The Hornady Custom Grade Expander Die (.38 Cal / .357) is a dedicated mechanical reloading tool designed for stage two of straight-walled cartridge handloading. Operating between the sizing/decapping and bullet-seating stages, this die expands and flares the case mouth to allow smooth bullet seating without lead shaving or brass crushing. Built with precision-machined, polished internal surfaces to eliminate drag and prevent brass scuffing, it threads directly into any standard reloading press using an industry-standard 7/8"-14 thread interface. The die comes equipped with a Hornady Sure-Loc™ lock ring, which uses a split-clamp design with wrench flats to lock securely around the threads without damaging the die body.

Key Features

• Controlled Case Mouth Flaring: Creates a uniform bell at the case mouth of straight-walled .38 and .357 cases to seat nominal .357" to .358" projectiles cleanly.
• Internal Polish: Custom Grade polished interior finish prevents brass marring, galling, and drag during cycling.
• Sure-Loc™ Lock Ring: Split-collar clamping mechanism locks firmly into place on 7/8"-14 threads without driving a set screw directly into the tool steel.
• Broad Case Length Range: Internally adjustable to flare brass lengths spanning from 1.155 inches up to 1.605 inches.
• Standard Press Interface: Compatible with single-stage, turret, and progressive presses utilizing 7/8"-14 threaded die stations.

Specifications

• Brand: Hornady
• Model Number: 044523
• Category: Pistol reloading expander die
• Calibre Compatibility: .38 Special, .357 Magnum, and .357 Remington Maximum (.357" / .38 Cal straight-wall cases)
• Thread Standard: 7/8"-14 thread
• Minimum Case Length: 1.155 inches (.38 Special)
• Maximum Case Length: 1.605 inches (.357 Maximum)
• Packaged Weight: Approximately 200–250 g
• Power Requirements: None (manual mechanical operation)

Who is the Hornady 38 Cal. Expander Die For 38 Special, 357 Magnum for?

• Revolver competition handloaders — requires standard 7/8"-14 thread press compatibility to expand straight-wall cases down to 1.155 inches in length, preventing projectile shaving when seating .38 Special and .357 Magnum bullets.
• .357 Maximum straight-wall rifle and handgun reloaders — adjusts to flare elongated straight-wall cases up to 1.605 inches in length using this dedicated pistol reloading expander die on standard 7/8"-14 thread stations.

Less suitable for: Handloaders processing bottlenecked cases or cartridges outside .38 Special, .357 Magnum, and .357 Maximum lengths (such as 9mm Luger or .44 Magnum), who require a calibre-specific expander die, or those operating presses without standard 7/8"-14 threads.