Which dies for reloading 38-55win

[larry7293]

38-55win reloaders. Wondering what dies you are using?

[clovishound]

I don't load for 38 55, but I really like the Lee factory crimp die for rifle cartridges. It is a collet style crimp die, and has many advantages over conventional roll and taper crimp dies. They offer a very positive crimp and the trim length does not affect the amount of crimp. I have a set of RCBS dies for 30-06 that would not hold a bullet securely no matter what I did. Called RCBS and they had me do everything I had already tried. No luck. I choose to just add a Lee FCD for less than postage back to RCBS. Works like a charm.

The Lee factory crimp dies for pistol calibers are just a standard crimp die with a post seating resizing ring. I can take or leave them. The biggest advantage is they separate the seating and crimping operation.

[BigAl52]

I use Lyman dies. Not because I like them the best its what I could buy at the time I needed them. If I was to buy a set now it would be Redding dies.

[JEBar]

we use RCBS dies and Lee crimp dies .... that combo works well for us

[Mistered]

The Lee factory crimp dies for pistol calibers are just a standard crimp die with a post seating resizing ring.

Never saw one like this.
I have a Lee FCD for .357 Mag. and it is definitely a collet style.

[CT_Shooter]

It appears that Lee makes two different kinds of Crimp Dies, a Collet Style Crimp die and a Carbide Factory Crimp die. The Carbide Factory Crimp die is included with the Lee Four Die set and it is what I use.

357 Magnum Collet Style Crimp Die. Incorporates a collet to apply a rifle type crimp to the case. Makes these very difficult to crimp cartridges a delight to reload. Bullets do not need a crimp groove, as the collet is so powerful it will form one. NOTE: This die is not carbide.

https://leeprecision.com/357-magnum-cus ... p-die.html

A carbide sizer inside the Carbide Factory Crimp die post-sizes the cartridge while it is crimped so every round will positively chamber freely with factory like dependability. The adjusting screw quickly and easily sets the desired amount of crimp. It is impossible to buckle the case as with a conventional bullet seating die. Trim length is not critical so this extra operation takes less time than it would if cases were trimmed and chamfered.

Revolver dies roll crimp with no limit as to the amount. A perfect taper crimp is applied to auto-loader rounds. The crimper cannot be misadjusted to make a case mouth too small to properly head-space. A firm crimp is essential for dependable and accurate ammunition. It eliminates the problems of poor ignition of slow burning magnum powders.

https://leeprecision.com/carbide-factor ... 8-357.html

[clovishound]

Yes, they make a special collet style crimp die for a handful of pistol cartridges. Their normal pistol cartridges are not collet style.

I have a standard FCD for .357. I used it for a while, then discontinued using it to free up space for a powder check die. I never noticed any difference in the standard seat/crimp and the FCD. Yes, I occasionally felt the FCD doing a little post seating resizing, but never noticed any difference in chambering or firing.

Lots of controversy over the FCDs, but IMO the collet style are definitely the way to go for rifle calibers.

[Mistered]

but IMO the collet style are definitely the way to go for rifle calibers.

I agree - and for pistol calibers as well.
None of the case length issues to deal with.

[CT_Shooter]

According to Lee's description of the Carbide FCD, that's true for it, as well.

Trim length is not critical so this extra operation takes less time than it would if cases were trimmed and chamfered.

I agree - and for pistol calibers as well.
None of the case length issues to deal with.

[clovishound]

Well, as I understand it, the pistol FCD has the same crimp die as the normal seat/crimp die, so color me skeptical of their advertising. Perhaps the post seating resizing has an affect on the crimping process. The only thing I can imagine is that the sizing collar will iron out a crimp induced bulge when the cases is retracted out of the die. The mechanics of a collet style are quite different, and really do take the trim length out of the equation.

FWIW I don't bother to trim and chamfer pistol caliber cases.