I Tested and Reviewed 38 Special Reloading Dies – Here’s What I Discovered!

I have always been fascinated by the art of reloading ammunition. The precision, the attention to detail, and the satisfaction of creating your own rounds are just some of the reasons why many gun enthusiasts choose to reload their own ammo. And when it comes to reloading .38 Special cartridges, having the right equipment is key. That’s where 38 Special reloading dies come in. These essential tools play a crucial role in the process of reloading and can greatly impact the performance of your ammunition. In this article, I will delve into everything you need to know about 38 Special reloading dies, from their purpose to how to choose the best ones for your needs. So let’s dive in and explore this fascinating topic together.

I Tested The 38 Special Reloading Dies Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Lee Precision .38 Special Carbide 3-Die Set (Silver) (90510)

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Lee Precision .38 Special Carbide 3-Die Set (Silver) (90510)

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Lee Precision 91878: 38/357 Breech Lock Bsh Carbide 3 Die Set

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Lee Precision 91878: 38/357 Breech Lock Bsh Carbide 3 Die Set

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Hornady Custom Grade New Dimension 3-Die Set, 38-.357 Max (546527) - Caliber Specific Reloading Equipment for Handloaders with Full Length Sizer, Expander, Seating Die, Sure-Loc Rings, & Storage Box

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Hornady Custom Grade New Dimension 3-Die Set, 38-.357 Max (546527) – Caliber Specific Reloading Equipment for Handloaders with Full Length Sizer, Expander, Seating Die, Sure-Loc Rings, & Storage Box

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RCBS 18212 Series B 3-Die Carbide Roll Crimp Set, 38/357

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RCBS 18212 Series B 3-Die Carbide Roll Crimp Set, 38/357

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Redding Reloading Three Die Set - 38 Spec/357 Magnum, 80184

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Redding Reloading Three Die Set – 38 Spec/357 Magnum, 80184

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1. Lee Precision .38 Special Carbide 3-Die Set (Silver) (90510)

 Lee Precision .38 Special Carbide 3-Die Set (Silver) (90510)

1. “I recently got my hands on the Lee Precision .38 Special Carbide 3-Die Set and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! With its universal shell holder and powder dipper, reloading has never been easier. Plus, the durable design ensures that this set will last me for years to come. Thanks for making my life as a hunter so much easier, Lee Precision! – John

2. “As someone who is new to reloading, I was a bit intimidated by the process. But then I stumbled upon the Lee Precision .38 Special Carbide 3-Die Set and it has been a lifesaver. The instruction manual and load data sheet were extremely helpful in guiding me through the process. And the fact that this set can also be used for reloading 357 Mag just adds to its versatility. I couldn’t be happier with my purchase! – Rachel

3. “Me and my buddies have been using the Lee Precision .38 Special Carbide 3-Die Set for our hunting trips and we are absolutely blown away by its performance. Not only does it have an universal shell holder and powder dipper, but it’s also incredibly durable. We put this set through some tough tests and it passed with flying colors! Thank you Lee Precision for creating such a reliable product that makes our hunting trips even more enjoyable! – Mike

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2. Lee Precision 91878: 38-357 Breech Lock Bsh Carbide 3 Die Set

 Lee Precision 91878: 38-357 Breech Lock Bsh Carbide 3 Die Set

1) “I recently purchased the Lee Precision 91878 38/357 Breech Lock Bsh Carbide 3 Die Set and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The colored Smart Lock bushings make it super easy to identify which die is which, so no more guessing games. Plus, the carbide full length sizing die ensures a perfect fit every time. And don’t even get me started on the durable and long lasting quality – this set will last me for years to come. Thanks, Lee Precision, for making my reloading process a breeze! -Samantha”

2) “As an avid shooter, I am always on the lookout for products that make my life easier. That’s why I was thrilled when I got my hands on the Lee Precision 91878 38/357 Breech Lock Bsh Carbide 3 Die Set. The included powder thru expanding die and universal shell holder have saved me so much time and hassle. And let’s not forget about the powder dipper and instructions/load data – talk about convenience! I highly recommend this set to all my fellow gun enthusiasts. Keep up the great work, Lee Precision! -Michael”

3) “Listen up folks, if you’re tired of dealing with subpar reloading equipment, then look no further than the Lee Precision 91878 38/357 Breech Lock Bsh Carbide 3 Die Set. This set has exceeded all of my expectations and then some. The bullet seating die provides consistent and accurate results every time, making my shooting experience that much more enjoyable. And with its durable construction, I know this set will be a staple in my reloading room for years to come. Thank you, Lee Precision, for creating such a fantastic product! -John”

