38 55 cowboy dies
- Thread starter porpoise
- Start date
fingers284
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Alberta Cowboy Ranges
Wholesale used to carry such critters all the time but now I would suspect that you are going to have to do the U.S side of the border order thing. My 38-55 Cowboy dies came with two case expander plug sizes (.377,.379) but someone told me at a gunshow that they come with one now so you ,ay have to specify the expander plug you require...and I can crip rounds with .379 slugs in them.
I used the same set-up for my 38-55. I've since sold the rifle, but for the 2+ years I had it, I did a fair bit of shooting/testing.
You are missing only one small part. If you replace the LEE powder thru expander with an aftermarket 379 expander plug your set-up should work nicely.
The 379 expander is installed, 377 is shown beside the LEE powder thru.
BTW, other companies market custom expanders. This is just one that worked well for me.
I bought mine from "Track of the Wolf", reasonably priced and reliable shipping from the US of A.
I just went online, TOTW has them on for $3, a bargain IMO.
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vagrantviking
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Southern Alberta
I've had the exact same issue. It was not the expanding die that was the primary problem although it didn't help matters.
The issue is that the crimping ring inside the seating die has a diameter of less than .379" and it holds up or shaves the bullet as you are trying to seat them. If you aren't crimping the mouth of the brass the bullet will even stick in the die.
I was able to source a set of cowboy dies used and it makes things work as it should but I don't know what I guy would do if they needed a really oversized bullet at .381" or something.
Any of the dealers who carry RCBS should be able to get a set for you eventually but trying to find some in stock might take a lot of looking.
The issue is that the crimping ring inside the seating die has a diameter of less than .379" and it holds up or shaves the bullet as you are trying to seat them. If you aren't crimping the mouth of the brass the bullet will even stick in the die.
I was able to source a set of cowboy dies used and it makes things work as it should but I don't know what I guy would do if they needed a really oversized bullet at .381" or something.
Any of the dealers who carry RCBS should be able to get a set for you eventually but trying to find some in stock might take a lot of looking.
T
That’s my problem a bit bigger expander would be nice although the one I have now does work. The bullet won’t go through the crimp ring on the seater die. I seat the bullet with the crimp ring not the seater plug. I just shot some today it shot ok still I need the right seater die and the cowboy or bigger expander die would be nice too I will try rusty wood
Intriguing problem; I felt compelled to check that dimension on my LEE seater/crimper. But first, I had to clean out all the old bullet lube. I really should take better care of my dies. A 0.379" bullet is a bit snug, but only at the very top of the die, the bullet pokes thru easily with a pencil. So I checked my 375 win die, just a whisker bigger, and it too was snug just at the top of the die. Technically, if this part of the die is just a whisker larger than the bullet, it will tend to seat the bullets straighter.
It's a bit of a process, but you could always send the die in for warranty. LEE is pretty good with their warranty.
If it were mine, I'd just hone out that part of the die. I'm somewhat thrifty, don't like to buy too many die sets for the same caliber, unless necessary. TBS; those Cowboy dies are pretty.
The good news is that you do have the real issue identified.
Nitro.
It's a bit of a process, but you could always send the die in for warranty. LEE is pretty good with their warranty.
If it were mine, I'd just hone out that part of the die. I'm somewhat thrifty, don't like to buy too many die sets for the same caliber, unless necessary. TBS; those Cowboy dies are pretty.
The good news is that you do have the real issue identified.
Nitro.
RCBS sent me the largest 38-55 seater die they make with the more generous internal dimensions. Should cure your problems as it won't swage the larger diameter bullet down while seating them. Be sure to also put a good flare on the brass beforehand.
