38-55 rcbs cowboy dies

[Ram2hundred]

Hi, new to the site. Trying to put together everything I need to reload for my new 38-55 Winchester. Looking for Rcbs cowboy die set, along with Starline brass 38-55.I feel like I have searched the "world" for these items with no luck. I am currently loading for 25-20 and 32-20. Is there anybody out there that can assist? Been reloading since I was 15 and very frustrated. New gun, can't shoot it. Someone let me know if I'm in the wrong part of this website. Thanks guys.

[dswancutt]

Your best bet for the dies is eBay, like it or not. If you are patient, you can snag a set for a good price.

[farmbif]

the dies can be ordered directly from RCBS online these and most stuff is in stock. no sense dealing with middle men if you dont have to.
brass. I just happen to have some of the short version of starline 38-55 brass. when I dig it out I can post on S&S

[garandsrus]

You can blow out 30-30 to use in a 38-55. The cases will be a little short but will work fine.

[Ram2hundred]

Farmbif- I would sure like a chance at some of that brass. Can you give me a heads up when and if you put it up for sale? Is p.m. allowed?

[Ram2hundred]

I may give this a try. Saw a video on fire formed. Not my first choice, but viable option. Thanks. ��

[Fitz]

are you just needing brass or dies and brass

[GOPHER SLAYER]

Lyman makes cowboy action dies. I have a set for 32-40 and they are great.

[1006]

https://www.natchezss.com/rcbs-cowboy-roll-crimp-3-die-set-38-55-win.html

[1006]

Never used these guys, but they say that they have the brass:

https://www.bereli.com/winchester-unprimed-brass-cases-38-55-winchester-50-bag/

[Ram2hundred]

Right now, I need brass. Someone told me I will need starline brass because my barrel slugged out at .380. So my bullets I just purchased are .381. He thinks the thinner brass will be the best chance of not having chambering problems.. I found dies on ebay thanks to that suggestion here. I'll jump at the chance for brass.

[Ram2hundred]

Thanks for the link! I wish I had seen that b4 the ebay one. All good, I should have dies soon. :)

[Ram2hundred]

I did see this but I get a bad gut feeling. I called them and the girl said they had them in stock, but she couldn't tell me how many. No thanks. Just sounded off. Thank you.

[Dom]

Just for info. I have a good supply of Win 38-55 brass. I size my bullets at .380. Loaded into Win brass, they chamber with no problem. Just fall into the chamber. My rifle is a Marlin Cowboy, 38-55. My barrel slugs.378. 1/18 twist. My cast 260gr , with gas check shoot great at 1400fps. Also have a Saeco 200gr PB I drive at 1350, deadly accurate. Bought this rifle new about 1999/2000, or some where around there. I use the RCBS Cowboy dies. Great!!. Love this cartridge.

[Ram2hundred]

Dom, that sounds great. I hope to be in that exact same position someday. Idon't blame you if you don't want to but Can I talk you out of any brass?

[sparky45]

Never used these guys, but they say that they have the brass:

https://www.bereli.com/winchester-unprimed-brass-cases-38-55-winchester-50-bag/

I HAVE used Bereli; and they shipped fast. Got the 38-55 brass and the last time I checked they still had some. The brass are the shorter size (2.080 or something like that).

[Fitz]

Hey Ram2hundred sent you a pm

[15meter]

There are several threads on forming 38-55 brass, here's a start:

https://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?103213-Fire-forming-30-30-to-38-55

https://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?338494-fireforming-30-30-38-55

I've done it in the past and they come out short but they certainly are usable.

Good luck.

[1006]

As far as I know—-someone may know differently, the only thing different about the long brass is that it is longer. It is the same dimensions right up to the length of the shorter brass. So, shorter brass will work. It is the same thickness at any given point along the case. Your bullets will simply not seat as deeply into the case mouth.

That is the impression I have ….. could be wrong. I shoot a 375Winchester with the 38-55 brass.