using a set of 38 S&W dies for 9mm and 38 special for powder coated bullets?

[bzajdek]

I was wondering if anyone can advise me on the use of a set of lee 38 S&W dies for loading powder coated bullets? I have on the way a new group buy mold from mihec a 135gr flat nose beveled base with no lube groves meant for powder coating or hi-tek.
I do not own a set of 38 S&W dies yet but was going to order a set of lee 3 carbide dies to help loading powder coated bullets. The rest of my die sets are lee sets, plus 2 lyman m-dies for 38sp and 45 acp.
I believe I have read somewhere in this forum a member used the sizing die from a 38 S&W set for just 38 special cases because this sized the brass larger for oversize cast boolits, where as the factory would size smaller for jacketed bullets. I already own a lyman m-die for expanding the 38 and 357 rounds. Do you think this would work together and be effective and eliminate shaving of the powder coat?
Would it also have enough spring tension to hold the round after loading? these do not have the cannelure machined in the mold for a roll crimp which may make a difference?


Another question on expanding die for 9mm, if I did but the set of 38 S&W which expanding die would you swap for this, I would have several choices including a stock lee 38 special which I think would be best compromise, also the lyman 357 m-die and last the 38 S&W expanding die which would probably be too large and prevent the brass from springing back and holding the powder coated bullet.

[Silverboolit]

For 9mm, use the 38 S&W powder thru expanding sleeve (die). It is available as a service part throught Titan Reloading . It will fit in the PTE die that yhou have and not require you to purchase a different die. You will need the Lee PTE die if you don't have one already.

[bzajdek]

yes I have the lee pte die already and drop powder on a seperate station with my lnl progressive.

Is there a better die to size the 38 special with than what I already have?

I expand for 38 with a lyman m-die.

[Silverboolit]

What is the diameter of the PC boolits? You may need some more flare on the mouth of the case to accept the PC boolits in .38/.357 to keep from shavingoff the coating.

[dudel]

9mm needs a taper crimp as the round headspaces on the case mouth. 38spl die will put a roll crimp (as 38spl headspaces off the rim). If you roll crimp the 9mm, the round could go so deep in the chamber that the firing pin won't make sufficient contact.

Get a set of 9mm dies (or at least a 9mm crimp die)

[Silverboolit]

I believe that you cannot use the 38S&W dies for either the 38/357 or 9mm. The 38 S&W has too large a body and will not resize your brass. Without knowing what your PC boolits micd out at, we are just guessing at answers. You should be able to get a small crimp on the PC Boolits in the 38/357 with your seting/crimp die.

Are you wanting to use the same boolit in both the 9mm and .38??

[mdi]

When I reload PCed bullets I use the same methods/equipment I would use for jacketed bullets. I also reload 90% cast lead in everything except my Garand (soon mebbe) and also use the same tools/methods on PCed bullets. So, I guess I don't do anything different for PCed bullets...:veryconfu

[bzajdek]

I have a set of 9mm and 38 dies, was just wondering if I bought another die just to resize 38sp. I might work the brass less since I expand with a Lyman m-die.

I plan to use the bullet for both and size the 9mm to .357 and the 38 and 357 to .358 of as cast a little bigger if they fit the cylinder. I haven't even received the mold yet. It is a group buy from mihec with no lube groves made for powder coat or tumble lube.

Thanks

[Silverboolit]

In order not to size down your slugs in the 9mm, a expander plug for the lee powder expanding die may be needed. Titan reloading has them, part # SE1699, and it is 3.00.

Many times when using a .357 boolit in a 9mm case, the 9mm case will swage down the larger boolit as the 9mm case has an inside taper to it. The 38 s&w plug will open up the 9mm case to the correct ID and it is a little longer to accomidate the projectile.

Jjust remove the 9mm expander plug and insert the 38 s&w, if you have the lee dies. You do not need to buy a whole set of dies.

[bzajdek]

I will order that part, thanks for saving me 30.00 bucks. Would the Lyman m-die for 38 sp. be bigger or smaller than the 38 s&w die?

[Silverboolit]

I do not know, I don't use M dies.

[bzajdek]

Ok thanks a lot

[gunoil]

In sta. 2 @ back by the black powder hopper, on loadmaster that is the prime station, l bought extra lee expander die w/a 38sp expander plug,,, then l put the finger adjuster on top. I can really fine tune expansion with my fingers.

1) I cut expander nipple off lee powder hopper in station 3, all it does is drop powder. I never touch powder hopper.
2)This loadmaster with magic mikes mods does my cartridge gaged 9mm perfect.
3) I bought a Lee "U" size die for 9mm. (undersized size die)
4) l constant use cartridge gage (no chamber gageing) on all my ammo. 20$bucks at midwayusa.
http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k511/putt2012/5FA91F54-4F3C-4AE1-A414-DFEBFFF9553A-12889-00000D2CF9ABA766_zpsf24c37eb.jpg

http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k511/putt2012/null_zpse1f6a7b7.jpg

[gunoil]

In sta. 2 @ back by the black powder hopper, on loadmaster that is the prime station, l bought extra lee expander die w/a 38sp expander plug,,, then l put the finger adjuster on top. I can really fine tune expansion with my fingers.

1) I cut expander nipple off lee powder hopper in station 3, all it does is drop powder. I never touch powder hopper.
2)This loadmaster with magic mikes mods does my cartridge gaged 9mm perfect.
3) I bought a Lee "U" size die for 9mm. (undersized size die)
4) l constant use cartridge gage (no chamber gageing) on all my ammo. 20$bucks at midwayusa.
http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k511/putt2012/5FA91F54-4F3C-4AE1-A414-DFEBFFF9553A-12889-00000D2CF9ABA766_zpsf24c37eb.jpg

http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k511/putt2012/null_zpse1f6a7b7.jpg