Reloading 38 Special on a single stage press - HD

In this video, I'll take you through the basic reloading process and show you what I do and share some of my thoughts for the .38 Special round. Enjoy! The .38 Special is one of my personal favorite rounds. I made this video for people considering the adventure of reloading and I think it will be interesting to them...
Here's a list of some of the equitment that I used in this video:
Lee Reloader Single Stage Press
Lee autoprime tool
Lee autoprime shellholder set
RCBS .38 - .357 dies
Rcbs casemouth brush
Dillon DCL case lube
Dillon case length gage
Rcbs shellholder
Lee trimmer and lock stud
Lyman Universal Trimmer
Frankford Arsenal DS-750 Electronic Powder Scale
Lee funnel
Home Depot digital calipers...

[@Hugh_Hunt]

View 60,000!

[@jiujitsu2000]

Quirkification Thank you!

[@NotSoDumb]

Question for you; I tumbled, dacapped and resized a bunch of 38 special cases. More than half of them won't fit in my case length gauge, they were belled at the bottom of the case. Should I toss them? Thanks.

[@seamansj]

I don’t know if you will see this or not because this was made so long ago but thank you so much for this. I am just getting into reloading, yes a bad time to just be starting, but this goes into so much detail and you explained each step and how to do it. Thanks again.

[@TOBORE8THMAN]

This is the "training video" I used as a development tool to begin loading my own 38 Special and .357 Magnum rounds. The practices in this video apply to all calibers. I can't thank you enough for instilling the confidence that I needed to undertake this hobby. Thanks!!!

[@victorrodriguez2806]

I'd like to complement you on your clear explanation and on your articulation. Everything was easy to understand. I am also a reloader. As they say, there are more than a couple of ways to skin a goat sized cat. If we're not learning, we're waisting time. Thank you for taking your precious time to make this video.

[@jiujitsu2000]

Thank you so much!!

[@jiujitsu2000]

Sweet! I'm flattered! Reloading is such a great hobby and the payoff is great! Always safety first. Thank you for the kind words. Have a good night! :)

[@odinwan]

The strength of this video is the attention to detail that is provided for each step of the process. I've seen videos that skip over the detail. For example, the video shows every step in properly setting up the bullet seating die with crimping. Check the powder loads (measure and visual check). Nicely done. Thank you.

[@jiujitsu2000]

Thank you!

[@jiujitsu2000]

Thank you for the kind words and supporting my channel! Good luck and double check your load data. Have a good day! :)

[@jiujitsu2000]

Thank you! I'm glad you liked it. I appreciate your comment and the support to my channel. Have a great evening! :)

[@PaperHunter]

This is by far the most comprehensive and clear video I've seen on the subject. I'm just waiting for my dies to arrive and then I'll be ready to reload.

[@jiujitsu2000]

I appreciate you taking the time to tell me you appreciate my work! Many people don't do that. I have many more good video's coming! Have a good evening! :)

[@crusiethmaximuss]

100% worth anyone's time to watch this video for novice or experienced shooters. You got a new subscriber 😎

[@johnhunter287]

I have been reloading shotshells for over 30 years and I've had all the equipment for reloading with a press for a year now. So after watching your video I figured it's time to try it. I also went to RCBS youtube site for set up on my press. But I wrote down step by step, every thing you said and how to adjust the dies. 100 successful .38 specials to spec without any problems. Thank You Very Much

[@ExpatGringo]

Just getting back into reloading and stumbled across your videos. Thanks for your patient instruction - very helpful and a SAFE, easy way to get going in this great hobby!

[@jiujitsu2000]

thank you! feel free to check out my channel. I have many great videos!!

[@MrRob92xlt]

Finally a good detailed reloading video, thanks brother!

[@jiujitsu2000]

Wow! You're exactly right. I didn't even notice that... Maybe I'll re-name it .38 special in 38 minutes. Ha ha... Thanks for the comment and supporting my channel. I hope you found some useful info, Have a great night. :)

[@jiujitsu2000]

Thank you for the kind words. I love the .38 special as well. I have another neat video that I just put together with this round. I think 4.2 grains of Unique would be a great load! I love my RL550b. It just works. Getting it was a great choice. Sometimes when I'm in a reloading mood I still use the single stage. I do this to really enjoy the whole reloading experience. Thanks for your support to my channel and I enjoyed reading your comment. Have a great day! :)

[@markmadsen6828]

I love your long video's... Very detailed, very informative, overall 1st class content... Your demeanor is excellent.. Anytime I want to learn and watch hand loading video's I watch yours.. Thank You for your time and really Great video's. God Bless.

