Shaving lead with RCBS 38/357 dies

[Char-Gar]

NOTES ON SEAT AND CRIMP IN ONE STEP VS. SEAT AND CRIMP IN TWO STEPS.

As the bullets is seated and moved the last smidge down to crimp, it will shave some lead on a smooth sided bullet. However, if there is a crimp groove of any size, the crimp won't shave metal from the smooth side of the bullet, but turn into the crimp groove. So comparisons of a smooth sided autopistol bullet and a revolver bullet with a crimp groove are not valid.

[oldhenry]

I had the identical problem with a Redding .38 spec./.357 seating die. That set had a separate crimp die & was designed for a progressive press. I returned it to Redding (twice) & they finally got it corrected. I got the impression that they thought I was crazy.

[oley55]

Shooter Bob wins the prize.

Readjust your dies higher in the press.

As an alternative, you can simply seat in one step; then either readjust for crimping or get a Redding Profile crimp die that crimps only.

A properly adjusted seater/crimper should work for one step seating and crimping though.

Robert

^^^I'm with these guys.

On how to setup the RCBS seating die (seating only with separate crimp) for cast boolits, I ignore the setup instructions. I put a flared case in the holder and lift the ram to full up and then I screw the seating die in until I feel the die rubbing on the case's flare, give it an additional 1/8 turn and then lock it down. Only then do I start fiddling with the seating stem's adjustment. I would only adjust the die deeper if I am unable to get enough seating stem adjustment. If that doesn't work then start looking at the many other possible causes.