RCBS Cowboy Dies - 38/357

[Hi-Speed]

How are the RCBC Cowboy Dies for reloading cast in 38/357? I’m primarily concerned whether or not they have a stepped expander die like Lyman M, and a seating die which opening has more clearance than other dies out there to preclude sizing of the flaring when seating cast bullets (to avoid dreaded lead shaving).

[dannyd]

I have better luck an Lyman M die and a Hornady Cowboy Bullet Seating Die.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1011107963?pid=264919

Loaded about 30,000 with the dies, great for cast bullets.

The Hornady seater Does Not shave the bullet and there are two adjustments for the flair.

[Hi-Speed]

Thank you dannyd!

[winelover]

Have both the RCBS standard carbide 38/357 set with the optional Lyman "M" die for cast. Also a set of the 38/357 RCBS Cowboy dies. I use the standard set for pistols and the Cowboy dies for my Rossi carbine. However, the expander dies can be used interchangeably and have done so.

I get no lead shaving with either sets and conventionally lube & size my bullets to .360 diameter for the carbines and revolvers. The only time I use the RCBS standard expander is for jacketed or plated bullets.

Winelover

[Hi-Speed]

I went ahead and purchased the Hornady Cowboy die set…thanks all.

[dannyd]

I went ahead and purchased the Hornady Cowboy die set…thanks all.

Clean them good and take your time with the instructions, they will work just fine.

I get carried away, have to look, but I think I have 6 seater dies so far.

[Taterhead]

RCBS handgun expanders are M style for 10 years or more. I have the several different RCBS "Cowboy" expanders and can confirm that they are M profiles. FWIW my RCBS non-Cowboy expanders in my 9, 40, 10mm, 45 Colt, 45 auto etc are M profiles. For mynolder sets that were not M style RCBS retrofitted them for free.

RCBS seaters have plenty of clearance to not close the case mouth while seating.

Redding competition seaters are too tight for plus sized cast in my experience.