Some time back, I received a
2-stage carbide .38 Special sizing die as part of a Star parts bundle listing I purchased from an online auction website.
The outside appearance is the same as a "regular" Star Lifetyme .38 Spl carbide die, except for the "
2S" marking between Lifetyme and .38 Spl. This particular die was evidentially originally stamped as a regular 38 die, then restamped with the "2S" and a second .38 Spl marking. On the inside, the second carbide ring is clearly visible.
A couple of questions for the group:
- What are the situations or circumstances for needing to use the 2-stage sizing die when loading .38 Special ammo?
- If there is goodness gained from using the 2-stage die, can/should it be used for loading .357 Mag ammo?
I remember reading long ago that the Star dual-ring ("two-stage") .45 ACP sizing die was a specialty die just for very thin-walled cases. (Certain Remington cases, I believe.) I don't recall hearing about when the dual-ring .38 Special die is called for.