.38/.357 Die Question

[338Shooter]

Looking at dies for .38/.357, what crimp do you guys use most, taper or roll? I thought all .38/.357 were roll crimped, but then I see the option for taper in the die sets. Now I'm confused.

I like RCBS pistol dies, but should I go with another brand? What do you guys recommend.

 

[sabot_round]

RCBS!! LEE has given me sizing issues. About crimps it's up to you but, roll crimp usually holds lead bullets better IMO.

 

[Shadowrider]

Roll. Nuff said.

On the dies RCBS are always good. But I'm really liking the New Dimension series from Hornady. Whatever you get just make sure they are carbide or at the very least titanium nitride coated. You don't want to be lubing your pistol rounds. Don't look past Redding either.

 

[aeropb]

I roll crimp mine. My .357 dies are Dillon. Haven't had any problems with Lee or RCBS. I've got more Lee than anything else.

 

[338Shooter]

Thanks guys. I'll probably get RCBS set with roll crimp. If I decide I want to taper crimp I can buy the taper die later on.

 

[Randall]

I lean towards Lyman for handguns with cast bullets.They size the cases just enough smaller to get a good hold on lead bullets,the bell die is stepped to prevent bullet deformation.

 

[338Shooter]

I haven't been extremely happy with the quality of anything that I have that is Lyman. I usually look at them after the others.

 

[fishn&huntn]

I have used both with the same results. they claim a taper will allow for more loadings on your brass.Most of the compressed loads call for a heavy roll crimp so that is what I use most often.

 

[Glocktogo]

Also remember that there are at least 2 commercial .357 Autos (Coonan and Desert Eagle). The taper crimp might be more appropriate on them. Due to bullet pull with heavy loads, I aways use roll crimp. I think it gives better load consistency anyway.

 

[338Shooter]

Didn't think about that GTG. That would make sense.