38-55 ; Which set of dies

[Cast10]

I have a new 2022 Winchester Miroku 94 Sporter in 38-55. I have slugged the barrel and found a .375” bore diameter. I plan on using a Lee 379-250-RF and .376 sizer. I will PC the boolits. I also have some Starline brass.

I have read that the RCBS Cowboy Dies are for ‘period’ firearms, thus their expander is designed for larger bores; .379 and up.

I have also read where Lee dies are for the .375 - .377 diameters.

I read, too, that Lyman 3 die sets come with a M die expander.

What have you guys had good luck using?

Thanks again!

[Fitz]

I like the Cowboy dies , I shot a winchester traditions Highwall that has a large bore but I use the Noe expander system , and adjust the sizing die to just resize enough for neck tension .

[Maine1]

I went with Lyman for mine, after remembering Logcabinlooms looking for them in a video.
They work well, and the expander seems to be the right size.

[freakonaleash]

I'm using cowboy dies for 38 55. I'm shooting a .379 lead bullet.

[Pereira]

I also have the Cowboy dies, the Marlin likes the .381s the best.

RP

[Texas by God]

Redding dies and .377” bullets. Works fine for my JES/94 Win. 38-55 carbine.


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[Snakeoil]

I would use the Lee dies and get a properly sized NOE expander (which is really an M-die slug) and use that. Once you use an M-die, you'll wonder how you lived without it. I'm talking the functionality, not necessarily buying a Lyman die. I make my own out of old scrap dies.

Since this ammo is going in a lever gun, I assume you'll have a crimp. So neck tension is probably not as critical. That said, I'dd sugggest 0.002 neck tension. So, that means the NOE slug should be 0.002 under your bullet sized diameter and the M-die section should be 0.002 over bullet diameter.

[ohiochuck]

Cowboy dies

[1Hawkeye]

The RCBS cowboy die sets come with expanders for both sizes of bullets.

[Cast10]

The RCBS cowboy die sets come with expanders for both sizes of bullets.

What would ‘both sizes of bullets’ mean?

[veeman]

I started with Lyman, now have RCBS Cowboy.

[TNsailorman]

I have bought 3 sets of Cowboy dies and loved them all. james

[ascast]

I do not think the Lee set will include an M style expander, or anything like with a flare for cast. Otherwise re: Lee I can't say. I've used RCBS for years with an expander flare. , a Lyman set with M. I have a Redding set of 38-56 for neck sizing;also a Ideal/Lyman 310 set for neck sizing and fooling around. I think the rcbs FLARE WORKS WELL BUT CASES (OPPS) should be trimmed to length. The Lyman M seems more forgiving of case lenght variations. the 38-56 neck die you may forget any thoughts of crimping.

[Cast10]

I do not think the Lee set will include an M style expander, or anything like with a flare for cast. Otherwise re: Lee I can't say. I've used RCBS for years with an expander flare. , a Lyman set with M. I have a Redding set of 38-56 for neck sizing;also a Ideal/Lyman 310 set for neck sizing and fooling around. I think the rcbs FLARE WORKS WELL BUT CASES (OPPS) should be trimmed to length. The Lyman M seems more forgiving of case lenght variations. the 38-56 neck die you may forget any thoughts of crimping.

Thanks for the info.
I was thinking about the Lyman because of the M die. I have to use one for my 10mm, too (RCBS with M expander).

I am interested in what the folks say about the Cowboy Dies and its expander(s), though.

[Gunlaker]

Buffalo Arms will sell you custom expander stems for any diameter bullet, some with 2 steps to bell the case mouth nicely. They make them for RCBS & Lyman dies. I have the Cowboy dies and a collection of custom expanders that would work with the cheaper 38-55 dies.

Chris.

[DAVIDMAGNUM]

What would ‘both sizes of bullets’ mean?

The RCBS Cowboy 38-55 die set comes with two expanders for the expander/flare die. The initial part or the stem that slightly expands the case to a few thousandths less that bullet diameter is .376 on one and .379 on the other.

[Cast10]

The RCBS Cowboy 38-55 die set comes with two expanders for the expander/flare die. The initial part or the stem that slightly expands the case to a few thousandths less that bullet diameter is .376 on one and .379 on the other.

@davidmagnum
Thank you sir! That’s what I was wondering. I prefer RCBS, as that’s all I have. I use a 38-40 expander for my 10mm (from RCBS).
My new Winchester has a .375” bore, so the smaller optional expander plug sounds good!

[Cast10]

Adjusted new RCBS Cowboy Dies today and made a dummy round.
Started with the .376 expander mandrel and it worked like a champ. No bulging at all.

Lee 379-250-RF is set at 2.510 using Starline standard length brass.

[Cast10]

Crimp on the Lee 379-250-RF.

[WALLNUTT]

Depends on the gun. I have some of most. I would start with a Lyman set. If adjustments need to be made, you can add a neck sizer and different expanders. RCBS Cowboys have a nice seat/crimp die. For a modern rifle, the Lyman will probably work well.