2 different RCBS die sets for 38/357

[bnate]

Found two different 38 special and 357 die sets (both RCBS 3-die carbide sets)

...BUT they have 2 different part numbers from RCBS.

P/n 18212 - Says "357 Mag / 38 spl / 357Max"


P/n 18215 - Says "357 Mag / 38 spl / 357MX"


What is the difference and which should I get to cover all 357?

Thx in advance.

Nate

[hermosabeach]

Did you call RCBS? Is one carbide? Is one role crimp and the other a taper crimp?

Call them - they have solid customer service

[bnate]

Did you call RCBS? Is one carbide? Is one role crimp and the other a taper crimp?

Call them - they have solid customer service

Thx, found these at a gun show today, new. Both are Carbide, not sure on the role vs. taper crimp. Was trying to read through the literature it came with.

I think the difference has something to do with 357 MAX vs. 357 MX. The case length...but the die sizes seemed the same.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.357_Remington_Maximum

...Not sure on the MX designation of the 357 round. If one is longer than another, then I would guess I could buy that die set and do any 357 version.

Once the weekend's out, I'll probably have to call RCBS cust service

Thx

[XDRoX]

That's weird. My 357 maximum dies are completely different than my 357mag/38spl dies.

As far as I knew you needed different dies for Maximum.

[CCrawford]

18212 - Roll Crimp

18215 - Taper Crimp

[bnate]

18212 - Roll Crimp

18215 - Taper Crimp

thx...missed it right in front of me.

THX

[Sardine]

Why would they make a taper crimp for either one of these cartridges? I use the same carbide crimp die for 38 & 357, just back out the die for 357 so it crimps higher.

[wtkaiser]

Perhaps for guns like the Coonan arms semi-auto .357, but that makes no sense, it's still a rimmed cartridge. A good question!

[Munk]

Why would they make a taper crimp for either one of these cartridges? I use the same carbide crimp die for 38 & 357, just back out the die for 357 so it crimps higher.

because some people don't want to use a roll crimp when they're not using the cannelure.

[fguffey]