New 357, die questions, 38 long colt?

[clearwater]

Just got my 357 handi from Big R. It took just 4 days from when they ordered it.
They gave me the same price as Bud's.

So some questions.

I am hoping to ream it to Max.

Do all lee dies fit all three? If not is it just the crimp die that is different?

Also, I have a box of 38 long colt ammo. Can this be fired in a 357? I didn't
see a prohibition at the SAAMI web site for that combination.

Thanks

[BrianB]

Starline Brass' website says the 38 long and short Colt are basically shortened versions of the 38 Special and can be fired in most .38's and .357's.

On the Lee dies, can't help you there.  The RCBS dies work with .38 Special, .357 Magnum, 360 Dan Wesson and .357 Maximum.

Hope that helps a little.

[canon6]

I have loaded 357 Maxi on the 357 Lee dies. You just adjust the dies to the longer case.    Doug

[stimpylu32]

Clearwater

The short anwser is maybe on the dies ,  the problem is if a 38 spl sizing die is used for 357 mag or max cases , the die will not size all the way down the case body , or if a 357 max seater die is used the seating stem well not go down enough to seat a bullet in the 38 spl .

stimpy   

[Datil]

 I have a Lyman 357/38 Die set That i have had before I ever heard 357 Maxie,
 They work just fine on the Maxie. Plenty of adjustment  at all places.
 Marv.