Reloading the .357 SIG Cartridge

As requested by one of my subscribers, here is an abridged look at how I reload for the 357 SIG. Please understand that I am not an expert and that this is in no way a complete "how to" on safely reloading/handloading. However, I always try to help out my fellow shooters and reloaders, and I hope that this video is useful for you as well.

[@Mike-xi4zt]

Carbide resizing dies do not require case lube. I use a carbide 40 Smith & Wesson/10mm. You don't have to back the dye out you run the dye all the way to the bottom of the case touching the shell holder. After you resize the body with a carbide 40 Smith & Wesson die you can run it through the standard 357 sig die and size the neck and it does not require case lube.

[@MrZonacat1]

I will be reloading the 357 Sig soon and your video was a big help. Have fun and stay safe.

[@FoodFolksandGuns]

Thank you so much for the words of encouragement. Glad you like my videos and I'll try to keep making good stuff for you guys.

[@FoodFolksandGuns]

Hey that's terrific! Glad you got the kinks worked out - literally and figuratively. Happy shooting, sir!

[@herrcobblermachen]

I realize this video was made along time ago, almost before I started reloading myself, but the case flaring looks to be excessive. I've always considered that stage of reloading to be "just barely enough". Its hard to say though without the projectile sitting there in the case mouth. Just my thoughts. This video is very helpful for die setup, I'll go for awhile without reloading, will do a big batch or a new cartridge and forget how to set everything back up again, esp with a progressive press.

[@Messier87_M87]

Yes that flaring was excessive. It definitely seems less is better for that step, along with setting the bullet depth and crimp. Hopefully this guy still has both hands and eyes, lol!

[@FoodFolksandGuns]

It's one of the first powders I bought because I'm self taught and didn't know any better.

[@sashalakota8292]

hey you still have both your hands and eye's so you know more than most on reloading the .357 sig. thank's for the tip's

[@FoodFolksandGuns]

Thank you for the tips. I'll have to give those a try once the powder supply improves.

[@FoodFolksandGuns]

Thanks for the tips. I'm glad that it looks like I'm doing the steps correctly. I do clean primer pockets - just skipped it in this video to save time.

[@argo84]

Just wanted to let you know that the bulge buster did wonders for me. Previously, I'd had problems with my reloads causing my M&P 357 Sig to not go into battery. I reloaded about 100 once fired brass running them through the bulge buster first. I was able to avoid lubing the cases before running them through the 357 Sig die, I had no problems with out of battery issues. I do not clean the primer pockets and never have for any handgun reloads I've ever done. Best regards!

[@JLilly-zc3pp]

One thing I do also is check to make sure the bullet doesn't budge. I'll measure the bullet, then take it and push it hard into the edge of my loading bench, then re-measure to make sure there's no bullet setback. I do this about every 20-25 rounds or so to make sure things are going ok.

[@FoodFolksandGuns]

Thanks, I'm very glad that it was of some use to you. Hit me up if you have any questions later.

[@p228Alex]

hey man ive been watching some of your videos, and jsut want to say, ive learned alot, and your doing a great job at making hteese videos! keep up the good work!

[@emersongoodrich1691]

Good video. I have need to reload this caliber, so that was a big help. Personally I would have liked seeing a sample of each step you did, but I actually thought it was good you showed your mistakes too, so I could see possible issues that can arise from reloading .357 sig rounds. Thanks for posting... :)

[@FoodFolksandGuns]

Thanks for the kind comments. I posted a video of how I reload .45 ACP as more of a step by step video, so I didn't want to repeat everything here for the sake of brevity. This was more of a caliber specific video. Hope it was helpful.

[@FoodFolksandGuns]

You're welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@TOBORE8THMAN]

Thank you for this video. FWIW - I only use RCBS carbide die sets. I don't use lubrication on straight walled cases but I do lube my 300 AAC. I don't know if it matters much but I do like to flair the neck before priming the cartridges.

[@Max-ye9xg]

The guy is certainly welcome to make a video how much of an expert or not not here to criticize

[@brianbelliveau5551]

I know this is a old video and I just started setting up to reload 357 sig and I have a Dillon 550c and today’s price for the dillon dies are 235.00 so I went with Hornady dies 3 die set 57.00 and 18.50 for the lee crimp die good video I’m checking out all the loading videos on 357 sig

[@FoodFolksandGuns]

True, but with a high pressure round like the 357 SIG I don't mind an extra step to make sure it's perfect.