[@jiujitsu2000]

Thank you! YOU'RE WELCOME my friend! It's my pleasure. I love trying to share what I know. Have a great evening! Feel free to subscribe if you haven't already, I have many more irons in the fire. :)

[@jiujitsu2000]

Thank you! I appreciate the support as well as the kind words. Have a great day! :)

[@jiujitsu2000]

Sweet! Thank you for the kind words and the support you give my channel. Have a good day! :)

[@jiujitsu2000]

Thank you for the kind words and also for the support to my channel! Have a beautiful day! :)

[@robertnolan8577]

Best tutorial on .38 that I have seen on the web Well Done in terms of the detail given for each step!

[@dlardav37a]

I saw this video you made and I must say. You have given a great many steps that are needed to understand why you must do certain steps, where and when to check these steps and issues that may arise while loading ammo. I understand more now than I ever have before about loading rounds. Thanks for the video. Great for beginners who want to start loading their own ammo.

[@jiujitsu2000]

thank you so much for the very kind words and support you give my channel. heads up, I'm having a 30k giveaway coming soon!!

[@jiujitsu2000]

Thank you for the support and kind words. Have a great evening! :)

[@Cardamonfrost]

You keep saying "not that big of a deal", but its that attention to detail that makes sure you wont blow off a finger :). Great vid.

[@jiujitsu2000]

you're 100% right about that! thank you for the kind words and support you give my channel. have a great evening! Merry Christmas!!

[@mitchelltstrains4799]

I absolutely love your reloading videos. I have watched dozens of others and yours are by far the best instructional videos on youtube. Clear, concise and everything makes perfect sense. Thank you.

[@jiujitsu2000]

Thank you! There will be more to come!

[@jimdent351]

Best reloading video I've seen. Enjoyed watching it!

[@MrFxxm747]

Well Got brass in so dug in loading some .38 and 357 magnum using your video's. Outstanding.....with my laptop in the shop I'm able to watch, pause, re-watch steps I have question to. Love it...now I'm ready to load the 100 bullets I won in your contest!

[@GaryT1952]

You are a natural teacher. Very well done, thank you.

[@jiujitsu2000]

Thank you for the kind words and support to my channel. I like going to the junkyard. Old car batteries have lead inside. Old cars have wheel weights. Tire shops sometimes sell them to me, but it seems like its getting harder to get them there because many are recycling these days and already have someone coming to get them. Some dental offices have the film backings from X-rays which are pure lead. Old diving weights. Thrift stores or Goodwill. I hope this was helpful. Have a good day! :)

[@jiujitsu2000]

Thank you! I didn't use any bullet lube because I'm going to be shooting those loads through a very old stub nosed.38 and the barrel is already shot up. I added a note to the video, but maybe you saw it before that. The .40 cal is a great round and the only real difference between reloading the two is that on my revolvers I like to use a roll crimp and on my semi auto's I use a taper crimp. Have a great evening! :)

[@samburkes7552]

Right on, man!!

[@jiujitsu2000]

Thank you so much! I'll keep them coming... Have a great evening! :)

[@GunSam]

Most straight forward reloading video i've seen so far. You speak well like a good teacher. I will be starting reloading very soon.

[@wkeil1981]

Speak well, he doesnt know when to say well or when to say good.

[@jiujitsu2000]

Thank you

[@tianyaolu5912]

I think you reloading series is by far the best out there. Attention to detail and never skip a thing. Super helpful and I think your videos are reloaders best learning sources.

[@jiujitsu2000]

I usually trim every other load. Some brass and calibers stretch more than others so it's a good habit to measure them. Thanks and have a good day! :)

[@jiujitsu2000]

Thank you for the kind words and for supporting my channel. I have many more great video's in the works! Have a good evening. :)

[@Christian75320]

I see you are proud teat you are a veteran. But you are much more. Thank you for your videos. You are a great Man.

[@jiujitsu2000]

Thank you so much!

[@theodorebranin1365]

You are the best teacher on KZbin!! I just came back and watched for the first time in about 3 or 4 years. Got away from reloading and just came back. Watched many videos on other topics but you are the best!! Also a great teacher is Mike Beliveau whose specialty is Blackpower and history. You two are similar in talent. Bless you! (I know Mike personally here in PA)

[@rolfhogfeldt7645]

WoW! You've taken the mystery out of reloading for me. When I was a kid, my uncle would reload his different caliber bullets. He would even melt the lead and pour the bullets. I knew he did it but never actually watched him do it. I've been thinking about it myself and always thought it was extremely difficult and dangerous. Now I understand the process and it's not so scary. LoL But like you showed and someone else mentioned in a comment, it's all in the details, paying attention to what you're doing and taking your time doing it. It looks almost therapeutic and relaxing. Thanks for sharing and explaining the process in very simple language. Great video 👍🤠

[@howdyhowdy3294]

best reloading video ive seen yet

[@jiujitsu2000]

Thank you!

