/357 Mag Question
- Thread starter dodgecrew
- Start date
Chuckbuster
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
The chamber on every firearm is different. You will need to resize to return brass to factory spec in order for it to chamber easily and reliably in any such calibre firearm. If you only have one so chambered, then resizing is not so important as the ammo will be custom fitted to that chamber (if you only use brass that has been through that particular firearm).
whip up a few dummy rounds with no powder or primers and see if they feed/function, if they do then you are good to go. You can use any make of sizing die so long as it will screw into your press so adding a sizing die should be easy enough, if its not a standard reloading press then put an add up in the EE and also keep an eye on ebay as the old pacific and herters dies do make an appearance from time to time
- Location
- West Quebec
Resize for me
Case will expand when the round is fired and will not pop back to where it was originally. If you don't size it, you will be depending on the crimp alone to hold the bullet in place during recoil. Advice above is correct - resize as a matter of course.
My question exactly, without sizing how do you get proper bullet tension? I have never seen a case that does not need sizing after firing, to hold the bullet. Even low pressure target, wadcutter loads expand the thin case walls at the mouth and need to be sized to get any kind of consistency.
It is false economy to buy tools at swap meets, getting the assorted rejects, trash and scrounge from those who sit at tables at gunshows. Go to any dealer website, order good quality dies from a major brand name - for straight walled revolver cases, get a carbide sizing die - and for the sake of all of us who may wind up beside you on a firing line - buy, and READ, a good loading manual. Sierra and Hornady manuals have enough information about the how's and why's of reloading that, understood, 90% of the questions posed on this forum would never see the light of day.
Yes, you have to re-size revolver cases, each and every time you load them. Else, a properly dimensioned bullet can be pushed by finger pressure to seat on top of the powder. It is most unlikely that, without some neck tension, you would be able to hold the bullet at the correct depth whilst forming a roll crimp, if the case has not been re-sized properly.
Yes, you have to re-size revolver cases, each and every time you load them. Else, a properly dimensioned bullet can be pushed by finger pressure to seat on top of the powder. It is most unlikely that, without some neck tension, you would be able to hold the bullet at the correct depth whilst forming a roll crimp, if the case has not been re-sized properly.
Thanks all good advice, I was worried about the bullets being to loose and will have to wait until I buy a sizing die before reloading my 38 Spcl brass. I do have 2 reloading books and have read as well. I asked the question due to what I found on other gun sites while searching for resizing dies. There are a lot of different opinions but I will go the correct way and resize to be safe.
Gun shows are great for the knowledgeable to acquire the rare or hard to find. For a newbie to try to save a few bucks, gullible to any rip off such as an incomplete set of dies, neither marked nor explained as such, is in my mind false economy. Everyone here who has attended a gun show can attest that, in addition to the ninja's with extensive SF experience spanning 3 decades and five continents, some, not all but some, of the vendors can spread bovine fecal matter with the best. If one knows prices, knows rarity, has some experience and judgement in evaluating what it is that one is looking at, and lastly, if one can afford to completely blow off the price of purchase which fails to live up to expectations, then go gun show shopping.
Bu to suggest that warning newbie that "deals" at a gun show may not be deals, and that newbies are seldom in a position to properly evaluate them surely does not play into the hands of the anti's. Ripping off a newcomer, or B.S'ing a curious guest, filling him with notions that lead to his being ridiculed on forums like this, well, if that turns him off, then you serve the anti's!
Bu to suggest that warning newbie that "deals" at a gun show may not be deals, and that newbies are seldom in a position to properly evaluate them surely does not play into the hands of the anti's. Ripping off a newcomer, or B.S'ing a curious guest, filling him with notions that lead to his being ridiculed on forums like this, well, if that turns him off, then you serve the anti's!
Some bad experiences at a gun show there ykkid? I have found gun shows to be the least unscrupulous of market places, particularly if a newbie admits it and asks for advice or opinions when perusing the show. As far as BSing goes, well put two or more people in a room with a common interest and just listen..........don't care if they're gun nuts, hot rodders, golfers, or coin collectors, the bovine fecal matter will tend to build until one requires chest waders to leave, unsoiled.
The people who tend to get taken at gun shows are those who know very little and yet proclaim expert status...........most vendors will not assist, and may even take a little pleasure in "putting one over" on such a person, as humility is a learned behavior and lessons need to be taught.
Such is life, unfounded arrogance is expensive...............
Gun shows are great places to find stuff, socialize and touch things.
Buying used goods does have it's rewards and frustrations as well.
And I do agree with the gun powder feller's logic too.
Funny how a gummutters can slurp nonsense with zip for a trader rating.
Yes, ykkid, this comment is aimed in your direction.
Buying used goods does have it's rewards and frustrations as well.
And I do agree with the gun powder feller's logic too.
Funny how a gummutters can slurp nonsense with zip for a trader rating.
Yes, ykkid, this comment is aimed in your direction.
northern ranger
Member
- Location
- Ottawa, ON
http://www.titanreloading.com/pisto...-dies/lee-38-spl357-magnum-carbide-sizing-die
Carbide sizing die is pretty cheap. A full 4 die set with factory crimp die is very economical.
http://www.titanreloading.com/pisto...7-magnum-lee-deluxe-pistol-carbide-4-die-set-
Particularly if you are loading for a lever gun, you want to do it right.
Carbide sizing die is pretty cheap. A full 4 die set with factory crimp die is very economical.
http://www.titanreloading.com/pisto...7-magnum-lee-deluxe-pistol-carbide-4-die-set-
Particularly if you are loading for a lever gun, you want to do it right.
Agreed!
I'm going to look under my bed before I turn the lights out tonight, might find an "anti" there. Closet too.
The only thing worse than an anti is a pro gunner who builds up the anti threat to try to fortify a gun positive stance, and it is worse by far because it looks really foolish. Be positive and share this activity with others, we'll be just fine without creating an imaginary fire breathing enemy.
"The people who tend to get taken at gun shows are those who know very little and yet proclaim expert status...........most vendors will not assist, and may even take a little pleasure in "putting one over" on such a person, as humility is a learned behavior and lessons need to be taught.
Such is life, unfounded arrogance is expensive............... " This is a really nice sentiment by the way, it really want makes me want to embrace your gun culture and sense of justice.
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