[@strat1080]

I don’t bother applying lube to the cases. I just simply run the cases through a 40 die then run it through a 357 sig die. You’re basically sizing the body of the case with a carbide 40 die and then neck sizing with the 357 die. For the life I can’t understand why people think the 357 sig is tricky to load for. The biggest thing to remember is to bell or expand the the case just barely enough to slip a bullet in the case. Don’t get carried away with expanding the case or you’ll run into bullet setback issues

[@robertstonebreaker8394]

nice work, I am going to start loading that round very good info you shared keep up with the videos.

[@FoodFolksandGuns]

+robert kline Thank you

[@jimquinlan5000]

I THINK MY PROBLEM IS THE .357 SIG EXPANDER DIE EVEN WITH UST A "kiss"..TOO MANY 9MM SLIP RIGHT ON THRU THE CASE NMOUTH. WHEN I USED TO RE-LOAD FOR 9MM I NEVER USED THE EXPANDER DIE AND THE 9MM BULLETS WERE SNUG AND READY FOR CRIMPING. SO I'M GONNA SKIP THE .357 SIG EXPANDER DIE AND HOPE IT'LL SEAT NICE AND SNUG. GREAT VIDEO..THANK YOU.

[@italianrelic]

Hey brother just a quick tip, if you buy yourself a .40/10mm carbide sizing die and run all of your .357 sig brass in that first then use your .357 sig dies in the normal fashion, you will never need to use sizing wax again!! Just a tip give it a shot!!!

[@matthewjdenn]

Excellent instructional video - thanks for posting it!

[@FoodFolksandGuns]

Thank you for the kind feedback.

[@rickk10000]

a case length gauge (Wilson) is a really good thing to have. Without one, with the Sig round, you are really just winging it.

[@FoodFolksandGuns]

Still waiting for a recommendation since you seem to be an expert.

[@thomasherbert4038]

It is also a good ideal to check the outside Dia. of the case mouth to make sure it is not over the maximum specs.... I always stay .002 under max. on my .45 auto, and never have a feed problem....

[@wawheeler21]

I never flare anything unless loading cast bullets. Skipping flaring increases case life and eliminates a whole step, saving time.

[@wiederladerTv]

Thanks for sending me this Video brother...I subbed your Channel. I start reloading the 357 SIG too very soon and I wanna go with the 40 dies. The 357 SIG case is longer than the 40 S&W so you do not have to screw out the 40 die.

[@FoodFolksandGuns]

Oh nice. I'm looking forward to your video. If I can eliminate having to lubricate the 357 SIG cases while still making a safe reload I would be interested in learning how. Take care and thank you for subscribing.

[@wiederladerTv]

As soon as I start reloading the 357 SIG I'll make an Video about it too brother.

[@joeddox]

Looks like your doing a good job. I'm no pro for pistol reloads but I believe you should be cleaning the primer pocket. Also 16:17 thats what should be happening if you don't factory crimp after flaring the case. Don't get too close to OL 1.135, 1.1345 is super close! How much thumb pressure you can add before the bullet falls into the case after the factory crimp (should be more than without the crimp)? Some companies are using glues & sealants for extra bullet hold. Thanks for the video

[@lewisoversole6781]

When I'm flaring I back the die all the way out and run a case all the way up then screw the die down till it touches the case back the case out and give the die an 1/8 of a turn and adjust accordingly.

[@brianbelliveau5551]

Looks good

[@argo84]

Very helpful. Many thanks!

[@MrZonacat1]

Thanks for the tips.

[@Longshoremansf]

The gold primer is maby small pistol magnum ?

[@FoodFolksandGuns]

I don't know. I clean my guns after using them so I guess it never was an issue. What do you recommend?

[@FoodFolksandGuns]

Absolutely. And like you said, I don't think the gun would even go into battery since it's essentially a .40 case necked down to 9mm. I thought he was referring to just the bullet, though.

[@1911geek]

There is a lot of play on your set up press is moving flop. Use 4x4 block screw down on table and then bolt 4" bolt through block and table for better support

[@Patmclean232]

As far as flare goes i start the die do it barley flares the case.then i adjust it down until the bullet just barley squeezes in the case

[@gotowned3123]

use a lee 40 U carbide die, it undersizes the case body, use the 357sig sizing die for the shoulder and neck. don't use the factory method of setting your dies up, go a quarter turn and feed it into your pistol until you find the right headspace.

[@caseygrant2226]

Thanks for posting this how to. Cost of the press, die's & time aside, about how much is your cost per round?

[@LeeG7953]

Thank you for the video. Have you ever thought about using the carbide .40 sizing die? They will work for the main body.

