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January 22, 2008
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Well Guys,
I'm pretty new to reloading and I have learned a few things over the past couple of days that might be worth sharing for the benefit of other newbies.
------------------------- Observations -----------------------------------------------
1) Resize new brass - I just assumed it didn't need to be resized which was a mistake! I would have saved myself some time and frustration had I done this simple step!
2) Even though you can load 38's, 357 Mags, and 357 Maxs with the same dies I personally think if you're going to load many rounds of each of these it might be worth having dedicated dies for each. I use the Hornady Lock-n-load bushings so I could site these up once rather than trying to figure out how many turns for each...
------------------------- Question -----------------------------------------------
I have a set of RCBS 357 Maximum dies but it was almost impossible to run the brass through the decapping die. The cases were lubed with Hornady One Shot lube. Any ideas?
After messing with the RCBS dies I have determined I like the Lee dies much better...
Over the past couple of days I have been able to load up 100 45 Colts (Planning on shooting the 745 for the first time on the 9th!), 300 38's, 50 357's and 100 357 Max. I'm getting the hang of it and it's been very enjoyable!
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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When I reloaded, oh so many years ago, my wife (nurse) worked midnights, so I frequently stayed up almost all night reloading. The RCBS single stage was C-clamped to the kitchen table, so once everything was set up, we at3 off TV trays in the living room for several days at a time.
I'd like to start reloading again, I think.
I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman "Were is the Self Help Section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.
George Carlin
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DWF Supporters
October 14, 2010
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Looks like you are off to a nice start.
Always size new brass. It's so easy. You find a lot of dented mouths in bulk brass.
Personally I like using a lube pad for rifle cartridges. I've used the imperial wax & spray lube.
For pistols I use carbide dies. No lube. I use 1 set for 38, 357 mag. & 357 max. 1 set for 44 spl, 44 mag & 445. 1 set for 41 mag & 414. Die spacers work really well for this. Set your die for the shortest cartridge and have spacers made for the length difference. Size die won't need a spacer.
I still can't figure out the Lee o-ring bushing? The cross bolt bushings are much better in my opinion.
Happy reloading.
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January 22, 2008
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Die spacers work really well for this.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productnumber=189290
I had not heard of these but looks like that could be the trick!
Range Officer
Range Officers
Dans Club
February 9, 2009
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I have a standard washer that is the correct thickness that I have been using for years for .38/357 loading and never have to change the die one bit, That should be a big help to you Jody. As far as the tough RCBS decapper/sizer, I too have found variances in die manufacturers and like Redding the best of the bunch, I too use a lube pad when carbide dies are not an option. I do not heavily mass produce anything that requires lubing because they are almost always rifle cases except for the 375SM which does not have carbide dies. I also learned long ago about resizing new brass, learned the hard way of course..
A man cannot have too many SuperMags
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Dans Club
February 22, 2009
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I always make dummy rounds for each new bullet I reload. It makes die set up easy when switching between 38, 357, and 357 max, or when switching between types of projectiles. I use an alcohol pen to mark the case w/ the wt/ type/ manufacturer of bullet.
Now it's time to try your hand at casting, Jody. Particularly for the 745! Then you know you're hooked. I've been picking up moulds while deployed and can't wait to get home to start casting a reloading again. Not to mention shooting my "roll your own" product.
Take Care
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
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January 24, 2009
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I have tried using the washer provided with my dies, so I don't have to adjust between .38 & .357, but it's not the perfect thickness. I haven't found a combination of washers & shims from my garage that will work either, so I end up just resetting the dies. I may give those Redding spacers linked above, those might do the trick.
I do have a separate die set for .357 Maxi, so that gets left alone.
Regarding the case lube, I've found Hornady Unique case lube works great for my needs. And boy, do the .375 SM's like their lube!
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DWF Supporters
October 14, 2010
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I think we all know a machinist. He should be able to make the desired spacer thickness.
btw: I haven't heard much from him lately and things are still out of stock. Must be busy.
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Dans Club
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November 17, 2008
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+1 on all the guys said above. The spacers will work depending on "your" setup. Different die sets is the best way but costly. I don't like the Lee dies either. Not to put Lee down but they are always less costly than others and it usually shows. Yes I do have some Lee stuff that works fine. Carbide if possible makes life simpler.
Hey Jody, Maybe you need a seat at the round table. 
LB
Wisdom is merely the realization of how little one knows, therefore I am wise.
January 22, 2008
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lbruce said:
Hey Jody, Maybe you need a seat at the round table.
Only if their's a kids table! I need to go back and re-read all the installments. Once we're finished I will work on getting those printed up in booklet form to keep with my reloading books!
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October 14, 2010
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I had an issue with Lee 45/70 dies so I usually stay away from them. The expander wasn't large enough. This was the first die set I bought on my own. My Dad didn't have this caliber. I crushed a few cases before I bought a used RCBS set at a gun show. Cases have loaded fine ever since.
On the other hand I am a big fan of the Lee auto-prime & their trimming studs. I tried other brands of priming tools and the hand lathe for trimming. The Lee system is my favorite. I have made trimmer studs for calibers not offered. I also keep a cordless drill under the bench.
Support your local IHMSA range.
April 25, 2008
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Glad to see you are reloading now...it sure is enjoyable!
I have used the Redding Die Spacer kit for years...works great for 44 spec/44 mag and 38 spec/357 mag, but I have separate Redding dies for the SuperMag.
The crimp spacer die is great also...set the dies for crimping without the spacer, then bullet seating can be done without crimping, which I leave for a separate operation using the Redding Profile Crimp die. That way I can also leave my bullet seating die permanently set, instead of having to change it each time I reload.
The Savantist
January 23, 2011
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Jody, try to resize 38sp or 357 mag in your 357 Max die if still having a problem it is the die. Not to long ago I bought a 41mag die set with a carbide sizer die that had a 44mag carbide insert in it.(it was not a discount brand)
For the record I think Dillon make the best dies(presses too) of course I am slightly bias. I currently own and use Dillon,Hornady,Lyman and RCBS dies.
Besides resizing new brass camferring the mouth before reloading will help in crimping especially hot loads.
Glenn
January 23, 2011
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Jody, I just remembered check the decapping pin a large pin will not go in a small primer flashhole. A small will go in a large but sometimes at a angle.
Glenn
January 22, 2008
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I'm planning to spend sometime tomorrow with these dies to see if I can figure out what's going on. Thanks for the suggestions!
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Range Officers
May 2, 2009
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Jody--
Lube is the key; and believe me, not all lubes are created equal. Most of my dies are carbide, and I still lube up about every 10th round--it makes a big difference.
The best lube I've ever found, and still use to this day is RCBS case lube-2
it is a gel that you put on the rubber pad.
SHOOT
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