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Star Reloaders Discussion Forums => Star Reloaders => Topic started by: Mike Walsh on August 04, 2025, 09:59:04 am

Title: Universal 38 dies be adjusted to 357 shells
Post by: Mike Walsh on August 04, 2025, 09:59:04 am

Can a universal reloader with 38 dies be adjusted to reload 357 or do I need 357 dies

Title: Re: Universal 38 dies be adjusted to 357 shells
Post by: NYKenn on August 04, 2025, 10:27:03 am

You absolutely can use the same dies. Just need to adjust for the longer case length.

If you plan to continue loading both calibers, and are using the same bullet, you might want to consider using a 1/8 washer under the die when doing 357, and remove it for .38. The washer raises the die height for the difference in case length.

Title: Re: Universal 38 dies be adjusted to 357 shells
Post by: NYKenn on August 04, 2025, 10:28:15 am

Forgot to add that RCBS and I think Lee, makes a set of spacers to spec.

Title: Re: Universal 38 dies be adjusted to 357 shells
Post by: fc60 on August 04, 2025, 10:48:52 am

Greetings,

The 38 Special expander plug will need to be modified.

It will interfere with the powder charge bar if you back it off to use on 357 Magnum.

Rather than modifying it, buy a new one from Star Machine Works.

Cheers,

Dave

Title: Re: Universal 38 dies be adjusted to 357 shells
Post by: rbwillnj on August 04, 2025, 01:15:48 pm

As Dave said, the 38 Special expander needs to be shortened so it won't interfere with the powder slide when you raise it up enough to load .357 Magnum.   If you don't want to do that, I have Magnum length expanders, which counter intuitively are shorter than the standard 38 Special expanders.

Most 357 Magnum charges require a 1/2" powder slide.   I have those in stock.   You will need either a 1/2" powder slide housing to accommodate the 1/2" powder slide or a set of spacers to convert a 00 powder slide housing so it can handle the 1/2" powder slide.   I have both in stock.

Bruce Williams