Pistol dies - please explain for me thank you

[Bigbubba]

Ok, so I am experience at loading rifle cartridges - generally all have been bottle neck cases, 2 die sets
A guy gave me some 38 special /357 dies and I was thinking of loading some up.
I understand the need to bell the mouth and then crimp.

What I do not understand is the stampings on the dies - see pictures

So, from L to R the dies are labelled as follows:
1-Lyman TC 38 - 357 FL
2-RCBS 357 MG SEAT #380
3-Lyman EXP-CH
4-Lyman 38-357 DA
5-Lyman 38 -SP-FL

#1 appears to be the Full length resizer and de-primer. Is that correct?
#2 appears to be a bullet seater. Correct?
#3 also appears to be a resizer and de-primer...is it also a expander? I dont think so but confused by the EXP-CH
#4 also appears to be a bullet seater
#5 - no idea - is it the expander or crimper? or something else?

I am confused by the stampings on the dies (obviously 2 different sets)
I would expect first operation would be de-prime and re-size; 2nd step is bell the mouth, 3rd step is seat the bullet, last step is a crimp (if needed)

So do I have what I need?

Thanks for the help, I appreciate your time to explain.

 

[oldrodder]

You have everything you need to reload .38 Sp/.357 Mag. You are correct as to the steps. #5 is a full length sizing die missing the depriming rod. To clarify.... you can adjust the seating die to seat & crimp in one operation or you may want to seat all the bullets then re ajust the die to crimp. Your choice! Lots of vids on youTube showing the process.
Be safe!

 

[fingers284]

The TC signifies Tungsten carbide sizer ring at the base of the sizer, you don't have to lube your cases with a TC sizer ( altho some still do for ease of running the press). The other sizing die appears to also have the carbide ring crimped into it. compare the mouth of both sizers and if the second one doesn't have the very noticeable ring installed (it will just be a solid die body with no insert) then cases run through this one need to be lubed same as you would with your necked rifle brass.