Lee 357 dies....should I get the 3 piece or 4 piece set?

[Target]

I'm going to buy a 357 lever action and figure I should get a set of dies for it as well.

Is it worth getting the 4 piece Lee set with Factory Crimp Die or will the 3 piece be fine?

 

[kev74]

I'm going to buy a 357 lever action and figure I should get a set of dies for it as well.

Is it worth getting the 4 piece Lee set with Factory Crimp Die or will the 3 piece be fine?

For a little extra money, I think its worth it.

That crimp die will last a lot longer than the $10 diference.

 

[71velle]

Never used the 3 piece, but I do like the 4. I have heard guy saying it hard to get the seating depth and crimp right in one step.

 

[MoMan]

All of my Lee die sets for handguns are 4 die sets.

@kev74 said it perfectly!!

For a little extra money, I think its worth it.

That crimp die will last a lot longer than the $10 diference.

 

[kev74]

Never used the 3 piece, but I do like the 4. I have heard guy saying it hard to get the seating depth and crimp right in one step.

I use the Pro1000 (3 stations), so I only use the crimp die when I need to. For setting the seating/crimping die, first set the crimp with the bullet seated high, then after the crimp is set, adjust down the bullet until its where it needs to be. That first cartridge might look a little ugly, but the rest turn out fine.

 

[71velle]

I use the Pro1000 (3 stations), so I only use the crimp die when I need to. For setting the seating/crimping die, first set the crimp with the bullet seated high, then after the crimp is set, adjust down the bullet until its where it needs to be. That first cartridge might look a little ugly, but the rest turn out fine.

I hope I didnt come across as saying 3 die sets were bad or anything like that. Great ammo can be made with the 3 dies.

When I started loading I asked about it and a few guys that used 3 die set went to 4 and preferred it. I started with a single stage press so it was an extra setup and process, tho a fast one. The lee factory crimp die is a great die and easy to use.

 

[Target]

I planned on getting the 4 piece. If I didn't use the extra die, so be it. I figured Its not too much extra and if I ever needed it, I'd have it.

Plus 4 is more than 3 so having a bunch of 4 piece sets will impress the uninformed and make me look all that much cooler.

 

[thegatman]

4 piece set is the way to go

 

[kev74]

Plus 4 is more than 3 so having a bunch of 4 piece sets will impress the uninformed and make me look all that much cooler.

And isn't that what its really all about?

 

[Criticalt]

Not to derail the thread, but, I really need to start reloading.
In the past it didnt really seem cost effective to reload, but now that ive bought several guns that use expensive ammo, I gotta get loading.......357, 45-70, 45 Colt, 357 SIG, 338 Lapua.....

 

[mgunner]

I'm a new reloader, and after watching hours of videos created by experienced reloaders, they all seem to like the Lee Factory Crimp Die despite the brand of press they have. That convinced me to spend the extra money for a four die set for 9mm.

 

[Acer-m14]

only 4 die set i purchased was for my good friend and his wife's rifles for a Christmas gift .. 6.5 creed and a .243

 

[mgunner]

Not to derail the thread, but, I really need to start reloading.
In the past it didnt really seem cost effective to reload, but now that ive bought several guns that use expensive ammo, I gotta get loading.......357, 45-70, 45 Colt, 357 SIG, 338 Lapua.....

I just started reloading a couple of weeks ago just for enjoyment. I'm only reloading 9mm right now but I'm still saving a little money. You'll probably save a nice chuck of money with the calibers you want to reload. The more expensive the ammunition is at retail prices, the more money you save reloading your own. Pull the trigger and start. It's actually a enjoyable hobby.

 

[Criticalt]

I just started reloading a couple of weeks ago just for enjoyment. I'm only reloading 9mm right now but I'm still saving a little money. You'll probably save a nice chuck of money with the calibers you want to reload. The more expensive the ammunition is at retail prices, the more money you save reloading your own. Pull the trigger and start. It's actually a enjoyable hobby.

The ammo for my Lapua are $5 a piece retail.
A friend of mine reloads them for under $2.
Im going to start soon with 357 and 45 Colt. I shoot alot of both and they aint cheap.

 

[Getzville 068]

The Lee 3 die set is all I've ever needed in 30+ years of reloading.