38 Smith and Wesson dies, 3 versus 2 die set

[laurencen]

been trying to find a die set for 38 S&W and nothing used around so looking at new sets, only Redding and RCBS are available, RCBS are a 2 die set where Redding are a 3 die set, what is the difference? all the times loading for handgun its been 3 to a set so how does a 2 die set work,

all information is appreciated

 

[gewehr76]

Never seen RCBS 2 die set for handguns. if its a set they all come with sizer, expander and seater. If its 2 die it must be something for rifle. RCBS rifle sets are 2 piece.

 

[laurencen]

that makes sense I did contact RCBS awaiting a reply guess Redding it is

 

[ted_dent]

that makes sense I did contact RCBS awaiting a reply guess Redding it is

Did you check with Higginson's to see if they have Lee 38 S&W dies in stock? They carry a large supply of Lee stuff.

 

[Derv]

For loading cast bullets (.362), I've found that Lee 9mm Makarov dies work better than regular 38 S&W dies.

The Lee dies that are labelled for 38 S&W come with a 38 Special expander, so the correct size cast bullets are very difficult to seat.