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RCBS 18212 3-DIE CARBIDE DIE SET 38 SPECIAL/.357 MAGNUM/.357 MAXIMUM
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SKU: 18212-076683182128
Overview
Built for loading straight-wall pistol cases, this three-die set is intended for handloaders working with .38 Special, .357 Magnum, and .357 Maximum cartridges. The carbide sizer die sizes and de-primes cases without requiring lubrication, while the expander die prepares the case mouth for bullet seating and feeding. A separate seater die completes the process by seating the bullet and applying a roll crimp. A shell holder is not included, so that component must be sourced separately.
Why Hunters Choose the Rcbs
Carbide Sizer
Die eliminates the need to
Three-die Set
Covers sizing, expanding, seating, and
Straight-wall Pistol
Cases in .38 Special, .357
Expander Die
Adds case mouth flare or
Seater Die
Seats bullets and applies a
Key Features
- 3-die carbide set for straight-wall pistol cases
- Fits .38 Special, .357 Magnum, and .357 Maximum
- Carbide sizer die sizes cases and de-primes
- Carbide sizer ring eliminates case lubrication
- Expander die opens case mouth and adds flare/bell
- Seater die seats bullets and roll crimps
- Shell holder is not included
Best Used For
- Reloaders loading straight-wall pistol cases in .38 Special, .357 Magnum, or .357 Maximum
- Handloaders wanting a carbide sizing step that eliminates case lubrication
- Users needing a three-die setup for sizing, expanding, seating, and roll crimping
- Reloading bench setups where a shell holder is already available separately
Specifications
| Carbide Sizer Die | Yes |
|---|---|
| Compatible Cartridges | 38 Special/.357 Magnum/.357 Maximum |
| Expander Die | Yes |
| Expander Die Function | Expands the case to the proper diameter and imparts case mouth flare/bell for bullet feeding |
| Lubrication Required | No |
| Number Of Dies | 3 |
| Product Type | 3-Die Carbide Die Set |
| Seater Die | Yes |
| Seater Die Function | Seats the bullet and roll crimps |
| Shell Holder Included | No |
| Sizer Die Function | Sizes the case and de-primes |
Pros
- Carbide sizer die eliminates the need to lubricate cases during sizing
- Three-die set covers sizing, expanding, seating, and roll crimping
- Designed for straight-wall pistol cases in .38 Special, .357 Magnum, and .357 Maximum
- Expander die adds case mouth flare or bell for bullet feeding
- Seater die seats bullets and applies a roll crimp
- Shell holder is not included, allowing setup with your existing equipment
Considerations & Trade-offs
- A shell holder is not included, so you’ll need to source the correct one separately before use.
- This set is limited to straight-wall pistol cases in .38 Special, .357 Magnum, and .357 Maximum, so it is not a general-purpose die set.
- The set is focused on sizing, expanding, and seating/roll crimping; it does not include additional accessories beyond the three dies described.
- The carbide sizer die eliminates the need for case lubrication during sizing, but the set still requires standard reloading setup and component compatibility.
Suggested Comparisons
- Handloading die sets for straight-wall pistol cartridges
- Carbide sizing die sets
- Reloading accessories for .38 Special/.357 Magnum/.357 Maximum
- Shell holders for pistol reloading
Suggested Accessories
- Shell holder
- Case lubricant
- Reloading press
- Calipers
Frequently Asked Questions
What cartridges is this die set made for?
This RCBS 3-Die Carbide Die Set is listed for .38 Special, .357 Magnum, and .357 Maximum.
Does this set include a shell holder?
No. The product description states that a shell holder is not included.
What does the carbide sizer die do?
The Carbide Sizer Die sizes the case and de-primes it. The description also says the carbide sizer ring eliminates the need to lubricate.
What are the three dies used for?
The set includes a sizing die, an expander die, and a seater die. The expander die expands the case to the proper diameter and adds case mouth flare/bell for bullet feeding, while the seater die seats the bullet and roll crimps.
Is this set intended for straight-wall pistol cases?
Yes. The description says RCBS pioneered and developed 3-Die Sets for straight-wall pistol cases.