Can 357maximum be reloaded using 357mag dies??

[coaldust]

Converting my 357mag Handi rifle to 357maximum and wondered if the max brass can be reloaded using the mag dies or
do I need to buy the dedicated 357max dies??
Thanks, Ronald Woodruff

[Shooter]

Yes, that's all I use. I even made a spacer to use with my Lee Loader.

[coaldust]

What type of spacer and where do you insatall it??

[jblee10]

If your press allows you to back off the dies enough, it works fine. I suppose there may be some guns that allow the cartridge base to swell enough that you may not be able to use the reloaded ammo in another gun. But it will likely still be usable in that individual firearm.

[wlc]

I use Lee dies for pretty much everything. Good dies at good prices and I'm sorta chea..... um frugal. Anyway, you can't use, according to Lee, their 38/357 dies for the MAX. I just bought a set of dedicated 357 mag dies from them just for the MAX. I've got everything I need for it now except the barrel from MGM to go on my Encore. Dang, them things are expensive. Still got a few more pennies to go, but soon. I'm planning on launching big heavy boolits (250 and 300 grainers) at subsonic velocities through a suppressor.

[Throckmorton]

my RCBS dies will do both

[Norbrat]

I used Lee dies to reload my 357max when I had it. Only problem was the bullet "pusher" in the seater die was too long for the long 215gn boolits, so I made a shorter one.

[selmerfan]

They'll work. But if you plan to load and shoot both the Mag and the Max, just buy an extra set of dies. Trust me, it's well worth the hassle of re-setting the dies every time you load.

[coaldust]

Many thanks for all the help!! I think I will go ahead and order the .357max dies.