Two Shoots Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 Howdy Pards! What kind of loading press and dies work best for 38-55? Can these be loaded on a Dillon 650? I've seen die sets that include an "expander" die, but I can't see how that would work on the 650 tool head. Wondering if a manual turret press would be better suited. Any suggestions would be much appreciated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickasaw Bill SASS #70001 Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 SIR I load on a single stage press , I would suggest , you slug the bore on your rifle , having discovered there are differences in them I would also do/get a chamber cast done , Chickasaw Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cliff Hanger #3720LR Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 I oaded commercially. 650 machines with mostly Lee dies. And yes, I ordered Dillon expander plugs for the size of bullets I used. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucky R. K. Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 You should be aware that there have been two different bore sizes and two different cartridge lengths used for the 38-55. The chamber cast is a good suggestion and you should slug the bore. Lucky Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Springfield Slim SASS #24733 Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 What do you load on now for your other cartridges? 38-55 can be loaded on most any press that does rifle length cartridges. There is no "best". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Two Shoots Posted May 13, 2020 Author Share Posted May 13, 2020 52 minutes ago, Springfield Slim SASS #24733 said: What do you load on now for your other cartridges? 38-55 can be loaded on most any press that does rifle length cartridges. There is no "best". I have a Dillon XL-650, so no place for an expander die. Hoping the Dillon powder funnel for 38-55 would flare the case enough that the expander die would be unnecessary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Springfield Slim SASS #24733 Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 The Dillon powder funnel IS the expander die on a 550 and 650. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Two Shoots Posted May 13, 2020 Author Share Posted May 13, 2020 26 minutes ago, Springfield Slim SASS #24733 said: The Dillon powder funnel IS the expander die on a 550 and 650. Got it! Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colorado Coffinmaker Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 Springfield Slim beat me to it. Drat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoss Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 I load my 38-55 on a Dillon 550. I have to watch the case as it enders the expander die. if its just a tad off-center it will wrinkle the case mouth. I think the kength of the case has somethig to do wiht it, it is not held pefectly rigid in the shell plate. I've comsidered taking the expander to a machine shop and geting them to take a tad off, make it easier to enter the case mouth Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Springfield Slim SASS #24733 Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 By a tad off I hope you mean they will chamfer the end more, because just shortening it will not help. And you don't need a machine shot for that, a grinder will work just fine. Just make sure you file and polish the ground area or you might scratch the inside of the brass, creating a weak spot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoss Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 1 hour ago, Springfield Slim SASS #24733 said: By a tad off I hope you mean they will chamfer the end more, because just shortening it will not help. And you don't need a machine shot for that, a grinder will work just fine. Just make sure you file and polish the ground area or you might scratch the inside of the brass, creating a weak spot. Yes, chamfer the end a bit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Boy Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 Powder charge with a classic Herters 65 with Lee Dies on Lee 3 hole turret. If needed, custom TOTW sized compression plugs for expanders Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boulder Canyon Bob# 32052L Posted May 14, 2020 Share Posted May 14, 2020 8 hours ago, Hoss said: I load my 38-55 on a Dillon 550. I have to watch the case as it enders the expander die. if its just a tad off-center it will wrinkle the case mouth. I think the kength of the case has somethig to do wiht it, it is not held pefectly rigid in the shell plate. I've comsidered taking the expander to a machine shop and geting them to take a tad off, make it easier to enter the case mouth That's the problem I had and wrecked too many pieces of brass when brass was hard to find. I switched over to a Lyman T Mag and it works great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Judge Gardner Posted May 14, 2020 Share Posted May 14, 2020 Use RCBS 38-55 cowboy dies The cowboys are made for lead bullet. I use a Honrady lock and load AP to prim the case and to flare. then a RCBS power dispenser and a single stags press. if you need a great cartridge stay away from a Dillon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Springfield Slim SASS #24733 Posted May 14, 2020 Share Posted May 14, 2020 I have used my Dillon 550, my LEE turret and a RCBS RockChucker single stage to load 38-55. All of them will do a fine job for normal SASS loads if you take your time and be careful. If you are into precision long range it will take much more effort. All depends on what your goals are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jabez Cowboy,SASS # 50129 Posted May 14, 2020 Share Posted May 14, 2020 I load one of my .33-55s in the longer cases with bullets that Mic. .3805 .... And the other needs bullets Sized to .378 in the shorter cases .... Both use the same powder charges , and primers ... The First Gun was Made in 1895 and the other was made in 1980, both are 94 Winchesters . I load them on a Lyman T Mag press .... Jabez Cowboy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
High Spade Mikey Wilson Posted May 14, 2020 Share Posted May 14, 2020 I prefer to load my 38-55 ammo using a single stage press with either my Lyman Orange Crusher, or Herter's Super Model 81 Dual Ram cast iron press. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Two Shoots Posted May 14, 2020 Author Share Posted May 14, 2020 Really appreciate all the suggestions!! TS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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