[@billhealy7643]

Thanks for putting this together. It's the first time I've ever watched reloading and you've taken away the fears I had about it being arduous and complicated. I like your patient method of checking as you go. I'll be shooting more and spending less soon.

[@mauiglide]

Very clear and concise info. Step by step for guys like me who are starting out in reloading. Aloha and mahalo!

[@jiujitsu2000]

+Maui Glide aloha! Thank you!

[@jiujitsu2000]

Awesome! Thank you for the kind words! Enjoy! Have a great day! :)

[@user-lu1xi5mu5t]

You are the best! Thanks from Germany!!

[@albertforletta1498]

Thank you. You are greatly appreciated. I have learned a lot from your videos.

[@wm7312]

Last pistol cartridge (for now) I will be reloading. Thanks for the detail instruction like always.

[@alamosabill201]

Excellent walk through for a novice like me. Thanks .👍

[@banjomandotnet4178]

this was presented as good as i have seen. thanks.

[@sharpandloud3422]

You may already be aware, but according to the RCBS instructions insert, carbide dies no not require cases to be lubricated prior to resizing. I never use lube and have never had a problem. It's a huge time saver.

[@patrickbackes8540]

Really enjoy your videos. Started reloading very recently so I am soaking up as much info as I can. I especially appreciate you mentioning to “prime your brass after neck expansion” to keep primers from being pushed back out slightly due to pressure while expanding. Great stuff!

[@redrzr56]

Excellent detail in a 38 minute video! Well done!

[@jiujitsu2000]

Thanks for the support to my channel. I think using a swager to uniform primer pockets is a great idea! Have a good day! :)

[@paulmolnar869]

This is a great video showing the whole setup and steps to take. Thanks I have referred to it several times as I am a bit of a novice at it1

[@steveduvall5981]

Hi JIUJITSU2000, Had to reload some38 special for a friend and had to watch and listen to your video and voice to make sure I did good, my first time on 38 Special. :) Thanks

[@mariobendana8219]

Incredible. Best video so far.

[@squirrel_is_notamused4694]

Great video. I really appreciated how thorough and unhurried you were in performing and explaining the process. I am researching reloading techniques and equipment as I get ready to get my first press. The only things that I was left wondering at the end, again because you had taught so much and thoroughly, was why the cases got longer (need trimming) and if/how you cleaned your brass. Fantastic job. Thank you!

[@NSwildboar]

ein großartiges Video und eine wunderbar detaillierte Beschreibung der einzelnen Bearbeitungsschritte... es hat mir unsagbar viel geholfen. vielen Dank dafür

[@scottthrower7637]

Great video. Excellent. I have 3,000 .38 special shells sitting here, and I've been thinking about getting into reloading. My biggest concern, though, is safety, which you address all through this vid. Thanks to you, I now understand the basic process of a single stage press. Thanks!!

[@iStreetglide]

Excellent tutorial sir - love the way you place quality over quantity!

[@thoughtgun101]

You did a good job on this video. Blessings...

[@jiujitsu2000]

Steve C Thank you! Blessings to you too!

[@richardkut3976]

Like your press set up and work area, I'm cramped for space, appreciate the mounting etc. Thanks again.

[@Vile-Flesh]

Ah. My favorite round to reload and shoot. Such a forgiving round to learn from and accurate too as well as versatile!! Enjoyed the vid. I also shot 4.2grs of Unique under a lead SWC with a firm crimp. Used a Dillon AT500 upgraded to RL550 and RCBS little dandy powder measure with the steel rotors that were cut to certain volume. The little dandy threaded on top of the Dillon tool head. I would reload the nickle plated brass until all the nickle was worn off and still had case life left.

[@nunyabznss5866]

Oh wow, how cool. Great video, never thought about reloading but after watching your video I think I want to start.

[@Lawnmower-os5pg]

Is it just a coincidence that this video is 38 minutes long

[@samburkes7552]

Excellent video!! I am an experienced revolver cartridge reloader, since like 1973. This was my first centerfire revolver cartridge too, with a single-stage press. I use a very old RCBS Rock Chucker, and older RCBS dies. Not set up right now with my press, bench, measure, etc. But when I was, back in Ariz, was using 158gr cast lead SWC bullets, some plain with lube, others that are Moly-coated. Use about 3.6gr Alliant Bullseye powder..They shoot very accurately thru my S&W/Colt 38 Police Special revolvers, 2"-5"bbls. Loved the video! Very informative!! You can load my cartridges any time!! Lol!!..a compliment there! Thnx.

[@rickmiller8931]

Love he’s long reloading videos!

[@jiujitsu2000]

Thank you! Blessings to you!

Great video Sir. Shooters if you don't reload your own find a local reloader or ten and help out a local small business and keep the money in your areas economy. We met a few at a gun show and all are veterans, theyve been our bullet farmers and damn good ones for several years now.

