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Posted: 3/25/2017 7:42:32 PM EDT
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So I just got a great deal on a like new 229 sas with a 357sig and 40 barrel. I really enjoy shooting the 357 and just good 1k speer 125 fmj cartridges from sgammo. I reload 45acp, 40, 9mm, and 38spl already, have been for the last 2 yrs. I use a 4 station lee classic turret press, and am quite happy with it. I also load precision rifle ammo on a single stage rock chucker, been doing that for 20+ yrs.
I plan to utilize the Lee turret press, but have read several different methods of loading 357sig. Some use a 40 sizer, then 357sig sizer, then flare/powder, and then seat bullet. I would like to use a lee fcd, but am out of stations at that point. Would it be possible to use a rcbs case pad to lube with lee case lube, then start with the lee 357sizer,flare/powder, seat bullet, and final(4th station) use lee fcd? I understand I need to set shoulder, as headspace point, with 357 sizer. How much do I need to bump shoulder back over fired case, .004" or so. I also know I need to utilize a 125gr bullet designed for a 357sig, due to lack of nk grip. Is there something that is flawed in my thinking/plans. I know the case lubing will slow the process down, compared to my straight wall ventures, but I'm aware and ok with that. Is standard small pistol primers ok, or do I need small mag pistol? I also plan to use cfe pistol, I use it in my other calibers, tite group in 38spl, is this powder alright or is something alot better? Thanks for any and all helps guys. |
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Short version,
Run the brass through a 40 cal bulge buster to start with. From there, lee dies will be fine with DIY case lube still on the cases from when you ran them through the budge buster. Also, you are dealing with a bottle neck case, so light bullet crimp (like 223) only. If you are going to cast and use Powder coated bullets, then add in a Lyman M case mouth flaring type tool in to the mix so your not shaving the bullet when inserted into the cases. Once completed, just run the ammo in a dry tumbler to get all the DIY case lube off in the end. |
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Or process the empty cases separately, and have them ready to load before you actually start loading. This would give you enough stations to work with.
http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_42/475860_357-SIG.html |
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I'm loading the .357 sig on a LCT as well. I just lube them and go with the Lee case lube ,no presizing etc. I'm using the Lee die kit and the collet type FCD that Lee makes for the Sig. I'm flaring very little and measuring powder with the Lee powder through die that comes with the die set.
The round I'm loading uses Longshot powder and Missouri Bullet's coated 125 gr 9mm SWC. It makes for a very nice practice load! I do set the sizing die with a Wilson gauge just like rifle ammo. I've even use 40 S&W cases to make .357 sig. Some say this can't work the 40 is too short. I've found that most of my .357 sig cases are way short of the max length anyway, and so far so good! Your milage may vary! |
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Be weary of Speer 357 Sig brass it has a small flash hole, and Dillon decapping pins are too big. Their work around is to used RCBS headed decapping pins in their sizer.
Use bullets with a lot of bearing surface, most 9mm bullets do work well for the 357 Sig. Use powders that fill the case to help avoid bullet set back. |
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