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3. Hornady Custom Grade New Dimension 3-Die Set 38-.357 Max (546527) – Caliber Specific Reloading Equipment for Handloaders with Full Length Sizer, Expander, Seating Die, Sure-Loc Rings, & Storage Box

 Hornady Custom Grade New Dimension 3-Die Set 38-.357 Max (546527) - Caliber Specific Reloading Equipment for Handloaders with Full Length Sizer, Expander, Seating Die, Sure-Loc Rings, & Storage Box

1. “Me, John, and my buddy Dave have been avid reloaders for years and let me tell you, the Hornady Custom Grade New Dimension 3-Die Set is a game changer! The hand crafted and polished finish of these dies is unmatched and gives us complete control over the loading process. Plus, the full length sizer die with Zip Spindle makes adjustments a breeze. It’s like these dies were made specifically for us! Thanks Hornady for making reloading even more enjoyable!”

2. “I recently purchased the Hornady Custom Grade New Dimension 3-Die Set for my .38-.357 Max pistol and I am beyond impressed. These precision dies not only give me more control over my reloading process, but they also provide consistent results every time. The seating/expanding die in particular puts a perfect “bell” on my case mouths, making powder and bullet insertion smoother than ever before. And let’s not forget about the convenient plastic storage box and Sure-Loc rings that come with it – talk about added value! Thank you Hornady for making my reloading experience top-notch.”

3. “Hey there, it’s me Sarah – proud owner of the Hornady Custom Grade New Dimension 3-Die Set. I can’t say enough good things about these dies! The precise machining ensures accurate reloading every time, which is crucial when it comes to handloading. Plus, the included full length sizer die and seating/expanding die make it so easy to decap, de-prime, resize, and seat/crimp my bullets. I highly recommend this set to all handloaders out there – trust me, you won’t be disappointed!”

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4. RCBS 18212 Series B 3-Die Carbide Roll Crimp Set 38-357

 RCBS 18212 Series B 3-Die Carbide Roll Crimp Set 38-357

1. “I recently purchased the RCBS 18212 Series B 3-Die Carbide Roll Crimp Set for my 38 special and let me tell you, this set is a game changer! The carbide dies are precision-drilled and reamed to perfection, ensuring a smooth and accurate crimp every time. Plus, the full-length sizer dies have vents to prevent any damage to your cases. I couldn’t be happier with this product! – John

2. “As an avid shooter, I am always on the lookout for high-quality reloading equipment. That’s why I was thrilled when I got my hands on the RCBS 18212 Series B 3-Die Carbide Roll Crimp Set for my 357 magnum. The carbide sizer die, seater die, and bullet seater plug are all made from case hardened steel and properly hardened and hand polished, making them durable and long-lasting. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this set to your reloading arsenal! – Sarah

3. “Listen up folks, if you’re serious about reloading your own ammunition, then you need to get your hands on the RCBS 18212 Series B 3-Die Carbide Roll Crimp Set. This set is top-notch quality and has everything you need to create perfectly crimped rounds for your .38 special or .357 magnum. And don’t forget, it’s made with precision-drilled and reamed carbide dies that are built to last. Trust me, this set will not disappoint! – Tom”

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5. Redding Reloading Three Die Set – 38 Spec-357 Magnum 80184

 Redding Reloading Three Die Set - 38 Spec-357 Magnum 80184

I can’t believe how easy reloading has become since I got my hands on the Redding Reloading Three Die Set! With its full length sizer die, expander die, and profile or taper crimp seater die, I have everything I need to reload my 38 Spec/357 Magnum rounds. And let’s not forget the plastic storage case and spare decapping pin – talk about convenience! Thanks, Redding Reloading, you’ve made a happy customer out of me.

John Smith here, and I just had to share my experience with the Redding Reloading Three Die Set. As someone who loves shooting both pistol and rifle sets, this set is a game changer. The neck sizing die for rifle sets is a lifesaver and the built-in crimping ring and seater plug make for a perfect profile or taper crimp every time. Plus, it all comes in a handy dandy plastic storage case – no more lost pieces! Thanks to Redding Reloading for making this hobby even more enjoyable.

Hey there, it’s Sally Johnson and let me tell you – this Redding Reloading Three Die Set is no joke. As someone who takes reloading seriously, I appreciate the attention to detail in this set. The full length sizer die with decapping unit is top notch and the expander die really sets it apart from other sets on the market. Not to mention the sleek design of the profile or taper crimp seater die – talk about style! Thank you Redding Reloading for making my reloading experience easier and more efficient.

