I just started loading the CF for my B&W Ballard. I have both .88" and 1.00" cases. Original OL cartridges used the short case. The longer case would cause problems with your Ideal tool. I also have the Ideal, but have not used it yet. I resized the short cases and applied just enough flare to seat the heeled bullets without causing chambering problems or damaging the bullet. I did not expand the brass, only flared. My bullets were seated with the heeled portion inside the case with a very tight fit. I use the long cases for the HB inside lubed bullets. Unfortunately....the snow has prevented me from getting out to test my loads

I finally got the chance to test my loads today. I loaded 150 grain heeled bullets in the short case, and 150 grain HB bullets in the long case. Both loads used 2.8 grains of Unique. They performed admirably. I cannot wait to do some work with a target to see which bullet performs better. The little R-P Shorts were very mild and left a lot of residue in the bore. The Unique handloads were pretty clean. I think this Ballard is a keeper!

Tell me more about this .38 SHORT.  What would the case diameter and length be?   Got a rifle nobody can identify, and it might have been for .38 Short, if the case were about .900 long, and the case about .385 diameter.    What does one do for brass ?   Blow out .38 Special and trim?