.38 spl. Die Interchange?

Discussion in 'Ammunition & Reloading' started by Trez, Jul 3, 2012.

  1. Jul 3, 2012 #1
    Trez

    Trez Well-Known Member

    4,467
    69
    48
    I just got a set of .38 spl/.357 dies and was wondering if I could use them to load other .38 calibers? Like .38 S&W, .38 Short/Long Colt, .38 ACP, etc...
     
    Trez, Jul 3, 2012
    Trez, Jul 3, 2012
  3. Jul 3, 2012 #2
    c3shooter

    c3shooter Administrator Staff Member

    21,342
    211
    63
    You DO know that .38 Special is not a .38 bullet, right? And that .38 S&W is fatter than a .38 Special.

    There are SOME "38's" that can be reloaded with those dies, some that cannot. Not all 38s are 38s.
     
    c3shooter, Jul 3, 2012
    c3shooter, Jul 3, 2012

  5. Jul 3, 2012 #3
    hiwall

    hiwall Well-Known Member

    4,269
    22
    48
    You could use it for 38 short and long Colt but could not crimp them.
     
    hiwall, Jul 3, 2012
    hiwall, Jul 3, 2012
  6. Jul 3, 2012 #4
    Trez

    Trez Well-Known Member

    4,467
    69
    48
    I know the .38 spl has a .357 bullet.
    Dont all those calibers have a case diameter of .380?
    What happens if I use a .357 size bullet in .38 S&W?
    Do I have to crimp in a revolver?
    The only .38 I have is my Medusa...
     
    Trez, Jul 3, 2012
    Trez, Jul 3, 2012
  7. Jul 3, 2012 #5
    hiwall

    hiwall Well-Known Member

    4,269
    22
    48
    In a revolver if you don't crimp, when shot the recoil pushes the bullets forward out of the cases. In actual use the bullets go forward and lock the cylinder so it will not turn. Yes in theory you could size a .38 S&W down to hold a 357 bullet but the case will not fit in your Medusa as it is to big(you can not resize the base).
     
    hiwall, Jul 3, 2012
    hiwall, Jul 3, 2012
  8. Jul 3, 2012 #6
    hiwall

    hiwall Well-Known Member

    4,269
    22
    48
    Trez you can shoot 38 spl, 357 mag, all the lengths of 9 m/m's isn't that enough for you?:)
     
    hiwall, Jul 3, 2012
    hiwall, Jul 3, 2012
  9. Jul 3, 2012 #7
    Trez

    Trez Well-Known Member

    4,467
    69
    48
    The .38 S&W is on the list of the calibers it shoots...

    I gotta be able to make them all... ;)
     
    Trez, Jul 3, 2012
    Trez, Jul 3, 2012
  10. Jul 4, 2012 #8
    hiwall

    hiwall Well-Known Member

    4,269
    22
    48
    "The .38 S&W is on the list of the calibers it shoots..."

    well take it off the list it is too big to fit
     
    hiwall, Jul 4, 2012
    hiwall, Jul 4, 2012
  11. Jul 4, 2012 #9
    Trez

    Trez Well-Known Member

    4,467
    69
    48
    From Jonathan Phillips himself, The inventor of the Medusa:
    The .38 S&W I have seem to fit just fine... :confused:
     
    Trez, Jul 4, 2012
    Trez, Jul 4, 2012
  12. Jul 4, 2012 #10
    hiwall

    hiwall Well-Known Member

    4,269
    22
    48
    Well as I don't have a Medusa I would not doubt your statement. The 38 S&W is .3863" compared to 38 spl at .379". If the 38 S&W's fit in then when you shoot 38 spl or .357 mag the cases will have to expand more than they are designed for to fit the over-sized chamber. This would not be a danger but it would severely shorten case life if you reload. Here is a link to cartridge specs-
    http://www.saami.org/PubResources/CC_Drawings/C and C Dwgs - TOC - Pistol.pdf
     
    hiwall, Jul 4, 2012
    hiwall, Jul 4, 2012