[@FoodFolksandGuns]

I guess technically you could but I would probably not since the 9mm is usually a round nose bullet and the .357 SIG does better with flat nosed.

[@tkarlmann]

Coating each bullet with wax is too time-consuming. Why not just get & use a .40 carbide die set and resize the body only?

[@Max-ye9xg]

This is about the third 357 Sig video the people are very inexperienced but they're welcome to make a video not here to criticize

[@FoodFolksandGuns]

I've never had any problems with it.

[@dante_gonal]

I think the 357 sig is the best caliber for armies and navies and some special police forces

[@FoodFolksandGuns]

It's not recommended. The ogive on round nose bullets makes them susceptible to bullet setback with the pressures generated in a 357 SIG pistol. I would stick with bullets designed specifically for this cartridge; not worth the risk of a kaboom. Good luck and feel free to pm me if you have any questions.

[@bobh.4832]

When setting up the Lee FCD, where do you have the adjusting knob (on top of the die) set?

[@FoodFolksandGuns]

Thank you so much. I am more conservative with my flaring since this video was made. lol

[@MrFlint62]

My reload data shows a maximum of 9.9 for Blue Dot. NEVER start with a maximum charge! Berry's Bullets makes a plated bullet that is more economical. For SD rounds, I suggest Gold Dot 125 grain. Always go by a good reloading manual such as Lyman Reloading #49 357 Sig is NOT a beginners round. The absolute best bullet to use in 357 Sig is either 124 or 125 grn and MUST be .355 in diameter. DO NOT use bullets designed for a 357 mag. These bullets are .356 diameter and will not fit a 357 Sig barrel tolerance. The one exception is Berry's which is .356 dia, but they are plated bullets, not copper jacketed. Jacketed bullets will cause higher chamber pressures. Learn with other cartridges such as 9mm, 40 S&W, or the like, THEN progress to 357 Sig. Last but not least, the 357 Sig head spaces off the shoulder, not the case mouth.

[@FoodFolksandGuns]

The Lyman manual is significantly more conservative than most other sources. I use the Speer manual for my .357 SIG reloads and make sure to stay at or under the maximum published load. I have pushed them over 1400 fps with no ill effects, but I worked up gradually. I also don't use copper plated bullets like Rainier or Berry's for any caliber with very high velocities like the 357 SIG, as they tend to suffer in accuracy. neutered10mm did a few videos on this a couple of years ago. For potential legal reasons, I don't recommend using your own reloads for carry or home defense purposes. Factory ammo only for me.

[@BillMcGirr]

Good comment... Good reply... What do BOTH of you think of converting 40 brass to 357 sig??? Some DO NOT think it is a good idea. Others are ok with it. I will soon find out ....but ANY advice is appreciated. FF&G ...I thought the accidental buckling was a good example of NORMAL reloading problems. I've buckled edges..... Over crimped... Squibed a load.....ONCE...Luckily I recognized the primer pop with NO powder! Whew! Every case gets a DOUBLE CHECK now. We ALL make an OCCASIONAL mistake. And we learn....if we are lucky. Best wishes.

[@MrFlint62]

BillMcGirr Converting 40 S&W to .357 Sig is not a good idea because the brass will be .020 shorter. The neck on the .357 is already short in length, and minimally supports the bullet. Losing that extra .020 of support is not good in my book. If one wants to handload, then my suggestion is to buy .357 Sig brass.

[@BillMcGirr]

You are right...crazy short neck. Makes a SOLID crimp a must. Appreciate the reply. Best wishes.

[@tonydavis20]

Definitely need to know what youre doing

[@heyman8308]

you should try (one shot) spray lube... its what I use loading 300 blk

[@rickk10000]

an ink stamp ink-er pad saturated with lube makes lubing easy

[@John-uj9zy]

Hornady One Shot spray. It's hard to beat aerosol sprays. It's more like 3 shots. Still, I haven't had any problems with having too little or too much lube.

[@redraiderreloading7612]

John hornady one shot really sucks.. I rather rub my brass with imperial. Having to spray and wait to use with one shot sucks. I tried to spray and then resize. 223 and it stuck .. but not with imperial

[@BD1JR]

Where do u get your heads & brass

[@FoodFolksandGuns]

Once fired factory ammo and range pickups.

[@taurushipointenthusiast1306]

I bell/prime at the same time lee challenger press. Would this be possible on the RCBS?

[@genesislewis6030]

Got my gun this morning from expansion2 on wickr glock19 gen 5.fired this morning and it was fine

[@FoodFolksandGuns]

No problem. Let me know how it goes with the bulge buster.

