38 S&W brass

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oneadam12

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Saskatchewan
I've been reloading a bunch of vintage cases and new nickel plated Winchester cases for 38 S&W. Using older RCBS dies, Lee shell holder and press. I find the vintage stuff was a bear to get into the shell holder, and the nickel stuff is a pain to resize. I've about had it, ready to toss the whole bunch and find something that works better. Is the Starline stuff any better with a setup like this?

(Unintentional plug for about 300 3x fired nickel .38 cases)
 
Interesting. I had some old Dominion .38 S&W brass whose loose primer pockets caused me to toss them, but never had any problems getting them into the (RCBS) shell holder. Nor did I have any issues with the Win nickel plated brass, it behaved just like ordinary brass.

However, I've been using Starline brass as well as the nickel plated in my K frame .38 with no issues at all, as well as their 7.62x26 and 30 Mauser in my TT33. It's good brass.

You should have no problem selling that nickel plated stuff.
 
Just make sure you have a carbide resizing die, if not you should lube the cases befor you resize.
My range buddy had the same problem loading for his .38 S&W webley. I went to his place to see what the trouble was and he had a set of non carbide dies. A bit of spray lube and away he went.
 
Starline brass is excellent. Some of the nickeled brass is not worth the effort, especially if it doesn't fit in the holder.

According to Handloader's Manual of Cartridge Conversions You can make 38S&W brass using 38 Spl brass. Never tried it myself.
 
I had the same problem with a set of lee dies I tried. I ended up using the shell holder from my 38special works like a charm, little harder to prime because they must be larger by 1 or 2 thousand. Lastly just lube it makes everything easy.
 
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