Loading .38 with a mix of .357/.38 dies.

[McHoss]

I acquired some dies (2) in a recent deal that are designated .38/.357. I only got the sizing/depriming and powder through/expanding dies. I do however have another die set that is strictly designated .357.
My question is, can I use the .38/.357 dies to size, charge and expand .38 and then lower my .357 seating die to seat projectiles and crimp? I do not have a factory crimp doe in either caliber. I plan on loading .357 rounds for the most part but do have some .38 cases I could use as well.
It’s always nice to have options right.

FWIW, all dies are Lee.

 

[LUTNIT]

All my Lee dies work for both. Even my set labelled ".44 special" work fine with .44 mag when adjusted higher. I don't know if Lee makes dies specifically for a special or magnum that won't work with the other.

 

[Scott_N]

Not sure about Lee dies, but my RCBS 44 Special / 44 Magnum dies are basically 44 Special dies that come with a spacer (a washer) that is used for the longer magnum cases.

 

[vagrantviking]

Any die should work for the longer case but using a die marked for the long case may or may not work for the short cases.

Prep a few cases and see if you can screw down the 357 die far enough to crimp. If it doesn't go down far enough you need a different die or you could take some metal off the bottom of the die.

Can always back it out a couple turns for the longer cases.

 

[stampede]

Any die should work for the longer case but using a die marked for the long case may or may not work for the short cases.

Prep a few cases and see if you can screw down the 357 die far enough to crimp. If it doesn't go down far enough you need a different die or you could take some metal off the bottom of the die.

Can always back it out a couple turns for the longer cases.

Using the 357 die to de-prime and expand 38 cases may lead to "over expansion". This may only be an issue if you want to use neck tension rather than crimping to hold the bullet like I do with my single shots. Otherwise you can mix and match.

 

[Snider shooter]

For 38 or 357 they are the same. The only difference is 38 dies are screwed in more. No problems anywhere as long as dies are in good shape. They will also work on 357 Remington maximum. Same size dimensions except for length. I have 3 die sets Lyman 310,Lyman and RCBS. Adjustment is only a problem if you go shorter like 38 short Colt.