[@JohnSmith-nh9vr]

looks like you way over expanded the cases for the bullets , can even hear this clunk noise to be to loud when you retracting from the mouth expander. When you barely expend the mouth ( so the bullet almost do not want to seat in the case mouth ) the seated bullets will be tighter and wont back in during the shooting. Will be much tighter .

[@terryvilhauer9228]

DIDNT CLEAN OUT PRIMER POCKET BAD DEAL DUDE

[@FoodFolksandGuns]

About 4 times for handgun brass.

[@pbsteelhead]

Yes I like it

[@tshumard]

If you are talking about shooting it out of the 9mm barrel, then absolutely NO. You will have an unsupported chamber with a high energy round. If somehow you got the gun into battery, you'd have a bunch of gun parts and no gun.

[@jimdent351]

Why do you use the Ram Priming unit and not the one that is part of the press? Is it better?

[@FoodFolksandGuns]

I don't think it's necessarily better, but I do prefer the feel of the ram priming unit over the one that's part of the press. Perhaps more importantly, I can prime cases much faster with the ram unit.

[@MoJoMadMan80]

Hey I have a quick question, i'm just starting to into reloading and dont know what i need to get. In this vid i saw you had a sngle round press and that is all i would want. Can you help me out and make a vidoe of all that i would need to start reloading or send me a message with what you have so i can get some of the same things. Thank you for your time. Jay

[@FoodFolksandGuns]

old timer? lol I've only been reloading for a little over a year. Anyways I use Power Pistol now in my 357 sig reloads.

[@EmoFox9]

What Die are you using for 357 SIG? i only see on for the 357 MAG.

[@FoodFolksandGuns]

Lee makes a 357 SIG die kit

[@nighthawk051602]

Can i use a .357 sig round in my 9mm since both bullets are .355 in diameter?

[@d3c3pt1on]

how many times do you typically reload your brass?

[@jaydeveas2930]

Some information can be helpful. While at the same time just "Some" of the information can be dangerous. While your desire to be helpful is understood. It should be noted that both presenter and especially the viewer wanting to learn from videos should be very careful. Available 'Professional' reloading video sets are my recommendation.

[@kguitar765]

I like The 357 Sig ..Looks Hard To Reload.. I Only Know How to Reload Shotgun shells

[@fotiospapadopoulos739]

I use Blue dot in my 357 sig

[@FoodFolksandGuns]

this comment was flagged as spam by youtube so it didn't go to my email notifications. just read it now.

[@Max-ye9xg]

This guy is the same as watching a lady who bought a MIG welder and opening the box pretending she's a welder

[@italianrelic]

IMHO you flare a little to much on the cartridges

[@michaeljordon704]

Do u trim flare or crimp 357 sig

[@michaeljordon704]

Why would u need 2 flare?

[@michaeljordon704]

Have u or would u form 357 brass from 40 s&w brass

[@FoodFolksandGuns]

+Michael Jordon No, I only use .357 SIG brass. I reload this cartridge exactly as shown in this video.

[@patrickslevin6424]

If you also shoot a 40 cal and you also have carbide or tungsten dies you are in luck. Forget about lubing the case and run your case into a 40 cal sizing die just like you would any other cartridge. After that, run it into a .357 SIG die to set the shoulder back (use the barrel for a gauge) when the sized case goes into the barrel with a thwwwaakkkk sound, you've got it. Then reprime and flare the case mouth. Drop the powder charge and start the bullet. Seat the bullet and put a very mild taper crimp on the case to insure there is no set back and you're good to go. Check the bullets for overall length to make sure they're not moving back when you fire the gun. If not, you're good to go, if they are, put more crimp on it.

[@jrdeckard3317]

You should at least mention cleaning primer pockets, even if you don't do it.

[@terryvilhauer9228]

YOU ARE WRONG MISTAKES WILL NOT HAPPEN AND YOU MY FRIEND SHOULD NOT RELOAD

[@terryvilhauer9228]

RELOADING IN YOUR FUCKING BEDROOM WTF

[@FoodFolksandGuns]

That’s the only place I had available at the time. Don’t like it? Fuck off

[@fluxcapacitor05]

What the hell is it with people with no experience feeling like they need to make instructional videos? Pretty much every step in this vid has amateur mistakes that weren't addressed.

[@FoodFolksandGuns]

I clearly mention in the video and the description box that I am in fact an amateur and I made this video to try to help a fellow shooter. Why don't you post a video yourself to show us how a pro does it? Yeah that's what I thought.

[@charlesdarwin1467]

What mistakes did you catch?