Silly question time. I bought a RCBS trim die second hand, but can't work out what I am doing wrong. When I screw the die into both my LEE OR rcbs Rockchucker presses the .357 case will not extend up through the die for triming. They are over-length. Can't think what I am doing wrong.
Please help.

I think you need the extended shell holder for a case that short. The extended shell holders are about an inch long.
I bought a used .357 Magnum trim die just because it came with the extended shell holder. I use the shell holder for .256 Win. I never did use the trim die.

Did you setup your new (used) trim die the same way you would setup a full length resizing die to your press?

I’m not real clear on that step from your post.

Hello Ireload2,

Thanks for the info. I have used rifle caliber trim dies but this .357 Mag one has me beat. Never knew there was such a thing as an extended shell holder. Thank you, I will check with the local gun shop to see if they have them. Kind regards, Peter Sloane.

May I ask why you want to do this? I have shot straight wall pistol cases for years and never trimmed them. I have never had a problem chambering them. Even with the 45acp, target shooters generally do not trim them, they just keep them in separate groups. BTW I do have Wilson trim dies and a case trimmer, but just don't use them. Having said that, I do have one trim die, for my 500/416 that does stretch and does require trimming otherwise the empty brass will not chamber.
Peter.

With MAX loads in a Marlin Carbine 357 brass will stretch a little.

But in my experience if your 357 brass stretches enough to require trimming it's time to toss it.

AD

You will need an extended shell holder for that.Your dealer will probably not have one in which case you'll have to order it.

I agree with the others who say that trimming straight wall pistol brass is usually not needed.

Hello Peter,

the reason I need to trim is the I load a 200 grain RCBS csst bullet over 16.3 grains of ADI 2205 ( H4227 equiv) for my F.A. revolver.
To fit the cylinder, I need to trim back to 32.46mm so as to crimp in the right place and to fit the cyclinder. With 200 new brass, I thought the RCBS trim die may be easier than the Forrster trimmer. Cheers, Peter.

Aha! Now I understand, and also understand the IHMSA in your handle! It looks like your brass has not stretched, but is new, as you say,and that the restriction is being placed by your cylinder and choice of bullet. It would be a lot quicker to trim 200 rounds of brass by finding someone in Kiwiland who has an RCBS power trimmer. Are these available over there? This would also be a better way than filing unsupported brass.
Peter.

quote:

Originally posted by ihmsakiwi:
Hello Peter,

the reason I need to trim is the I load a 200 grain RCBS csst bullet over 16.3 grains of ADI 2205 ( H4227 equiv) for my F.A. revolver.
To fit the cylinder, I need to trim back to 32.46mm so as to crimp in the right place and to fit the cyclinder. With 200 new brass, I thought the RCBS trim die may be easier than the Forrster trimmer. Cheers, Peter.

Trim dies are not adjustable for a length shorter than standard but can be set for a longer length.
You would be better off with a crank trimmer. If you prefer a trim die for such you will need to set a 38 Special trim die to give the length you need.

Even though I prefer to use file/trim dies,I'd recommend a lathe type trimmer for your use.You can set it for any length you want.

Thanks ireload2,
Nver thought of that. Amazing what happens when someone drops a box of reloading equipment on the " buy & sell" table at a shoot. Saw the trim die and thought it was the answer to my problems. Oh well, maybe I will have to use the Forester. The power trim from Lee is no good unless I get a custom length guide made up. But I did score an $80 as new Lyman Lubesizer 450, including .359 sizer and top punch. Thanks for your advice. Peter

If you get one of those Lee cutter heads that takes the screw in cartridge designated shaft with the pin that goes through the primer hole, simply turn down in a lathe the length of the shaft at the position of the pin. Stick the cutter in a drill press. I have a reduced 45-70 cutter shaft shortened in this way to trim 45-60 cases.