Lyman Multi-Expander and Powder Charge Die

eyeshot · May 23, 2020

I have read everything with regards to this die and nobody really points out the difference between the above die and the stand-alone M-die.

The expander on the MEPCD is hollow for the powder drop and I believe the M-die is a solid expander plug. Correct? How do they stack up against one another?

I bought a used 9mm Luger, Lyman Premium carbide 4 die set (#7680203) off of Ebay and instead of the M-die there was a MEPCD die in its place. My problem in that I didn't ask the right questions and based my buying decision off the listed set number.

I don't have a problem with the switch if the MEPCD works as well as the M-die. I don't even know if the expander in the die set is for a 9mm in that I can't get the damn thing out. I could use some help with the removal process. Paperwork is somewhat vague.

So . . for those of you that have used both please give me your opinion.

Ruger 15151 · May 23, 2020

It depends if you want to expand and drop powder in separate operations. My AP has 5 stations so I prefer to expand in station #2 and drop powder in station #3. The purpose of a Lyman M-die is that the expander plug is stepped so you can expand the case mouth just enough for the bullet to fit inside the mouth and seat straight. My bullets only sit inside the case about 1/16" or less so that I dont loose any neck tension by over expansion. I feel that by expanding in a separate step, I get a more consistant expansion.

However, that's my process. You find many other guys that prefer to just expand and drop powder with the same die.

If you decide you want to use a Lyman M-type expander plug for other calibers as well, I would suggest you look into a LEE Universal Expander Die and NOE expander plugs.

http://noebulletmolds.com/smf/index.php?topic=1795.0

https://www.amazon.com/LEE-PRECISION-90798-Universal-Expanding/dp/B000N8N538

https://noebulletmolds.com/site/product-category/expanders

NOE sells a 2-step expander plug for all calibers and their are considerable cheaper than buying a complete die. If you have the LEE Universal Expander Die, you can simply use the NOE expander plug that corresponds to the caliber you are loading.

Rod47 · May 23, 2020

Eyeshot....my Lyman .40 has a set screw in the side. Loosen that and the expander slides out. Yours should be the same.

eyeshot · May 23, 2020

Starting out, with pistol, I really wanted the M-die but if the Lyman MEPCD die serves the same purpose I will use what came in the set. The powder throwing and spot checking will still be done off press (RCll) to start and then I will mount it when I have confidence in the die.

Checking the links you provided. Thank you for posting them.

eyeshot · May 23, 2020

Rod47 said:
Eyeshot....my Lyman .40 has a set screw in the side. Loosen that and the expander slides out. Yours should be the same.

I removed the set screw and tapped it lightly on the table top. Then not so lightly. That puppy is in there. Squirting it with magic juice and we'll see how it goes. Thanks.

Oh. How does the die work with your .40?

Rod47 · May 23, 2020

Eyeshot.... I don't load many .40s or 10mm, but my recollection was that I didn't have any problems. I've used Lyman dies for years for pistol and revolver with complete satisfaction

eyeshot · May 24, 2020

Rod47 said:
Eyeshot.... I don't load many .40s or 10mm, but my recollection was that I didn't have any problems. I've used Lyman dies for years for pistol and revolver with complete satisfaction

I was able to get the expander out of the die but it is marked 38. Lyman's literature has the 9mm separate from the 38 so I am wondering if there isn't two different expanders. I can't even see where you can order the expander set in Lyman's catalog. So I got tired of tabbing through pages and just ordered a M-die.

These companies don't make it easy to find parts in their catalogs.

Thanks, for the info.

eyeshot · May 24, 2020

In closure, the expander unscrewed from the stem it screws into and that is how I removed it. It would seem the expander and stem should come out in one piece to facilitate swapping out the expander for another. It would appear that my work isn't done here.

Thanks, for all the replies.

9mmepiphany · May 24, 2020

eyeshot said:
In closure, the expander unscrewed from the stem it screws into and that is how I removed it.
Thanks, for all the replies.

On that note we'll close this one

Lyman Multi-Expander and Powder Charge Die

eyeshot

Member

Ruger 15151

Member

Rod47

Member

eyeshot

Member

eyeshot

Member

Rod47

Member

eyeshot

Member

eyeshot

Member

9mmepiphany

Moderator

Similar threads