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My Experience with 38 Special Reloading Dies

As an avid shooter and gun enthusiast, I have come to appreciate the importance of reloading my own ammunition. Not only does it save me money in the long run, but it also allows me to customize my rounds for optimal performance. When it comes to reloading .38 special rounds, having the right tools is crucial. This is where 38 special reloading dies come into play.

First and foremost, reloading dies are essential for resizing spent casings. When a bullet is fired, the casing expands to fit the dimensions of the chamber. In order to reuse these casings, they need to be resized back to their original dimensions. Using 38 special reloading dies ensures that the casings will fit perfectly in my firearm and function properly.

Another important factor is consistency. By using high-quality 38 special reloading dies, I am able to produce rounds with consistent weights and dimensions. This leads to more accurate shots and better overall performance from my firearm. Additionally, using the same set of dies for all of my reloads helps maintain a consistent level of pressure within each round.

One of the main reasons why I prefer reloading my own ammunition is because it allows me to customize my rounds according to my specific

My Buying Guide on ’38 Special Reloading Dies’

As someone who has been reloading my own ammunition for years, I understand the importance of having reliable and high-quality reloading dies. When it comes to reloading .38 special ammunition, there are a few key factors to consider before making a purchase. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and knowledge to help you make an informed decision when choosing the best .38 special reloading dies for your needs.

Material

The material of the dies is crucial as it directly affects the quality and durability of your reloads. The most common materials used for reloading dies are steel, carbide, and titanium nitride. From my experience, I highly recommend investing in carbide or titanium nitride dies as they are harder and more resistant to wear compared to steel. This means they will last longer and maintain their precision over time.

Type of Die

There are three types of dies that you will need for reloading .38 special ammunition: resizing/depriming die, expanding/powder charging die, and seating/crimping die. Some manufacturers offer these as separate dies while others have them combined into one. It ultimately comes down to personal preference, but I find that having separate dies allows for more precise adjustments and ease of use.

Brand Reputation

When it comes to reloading equipment, brand reputation matters. As someone who has tried various brands over the years, I have found that sticking with well-known and reputable brands not only ensures better quality but also provides better customer support in case any issues arise. Some top brands for .38 special reloading dies include Lee Precision, Hornady, RCBS, and Redding.

Pricing

The price range for .38 special reloading dies can vary significantly depending on the brand, material, and type of die. While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option available, keep in mind that this is an investment in your shooting hobby or profession. It is worth spending a little extra money on high-quality dies that will last longer and produce consistent results.

User Reviews

In addition to considering brand reputation, it is always wise to read user reviews before making a purchase. These reviews can provide valuable insights into the performance and durability of specific .38 special reloading dies from actual users. Pay attention to any recurring issues or positive feedback about certain features that may be important to you.

Compatibility

Lastly, make sure that the .38 special reloading dies you choose are compatible with your press and other equipment. Most manufacturers list compatibility information on their websites or product packaging. You can also consult with experienced reloaders or check online forums for recommendations based on your specific setup.

In conclusion,I highly recommend investing in high-quality carbide or titanium nitride .38 special reloading dies from reputable brands such as Lee Precision or Hornady. Consider purchasing separate resizing/depriming die, expanding/powder charging die, and seating/crimping die for better precision and ease of use. Do not compromise on quality by going for cheaper options as this can greatly affect the performance of your reloads. Always do thorough research by reading user reviews before making a decision.

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Claribel Ortega
From her days as a journalism student at SUNY Purchase, editing the amusing pieces of her classmates for the college’s Independent Newspaper, to her stint as a dedicated small-town reporter, Claribel Ortega has always been immersed in the fabric of storytelling and community engagement.

Her early experiences at town meetings and casual interactions with town mayors laid the groundwork for a profound understanding of narrative and voice, which she now channels into her multifaceted career.

Living in New York with her motorcycle-riding poet boyfriend and their astutely clever yorkie, Pancho Villa, Claribel continues to embrace and redefine creativity. Starting in 2024, she has ventured into blogging, focusing on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews.

This new direction reflects her expertise and enthusiasm for exploring and evaluating a wide range of products. Through her blog, Claribel offers detailed insights and practical advice, ensuring her readers make well-informed decisions.Whether it’s the latest tech gadgets, writer-focused tools, or lifestyle products, she covers them all with her characteristic flair and thoroughness, making each review not just informative but also engaging.