38-55 Dies

[garywg]

Recently acquired a Marlin 336CB (38-55). Manufacture date 2001. I have read so much on this caliber varying so much over the years that some dies may not work. Is this a problem on a gun this new? Any suggestions.

In particular, factory crimp versa roll crimp, special CB denoted dies or regular dies and or other considerations.

I am fairly new in the reloading arena. Have successfully reloaded approximately 1500 rounds (44 special, 45 c)

[EDG]

I have 3 sets of 38-55 dies.

I have measured the interiors of the FL dies and the seating die bullet guide and the expanders.

There is not a lot of difference with the roll crimping feature but I much prefer the Lee factory crimp die because case length is less critical. Here are the dimensions of the .38-55 dies, a .38-55 trim die and 2 sets of .375 Win dies.
The Lee seater is not large enough for a .379 or .380 bullet. The Lee expander is not adequate for a .379 or .380 case bullet. If you check the parts list of a set of Lee dies you will find they are a mix of 38-55 and .375 dies. My set is accurate to the parts list. The Lee expander die is easily improved by adding a custom expander from Track of the Wolf or other BPCR supplier. If you still prefer the Lee dies the small seater die guide can easyily be opened to what ever diameter you prefer.
The RCBS Cowboy dies are a little larger and has 2 expanders - one at .3775. This expander will also fit a standard set of RCBS dies.
I have more information on case neck thicknesses and use of the trim die as a FL sizer but it is not really important to this discussion. I do mention this because the Starline brass is .0075 thick at the mouth and the WW brass is .010 thick. When you size one or the other you get a different case inside diameter to be expanded.



.
.
RCBS
.
Die
.
Sizer
.
Sizer Inside
.
Seater Bullet
.
Comments


Die Set
.
Date Code
.
Brand
.
Type
.
Diameter
.
Guide Diameter
.




.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.




.375 Win JS
.
78
.
RCBS
.
FL
.
.3890
.
.378
.




.375 Win EG
.
79
.
RCBS
.
FL
.
.3900
.
.380
.




.38-55 Win
.
UNK
.
RCBS CBY
.
FL
.
.3870
.
.381
.
.373 and .3775 expanders.


.38-55 Win/Ballard
.
84
.
RCBS
.
FL
.
.3850
.
.380
.




.38-55
.
UNK
.
LEE
.
FL
.
.383/.385
.
.376
.
This set has a .375 seater. .375 expander and a .38-55 sizer


.38-55


G 56


RCBS


TRIM


.3940


NA