Are .40S&W and 10mm dies interchangable? - The Firearms Forum

SWAN85 · 09-05-2009, 04:29 PM

I'd like to reload .40S&W and I'm looking at Lee Carbide Dies.

Many places advertise that the .40 die set (Lee #90799) will also reload 10mm, but the 10mm die set (Lee #90566) doesn't say they'll work for .40S&W.

The place I'm ordering from is out of Lee #90799, but they do have #90566 (the 10mm) set in stock.

Does anyone know if the actual dies are different, or is it just different load data, powder dipper, etc?

Can I use the 10mm set to load .40?

thanks,
SWAN85

Alpo · 09-05-2009, 04:54 PM

The 10mm is longer than the 40. Same as the 357 is longer than the 38 special. I've found that if a manufacturer makes a set of dies specifically for the longer case, it usually will not crimp the shorter case. For example, my first set of dies was RCBS 357. Crimping shoulder would not work with 38 special. So I bought a 38 special seating die. It works with both of them. If you buy a set marked 38/357, it will work with both.

The 40 S&W dies will work with both 40 and 10, but the 10mm crimping die may not work with the shorter 40 case. However, if you do buy the 10mm dies, and find they will not crimp the 40 brass, all you need to do is get out your sidegrinder and take a little bit off the bottom of the seating die. That will allow you to screw it into the press farther, and make the crimping shoulder lower, so it will work with the 40s.

I had to do this. I have a set of 44 Magnum/44 Special dies. Problem is, I was using them to load 44 Russian. Had to shorten both the belling die and the seating die. Now they work for all three calibers.

dsv424 · 09-06-2009, 12:30 AM

I have the Lee #90965 4 die set and I reload both 10mm and .40 S&W with it. I feel the 4 die set is much easier to use and it separates your seating and crimping process. Besides the Lee FCD is a great die to have. When switching calibers you have to re-adjust your dies for that caliber, but once you know what your doing its pretty easy.

JLA · 09-06-2009, 11:09 AM

dies for shorter cases will load longer cases of the same family. I.E. .38 sp will do .357 mag, .44 spec. will do .44 mag, .480 ruger will do .475 linebaugh, .32 H&R mag will do .327 fed. etc. etc. etc.

09-05-2009, 04:29 PM	#1
SWAN85 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 1	Are .40S&W and 10mm dies interchangable? I'd like to reload .40S&W and I'm looking at Lee Carbide Dies. Many places advertise that the .40 die set (Lee #90799) will also reload 10mm, but the 10mm die set (Lee #90566) doesn't say they'll work for .40S&W. The place I'm ordering from is out of Lee #90799, but they do have #90566 (the 10mm) set in stock. Does anyone know if the actual dies are different, or is it just different load data, powder dipper, etc? Can I use the 10mm set to load .40? thanks, SWAN85 -->

09-05-2009, 04:54 PM	#2
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,772	Re: Are .40S&W and 10mm dies interchangable? The 10mm is longer than the 40. Same as the 357 is longer than the 38 special. I've found that if a manufacturer makes a set of dies specifically for the longer case, it usually will not crimp the shorter case. For example, my first set of dies was RCBS 357. Crimping shoulder would not work with 38 special. So I bought a 38 special seating die. It works with both of them. If you buy a set marked 38/357, it will work with both. The 40 S&W dies will work with both 40 and 10, but the 10mm crimping die *may not* work with the shorter 40 case. However, if you do buy the 10mm dies, and find they will not crimp the 40 brass, all you need to do is get out your sidegrinder and take a little bit off the bottom of the seating die. That will allow you to screw it into the press farther, and make the crimping shoulder lower, so it will work with the 40s. I had to do this. I have a set of 44 Magnum/44 Special dies. Problem is, I was using them to load 44 Russian. Had to shorten both the belling die and the seating die. Now they work for all three calibers. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

09-06-2009, 12:30 AM	#3
dsv424 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Garland, Tx. Posts: 279	Re: Are .40S&W and 10mm dies interchangable? I have the Lee #90965 4 die set and I reload both 10mm and .40 S&W with it. I feel the 4 die set is much easier to use and it separates your seating and crimping process. Besides the Lee FCD is a great die to have. When switching calibers you have to re-adjust your dies for that caliber, but once you know what your doing its pretty easy.

09-06-2009, 11:09 AM	#4
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,412	Re: Are .40S&W and 10mm dies interchangable? dies for shorter cases will load longer cases of the same family. I.E. .38 sp will do .357 mag, .44 spec. will do .44 mag, .480 ruger will do .475 linebaugh, .32 H&R mag will do .327 fed. etc. etc. etc. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!