Understanding the Fundamentals of .38 Special Reloading
The world of shooting, and particularly the sport of reloading, offers a unique blend of precision, cost-effectiveness, and a deep connection with the craft. For many enthusiasts, the .38 Special cartridge holds a special place, celebrated for its accuracy, manageable recoil, and historical significance. To truly unlock the potential of this classic round, meticulous reloading is key. And that’s where quality equipment becomes crucial. This guide dives deep into the heart of .38 Special reloading, focusing on the reliable and respected RCBS dies. Whether you’re a seasoned reloader or just beginning your journey, this article will equip you with the knowledge to create consistent, accurate, and safe .38 Special ammunition.
Before we delve into the specifics of RCBS dies, let’s lay the groundwork with a review of .38 Special reloading basics. Reloading, in its essence, is the process of disassembling a spent cartridge, preparing the components, and reassembling them with fresh powder, primer, and a new bullet. It’s a craft that demands respect for safety, attention to detail, and a thorough understanding of the process.
First and foremost, safety is paramount. Always wear safety glasses throughout the entire reloading process. Work in a well-lit, uncluttered space. Carefully follow the guidelines in your reloading manual. Never deviate from recommended powder charges or other specifications. Keep your reloading area meticulously clean and free of distractions.
Beyond safety, understand the basic components of a .38 Special cartridge: the case (the brass shell), the bullet (the projectile), the powder (the propellant), and the primer (the igniter). Reloading involves steps like removing the spent primer, resizing the case, expanding the case mouth, adding powder, seating the bullet, and crimping the bullet to the case.
Why choose .38 Special for reloading? One major advantage is its versatility. .38 Special is known for its inherent accuracy, making it a favorite among target shooters. Its manageable recoil makes it suitable for beginners and experienced shooters alike. Reloading .38 Special can also be cost-effective. By purchasing components in bulk, you can significantly reduce the per-round cost compared to buying factory ammunition, especially when you consider the rising price of ammunition in general. This allows you to shoot more frequently and hone your skills without breaking the bank. Reloading also provides a level of control over your ammunition. You can tailor your loads to your specific firearm, your shooting style, and your target needs, giving you the ability to create loads that are both accurate and perform to the levels you need for your purposes.
Exploring RCBS .38 Special Die Sets: Your Key to Quality Reloading
Choosing the right dies is a pivotal decision in the reloading process. RCBS is a name synonymous with quality, precision, and durability in the reloading world. Their die sets are renowned for their reliability and consistent performance. Let’s explore the different RCBS die set options available for .38 Special, along with a detailed look at each die’s role.
RCBS typically offers a standard three-die set for .38 Special reloading. This set usually includes a resizing die, an expanding die, and a seating/crimping die. These sets are designed to handle the essential reloading steps efficiently and reliably. Some sets may also offer a four-die set, including a separate crimping die which can offer greater precision and control, especially for shooters looking for match-grade results.
The Resizing Die
This die is the workhorse of the reloading process. Its primary function is to return the fired case to its original dimensions. The resizing die uses a hardened steel or carbide ring to press against the outside of the case, bringing it back to the exact specifications required for proper bullet seating and chambering in your firearm. This process ensures a snug fit in your chamber, preventing malfunctions. Proper case preparation, including cleaning and lubrication, is critical before resizing. Clean cases help to reduce friction and prevent stuck cases. Lubrication, either with a dedicated case lube or a commercial spray-on lubricant, is essential for smooth operation and to prevent damage to your cases. Full-length resizing, which resizes the entire case, is generally recommended for revolvers or guns that might have any amount of give in their chamber.
The Expanding Die
The expanding die, also known as the “expander” or “mouth expander,” prepares the case mouth to receive the bullet. It does this by gently flaring the case mouth to a diameter slightly wider than the bullet’s diameter. This flaring allows the bullet to be seated straight and reduces the risk of damaging the bullet during seating. The expanding die often includes an internal “neck expander” that further opens the case neck to the proper internal diameter for the bullet. The expanding process is carefully calibrated to provide the correct neck tension, which is the grip of the case on the bullet, which is critical for accurate shooting. Too little neck tension can lead to bullets being pushed deeper into the case during handling or even a failure to fire, while excessive neck tension can distort the bullet and negatively impact accuracy.
The Seating and Crimping Die
This die performs two critical functions in one step. First, it seats the bullet to the desired overall cartridge length (OAL). The seating stem is carefully adjusted to push the bullet into the case until it reaches the correct depth as specified in your reloading manual. Second, it crimps the case mouth to secure the bullet. The crimp, when applied properly, prevents the bullet from moving during recoil. In most RCBS die sets for .38 Special, the seating and crimping functions are combined. However, some higher-end sets include a separate crimping die for more precise control. Proper crimping is essential for consistent bullet performance and, in some cases, plays a crucial role in the safe and complete combustion of the powder. The crimp should be consistent across all your rounds to ensure uniformity and consistency.
