Loading 38 special

A man gave me a set of RCBS 357 magnum dies. I remember years ago, I loaded 357's using 38 dies. I'm pretty sure resizing and slightly belling the case mouths and seating the bullets can be done, I'm just not sure about the crimping process. Can you crimp 38's using 357 magnum dies?

I have Lee Dies...One set for 38 one for 357

You might want to read through this link and see what you think

I'd give it a try:

http://forums.gunboards.com/archive/index.php?t-16949.html

I own two sets - one Lyman and one RCBS -- load both 38 and 357 with both sets!!

I figured it out. I can do everything but crimp. Lee makes a 38 crimp die I can add to the set and be OK.

Great!! .. actually, the Lee crimp dies a pretty good and are a good buy! ... I use several of them

Get the Lee factory crimp die...if you can find one...Then create a post and tell us how it went....step by step...if you'd like to of course

Magnum man wrote:I figured it out. I can do everything but crimp. Lee makes a 38 crimp die I can add to the set and be OK.

I suggest using a taper crimp die. The taper crimp seems to make more accurate ammo than the roll crimp.

Doug