45 ACP Cartridge Hanging on Expanding Die
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jmorris
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Shadow on that side but it does look that way. Also doesn't "look right" for a 45 acp either, to me...not to mention quite dirty inside (outside for that matter) for wet tumbling with stainless.
I would stick with dry if those were my results with wet, I expect them to look new inside and out, for the extra work.
I would stick with dry if those were my results with wet, I expect them to look new inside and out, for the extra work.
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So, first thing's first.
1. The bullet is just sitting in the case. I have not pressed it in. That picture was just to show how the bullet fits in a case that was just expanded.
2. That case should not be used to judge the tumbling process. It was one I happened to have close by. I can upload some pictures of properly tumbled cases. They are so flawless you can kiss my brass.
1. The bullet is just sitting in the case. I have not pressed it in. That picture was just to show how the bullet fits in a case that was just expanded.
2. That case should not be used to judge the tumbling process. It was one I happened to have close by. I can upload some pictures of properly tumbled cases. They are so flawless you can kiss my brass.
Try a light application of NuFinish to the die itself. I was getting the same thing with my Dillon dies, especially on the longer brass like .357 mag. And I don't wet tumble.
I applied a light dab of NF around the expander die with a Q-tip, waited 4 mins and wiped it off. Totally solved the problem.
I applied a light dab of NF around the expander die with a Q-tip, waited 4 mins and wiped it off. Totally solved the problem.
ok that makes more sense. if those are plated bullets then they are usually sized a bit big almost like lead from my experience. you will have to bell the case mouth. and thicker brass will have more of a "push" to get the bullet to seat. Not a bad problem to have. and as others have said maybe a bit of lube.
Iron Sight
Member
Ever consider that the problem could be the expander die itself? You might call Hornady and tell them about this sticking problem. I had a similar problem with a Lee expander, I mean the bench would jump ever time I withdrew the expander. Lee acnowleged the problem and told me some expanders were slightly out of tolerance and to remove and polish the expander flareing arbor with sand paper. That fixed it. I never have used the PTX application for expansion. I use expanders that are separate from the powder measure.
Are you aware that there are different PTX adapters for different calibers. Could you be using the wrong size for the case you are expanding? (To large?)
Are you aware that there are different PTX adapters for different calibers. Could you be using the wrong size for the case you are expanding? (To large?)
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I had the same issue with Lee dies when I started reloading. I called Lee, and was told the bevel on the expander plug was rough on purpose, so it would "grab" the case enough to cause that jerking motion, in order to jar loose any powder that might be stuck in the powder dispenser. It's to insure complete powder drops and eliminate light loads.
That's what they told me anyway.
That's what they told me anyway.
This one did not, but I did hit it with One Shot. I really do think this is a lube issue. I am going to try the Armor All instead of Dawn. I might even try sanding down the PTX if the Armor All doesn't resolve the issue.
Iron Sight
Member
Is there room on your press to install a dedicated expander die and eliminate the dual purpose PTX entirely?
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/142801/hornady-custom-grade-new-dimension-expander-die-45-acp
http://www.amazon.com/RCBS-Expander-Die-45-Auto/product-reviews/B0063I6EOY
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/142801/hornady-custom-grade-new-dimension-expander-die-45-acp
http://www.amazon.com/RCBS-Expander-Die-45-Auto/product-reviews/B0063I6EOY
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judgedelta
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That case in the OP's picture appears to have black streaks on the inside. Could be sealer, a tar-like substance, that some manufacturers put on their bullets to increase tension. I've had the same problem using pre-cleaned once-fired cases that I've bought that weren't too clean on the inside. Problem went away after a "good" cleaning with stainless.
Yep. I am considering that too.
Polish your expander ball with 600 grit emery cloth (or finer) and make sure you're belling the case mouth just enough to allow the bullet easy entry.
I've haven't trimmed, chamfered or lubricated the mouth of pistol brass since 1970. I did as few then but quickly realized all were a waste of time. Tens of thousands of successfully loaded pistol cases have proven that to have been a wise choice.
I've haven't trimmed, chamfered or lubricated the mouth of pistol brass since 1970. I did as few then but quickly realized all were a waste of time. Tens of thousands of successfully loaded pistol cases have proven that to have been a wise choice.
RealGun
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The advice in post #21 to use a wash that includes a wax coating is the answer to galling (and tarnishing), but previous galling will mess up your PTX plug. I use fine emery cloth to clean up my expanders.
For one who dry tumbles brass, I don't have a good way to do the rinse except on new brass, on which the galling occurs for me. Otherwise, I expect my washed range brass would be stripped of much of that wax coating during tumbling, post wash and dry. I will have to try that car wash as all or part of my sonic cleaner solution. Iosso offers a product that should do the job, but it is pricey and is shipped as a liquid. Basically, my fired brass is fine, and this seems a problem only for new brass and wet tumbling.
For one who dry tumbles brass, I don't have a good way to do the rinse except on new brass, on which the galling occurs for me. Otherwise, I expect my washed range brass would be stripped of much of that wax coating during tumbling, post wash and dry. I will have to try that car wash as all or part of my sonic cleaner solution. Iosso offers a product that should do the job, but it is pricey and is shipped as a liquid. Basically, my fired brass is fine, and this seems a problem only for new brass and wet tumbling.
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konertjm
Member
You've received a lot of information form many experienced re-loaders. All of them can improve your process.
Since you wet clean, as I do and several others that have posted, i can't emphasize enough how well the Armor All Wash and Wax works. There seems to be several different kinds. The one I use indicates it is "Fortified with Carnuba Wax".
Totally fixed the drag on resizing, and excess friction on belling. Plus, as noted by others, the brass stays shiny, does not tarnish.
Since you wet clean, as I do and several others that have posted, i can't emphasize enough how well the Armor All Wash and Wax works. There seems to be several different kinds. The one I use indicates it is "Fortified with Carnuba Wax".
Totally fixed the drag on resizing, and excess friction on belling. Plus, as noted by others, the brass stays shiny, does not tarnish.
I am currently waiting on bullets, but I did confirm with clean brass (wet tumbled with dawn) and a light spray of One Shot, I am getting almost zero hang ups. I have done nothing else. Same amount of dawn, no sanding of the PTX, etc. Just added the One Shot.
Thank you all for your help!
Thank you all for your help!
RealGun
Member
Okay, but you won't have it nailed until you try the wash and wax rinse, one of which is Armor All. One Shot is pricey, will go fast, and the coverage is random.
I did the Armor all rinse on new brass, and the galling went away.
I did the Armor all rinse on new brass, and the galling went away.
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