...won't expand/bell the case mouth. I load 45LC, 38 Spcl, and 9's. Nary a problem. As I just bought a 45 semi I want to reload for it. Set up the die on my Lee breechlock press and was ready to do business. But as I raise the ram to insert the casing into the die it's like the casing hits a brick wall and stops dead in its tracks. No amount of brute force pushes past that point. I called Lee yesterday morning and the tech has sent out a new expander plug. Hopefully this will get things going. I had my micrometer handy as I was speaking with the tech and took several measurements on the plug. Things checked out OK with that. Any thoughts?
Problem: Lee 45acp Carbide Powder thru Expander Die...
- Thread starter nevadabob
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GooseGestapo
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Pics?
FROGO207
Member
Are you trying to reload the ACP ammo with the long colt dies? If so it will not work. You need a set of 45 ACP dies to load them.
ETA
Saw your pictures might have an expander that is too small for the lead bullet. Would probably work with a jacketed bullet though.
ETA
Saw your pictures might have an expander that is too small for the lead bullet. Would probably work with a jacketed bullet though.
Looks like you are almost there.
Just lower the powder thru expander die for more flair.
Lowering the PTED BODY into the press will get you more Bell/Flare.
1/2 turn or less should do it.
.
The only real "problem" Ive had with Lee dies is the 45 ACP powder through flaring/expnding die. the flaring porton of the insert is short and kinda steep, not giving me as much flare as I like. I fixed mine by pushing it on a wooden dowel, chucked in my drill press and filed/tapered the step a bit...
CQB45ACP
Member
That is one ugly looking expanding plug. Polish it. Better yet get a new one from Lee—as I see you have done.
But still it should work better than what you describe. So, for sure double check your expanding depth. Set it up per Lee’s instructions to the letter which I’m sure you’ve done, but do it again.
And when you’re seating. Make sure you’re not simultaneously crimping. Don’t really know what the symptoms would be, but since you have the four die set, crimp only with the FCD.
For comparison purposes here are two Lee 45ACP expanders. One has thousands of rounds with an occasional Flitz polishing/cleaning the other brand new. Hard to tell the difference. Your new one should look like these. Not like your old one.
But still it should work better than what you describe. So, for sure double check your expanding depth. Set it up per Lee’s instructions to the letter which I’m sure you’ve done, but do it again.
And when you’re seating. Make sure you’re not simultaneously crimping. Don’t really know what the symptoms would be, but since you have the four die set, crimp only with the FCD.
For comparison purposes here are two Lee 45ACP expanders. One has thousands of rounds with an occasional Flitz polishing/cleaning the other brand new. Hard to tell the difference. Your new one should look like these. Not like your old one.
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CQB45ACP
Member
CQB45ACP...Nice polish job on those plugs! I've got some Flitz and I'll give it a try. When I was on the phone with the Lee tech he asked me to take measurements with my micrometer which I did. My numbers came within spec. When the coffee kicks in I'll give the Flitz a try.
When I get the new one from Lee I'll post some pics. I just received the Lee 45acp Deluxe 4 die kit from Natchez last week.
I appreciate everyone's responses!
When I get the new one from Lee I'll post some pics. I just received the Lee 45acp Deluxe 4 die kit from Natchez last week.
I appreciate everyone's responses!
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CQB45ACP
Member
Thanks and to be clear just ONE is polished. The other is as delivered by Lee. That’s why I said something’s wrong with yours. Their QC was bad that day.
lordpaxman
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I’m just listening in. I don’t have Lee PTX, but was wondering with that setup, can you “over-bell”, that is make a case look like a trombone? Or will you end up with just a dead stop?
CQB45ACP
Member
45acp & 9mm—I wet tumble until super clean & have never lubed brass. Ever. With plated or coated bullets.
I started out using the Lee expander dies and the Lee Auto Disc and Auto drum powder measures. But....after a lot of fiddling with and polishing of the Lee expanders I ordered a M type expanding die just to try to see if there was something better. I liked the M expander so well I gave up on the Lee through the powder system all together. I like the certainty of throwing charges by hand and I really like the job the M expander does on the cases and making the bullet seat straight. I load light charges in big cases so I want a degree of certainty in the charging.
LiveLife
Member
They sure are. But not just the expander rather powder through expander - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/lee-6000-press.905987/page-16#post-12467194
And I will let you know if I get to beta test them.
Hi John,
Spent some time with John Lee discussing the "M" type powder through expander plug. After some thoughtful consideration, we will be testing it here to further consider producing them as a standard product.
I will keep you informed on the progress of this idea. I already have a sample for the 10/40 plug on my desk since that happened to be running today. Unfortunately, I could not get a 9MM done today to add to your shipment, hopefully soon.
Calvin Katzfey
Lee Precision
Spent some time with John Lee discussing the "M" type powder through expander plug. After some thoughtful consideration, we will be testing it here to further consider producing them as a standard product.
I will keep you informed on the progress of this idea. I already have a sample for the 10/40 plug on my desk since that happened to be running today. Unfortunately, I could not get a 9MM done today to add to your shipment, hopefully soon.
Calvin Katzfey
Lee Precision
I suggested Lee Precision consider offering stepped "M" style powder through expander to help prevent bullet tilt during bullet feeding/seating operation with the new inline bullet feeder at the request of many members and John Lee immediately committed to R&D. Calvin from Lee Precision already has sample made and we exchanged product enhancement ideas to work with jacketed/plated and lubed/coated lead bullets. Calvin will be sending me pre-production samples to beta test with the inline bullet feeder soon.
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CQB45ACP
Member
Well I can’t wait to read the re-arguments about who has the best M type expander die after all.
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