Reloading 38 LC for a 1851 Navy

[Will Sellit]

I have a 2nd generation Colt 1851 Navy that was converted at R&D. The barrel is lined to .357.
38 special loads are too long and I plan on loading black powder 38 LC or 38 SC (opinions on which one would be appreciated) however I read different opinions on the dies to use. Can 38 special dies be used to load 38 LC and 38 SC or am I better off to buy the 38 LC dies?
I do not have any 38 dies of any kind now so I thought I would ask before buying.
I appreciate your help.

[Major 2]

Another option ... is have the Cyl. reamed for 38 Spc.

because I don't reload and I have two others also in 38 Spc. this is the option I took.
Happy Trails (Smith Shop) has it now.... he's done superb work for me before, and very reasonable too... I expect I'll be quite pleased. 

[Daniel Nighteyes]

Another option ... is have the Cyl. reamed for 38 Spc.

Hate to "jump in" here, but the issue is not diameter, its overall length.  38 Special rounds are simply too long to fit in many (most?) 1851/1861 conversions.

You could try buying some .38 Long Colt from vendors like Ten-X.  Additionally, by taking a few measurements of these .38 Long Colt rounds, you could then make up your own rounds.

Or, if you can afford to wait until mid-July, I'd be glad to send you some empty .38 Long Colt brass.  Just let me know...

Regards,

-- Nighteyes

[Galloway]

That sound like a great new gun. The best thing would be to order 38colt brass and dies, you cant go wrong with that. I manage to reload 38colt with 357 lee dies but crimping is a little tricky. I put a lite crimp on them and have to pull the out of the die by hand but it works. Good luck

[Hoof Hearted]

I have a 2nd generation Colt 1851 Navy that was converted at R&D. The barrel is lined to .357.
38 special loads are too long and I plan on loading black powder 38 LC or 38 SC (opinions on which one would be appreciated) however I read different opinions on the dies to use. Can 38 special dies be used to load 38 LC and 38 SC or am I better off to buy the 38 LC dies?
I do not have any 38 dies of any kind now so I thought I would ask before buying.
I appreciate your help.

Will

Your 38 spl sizing die will work fine.
You may need to sand (belt or disc) and slightly chamfer (dremel w/sanding drum) the mouth of the seater and crimping die.
Usually about .125" will do and they will still load 38 special.

Good Luck
HH

[Major 2]

Hate to "jump in" here, but the .  38 Special rounds are simply too long to fit in many (most?) 1851/1861 conversions.

You could try buying some .38 Long Colt from vendors like Ten-X.  Additionally, by taking a few measurements of these .38 Long Colt rounds, you could then make up your own rounds.

Or, if you can afford to wait until mid-July, I'd be glad to send you some empty .38 Long Colt brass.  Just let me know...

Regards,

-- Nighteyes

Your correct reguarding the issue is not diameter, its overall length....
However, there is sufficient lenght in my Cyl. by my measurements ( I asked Bill English to confirm this before he Reams )

[Will Sellit]

Thanks to all for the responses.
I'm not sure which way I will go but since I don't shoot 38 special in any of my guns I may just go ahead and buy the 38LC dies.

Daniel Nighteyes, you sure are a gentleman and I certainly appreciate your offer on the 38LC brass. I will be glad to buy whatever 38LC brass you want to part with. I will check back with you the middle of July.

Again, thanks to all for the information.

Will Sellit.

[Wild Bill Blackerby]

Will, I have a pair of '51 Navies converted with the R&D parts by Happy Trails (how's that for hitting them all ) - I've never had a problem using my .38 special loads. Of course I reload (BP) and never used a factory load - as long as you maintain the OAL of 1.43 they fit fine.
I (and Hap) did have issues with the R&D cylinders due to tight tolerences - maybe that's your real issue (not sure how familliar you are with .38's).
If y'all need any info feel free to e-mail me anytime.

Regards,
Wild Bill

BTW - you are so right about my pard Daniel...(Yo Nighteyes!  Hi! )

[Major 2]

Due the Dan's heads up I had Hap double check my measurements...
I got an email from Hap stating he "agreed with my measurments" and will hone my Cyl to 38 Spcl.
It is not a case of tight tolerences in my gun case ( you can plainly see the step in the Cyl. to chamber 38LC )

I have other Richard & Mason conversions in 38 Spcl. just made sense to me, to have my 3rd gun honed to 38 spcl. too.