When choosing an RCBS .38 Special die set, consider the following: construction, material quality, and your reloading needs. RCBS dies are known for their robust construction and long-lasting durability. Look for dies made from high-quality materials, such as heat-treated steel or carbide, for longevity. Consider whether you need a standard three-die set or a four-die set. If you are looking for maximum accuracy or using a variety of bullet types, a four-die set might be a wise choice. If you are reloading for different guns or if you have a specific need, consider a dedicated die set for that purpose if available.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using RCBS .38 Special Dies: Putting It All Together
Now, let’s put theory into practice with a step-by-step guide to using RCBS .38 Special dies:
Case Preparation is Key
Cleaning: The first step in the reloading process is to clean the brass cases. Clean cases prevent grit and debris from entering the die, potentially scratching the cases or damaging the dies. A case tumbler with treated media is a simple and effective solution for cleaning.
Lubrication: Before resizing, you must lubricate the cases. Use a case lube pad, spray-on lubricant, or a dedicated case lube system. This lubrication is critical to prevent the case from sticking in the resizing die and to facilitate smooth operation. Be sure to thoroughly wipe away the lubricant after resizing. This can be done with a clean cloth.
Resizing
Set Up: Screw the resizing die into your reloading press, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Adjust the die so that it contacts the shell holder at the top of the ram, ensuring full-length resizing.
Sizing: Place a lubed case in the shell holder. Raise the ram to its highest position, fully resizing the case. Lower the ram and remove the sized case.
Inspection: Inspect the resized case. It should be smooth and uniformly sized.
De-priming: If your resizing die doesn’t deprime, now is the time to manually deprime the cases using a dedicated tool.
Primer Pocket Cleaning: Use a primer pocket cleaner to remove residue from the primer pocket before seating the new primers.
Expanding
Set Up: Screw the expanding die into your reloading press. Adjust the die so that the expander plug enters the case mouth smoothly.
Expanding: Raise the ram and insert the case into the die, allowing the expander to flare the case mouth to the correct diameter.
Inspection: Verify that the case mouth is flared to the proper degree. If the case is not being expanded far enough, the bullet might be difficult to seat and the case could be damaged. If too much expansion happens, you run the risk of issues with neck tension.
Powder Charging
After expanding, you need to charge the case with the correct amount of powder. This is a crucial step for accuracy and safety. Use a powder measure to accurately measure the powder. The proper powder charge is one of the most critical parts of the reloading process and will be dependent on the bullet, the powder, and the firearm you are using. Always consult a reloading manual for the proper powder charge. Pour the powder into the expanded case and then place it on the reloading block.
Seating and Crimping
Set Up: Screw the seating and crimping die into your reloading press. Adjust the die so that it seats the bullet to the correct depth.
Seating: Place the expanded case with the powder charge in the shell holder. Place a bullet on top of the case. Raise the ram, and the seating stem will press the bullet into the case to the correct depth.
Crimping: After seating the bullet, adjust the crimping portion of the die to apply a gentle but firm crimp to the case mouth. This will help the bullet stay seated.
Inspection: Check the overall cartridge length (OAL) to ensure it’s within the recommended specifications in your reloading manual. Check the crimp to ensure it is consistent across all cartridges.
Tips and Tricks for Reloading Success
Component Selection: Choose high-quality components. Match your bullets to your shooting needs. Select powders that are known for accuracy and consistency in .38 Special loads. Choose primers from reputable manufacturers.
Case Care: Use a good case cleaning procedure. Clean your cases after each firing. If you notice any damage, discard the cases.
Reloading Manual is Your Bible: Always refer to a reliable reloading manual. Never deviate from the recommended powder charges or any other specifications. If you are unsure of any step, consult your reloading manual or an experienced reloader.
Practice Consistently: Reloading is a skill that improves with practice. Reload consistently to fine-tune your technique and achieve better results.
Start Low and Work Up: When trying a new load, start with a low powder charge and gradually increase it while observing the results.
Safety First: The Non-Negotiable Rule
Reloading, by its very nature, involves working with potentially dangerous materials. Safety must be at the forefront of your mind at all times. This point cannot be overemphasized:
- Always wear safety glasses.
- Reload in a clean and well-lit environment.
- Follow the instructions in your reloading manual meticulously.
- Always double-check powder charges before seating bullets.
- Never leave loaded ammunition unattended.
- Store components safely and separately.
- If you are unsure of any step, do not hesitate to seek help.
- Be mindful of the equipment you’re using and maintain it properly.
Conclusion: Embarking on Your .38 Special Reloading Journey
RCBS dies are an excellent choice for .38 Special reloading. Their quality and design help ensure accuracy and consistency. By mastering the techniques described in this guide and adhering to safety precautions, you can enjoy the satisfaction of creating your own high-quality .38 Special ammunition. Reloading opens up a new level of understanding about the craft of shooting and the cartridges you use. So take a deep breath, start with these RCBS dies, and embark on your reloading journey. The world of .38 Special awaits!
Resources
RCBS Website: [Include a link to the RCBS website]
Reloading Manuals (Examples: Lyman Reloading Handbook, Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading, etc.): [Include links to where these manuals can be purchased or accessed].
Online Reloading Forums and Communities: [Include a link to a well-regarded reloading forum].