[@radioopbowhunter5748]

You helped me immensely when I started out a few years ago..much appreciated

[@wilmerfajardo8488]

Excellent video. Thanks for spending time in details.

[@jiujitsu2000]

Awesome! Thanks!

[@danswift7723]

Very comprehensive. Easy to follow. Appreciate your insights as to some of the reasons behind your practices. Thanks

[@blackbear9326]

Very clear and precise instruction. Thank you. 👍🏼

[@varney2010]

Excellent video. Will be referring back to it when I start reloading in a few months.

[@SQTierHog]

Man, thank you soooo much for taking your time and being thorough. Great stuff here!

[@jiujitsu2000]

+SQTierHog You got it brotha! Thank you as well!

[@andrehangaard8770]

It cannot be more clear! A super instruction! Many thanks!

[@fartbutts]

Best reloading video I've seen. Thanks

[@dks13827]

Thank you for this. I loaded 50 of these today it was great.

[@jiujitsu2000]

+dks13827 Thank you for stopping by!

[@joepego6471]

Best video I saw on reloading. very thorough

[@oldshvlrdr4557]

A very well presented video. I enjoyed the step by step instructions. Keep up the good work.

[@borisscott9156]

Nice step by step video. Good work. Thanks for taking the time.

[@jiujitsu2000]

+Boris Scott thank you!

[@Pickinwilly71]

Thanks for this excellent video and taking the time to explain it in detail, it has really helped me a lot!

[@jiujitsu2000]

+William Bryant Thank you for stopping by!

[@douglasbumberton9813]

Very thorough explanation. Awesome work, probably going to begin reloading soon here.

[@jiujitsu2000]

thank you for the kind words and support you give my channel! have a beautiful day!

[@TheYjmfan]

Excellent this has helped me a lot as I’m getting back into shooting and reloading as I used to in the early 90s, thanks a lot.

[@spooksvstheworld6731]

Best video I’ve come across. Thanks so much.

[@jiujitsu2000]

Thank you! Have a good evening. :)

[@totallyfrozen]

SUPER, SUPER helpful! 👍🏻 I just inherited a reloading set from my father who just recently past, but I wasn’t clear on how to use it.

[@jiujitsu2000]

That's cool! I'm currently in the process of starting to film exactly that. Reloading the .357! Work has been hectic, so I don't know when it'll be finished. Have a good day! :)

[@jiujitsu2000]

It's not required at all. Carbide dies don't require any lubing. I just do it to make the process smoother. Thanks for the support to my channel and have a good day! :)

[@AZVIDS]

Great video. I think you make the best loading videos with excellent explanations. I have watched them a number of times and always pickup another tidbit of info each time I watch. 👍👍👍👍

[@phantaztik1223]

Very basic, but very well explained. Good job!

[@NotSoDumb]

Very well done tutorial. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge, it's really appreciated.

[@jiujitsu2000]

Thank you!

[@NotSoDumb]

You are very welcome.

[@joecachia2]

Happy to see that you do something I do as well.. Visually check the powder with a flashlight... Im so paranoid about it , but it is very important. Just a small note ... You can unseat a bullet .. Not an ideal situation , but bullet pullers are there for cartridge dis assembly. I just flare again and reload . Does not normally happen because I would have set the dies properly by then , but bullet pullers are an important tool.

[@JesusAlphaAndOmega]

Great Video, Thank You, I really like how you explain and show everything in your video. You have a gift for teaching.

[@jivadaya6439]

Very helpful indeed - Thankful for many things including your channel sir! .223 is my handloading focus but 38 special will be my first for pistol handloading - my 586 can hardly wait :D

[@perindne]

Thanks for the lesson. I haven't started loading yet and had many question. Thanks again.

[@MegaBait1616]

glad i found your channel. love the .38S. rd. thank you.

[@jiujitsu2000]

+MegaBait56 Thank you for stopping by!

[@emaxxx13]

Awesome video just the right level of detail appreciate it man

[@itbtae]

great videos! these are definitely some of the best reloading tutorials. cant wait to start reloading

[@jiujitsu2000]

+fantastico Thank you for the kind words and support you give my channel! Have a beautiful day!!

[@davidcw10876]

Nice video, very clear and concise.

[@commiesarehorrible7622]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video. Just getting into reloading and this is a great video.

[@tge4]

nothing crazy... amen brother. great video, thanks

[@jiujitsu2000]

thank you!

[@351WINCHESTER]

Thanks for sharing your "Stubnose .38"

[@Robin6512]

good vid man. .38 is still a good round. you acually brought me to the Point that I will start reloading this round :).

[@jiujitsu2000]

+robin6512 Thank you for the kind words and support you give my channel. Have a beautiful day!

[@RogerSouthCarolina]

This was so helpful. Thank you!

[@jiujitsu2000]

thank you for stopping by