7.62x54R expander questions

[LeftyTSGC]

I have a lee pacesetter die set for 7.62 x 54r, and a RCBS Neck sizing die for the same caliber. The Lee set only came with a .308 expander. The RCBS came with both the .308 and .311 (.310) expander.

My question is, what should I measure inside the case neck after using the .311 expander? I will be using SPEER .311 180 SP bullets.

I measured and only read around .306-.308 and not one at .310 or .311?? Is this what I am supposed to see?

I have reloaded straight walled pistol brass for years, this is my first attempt at neck cartridges. With my SDB, I can flare the cases to except the bullets, how does this work with these dies, as I am not seeing the measurements I thought I would see? Am I missing something.:banghead:

I am using a Lee Classic press for reloading these cases.

thanks,

LeftyTSGC

 

[243winxb]

7.62 x 54r

Brass will spring back after the .310" expander pulls thru the neck. Do lube the inside of the neck. It would take pin gauges to measure the inside of the neck accurately. What you can do, is measure the outside diameter of the neck after sizing. Measure again after seating a .311" bullet. How much has the neck expanded. About .002" is about right. http://leeprecision.net/support/index.php?/Knowledgebase/Article/View/84/0/308--311-bullets

 

[kcofohio]

Not sure where you purchased your Lee die set from, but Lee's site for the 7.62x54R states that you'll need this different EZ expander for .311" bullets.

http://leeprecision.com/ez-x-exp-303-b.html

If you feel the need to check after resizing with the .311" (.310") expander, remove the expander from the die, and try to insert it into the case mouth by hand without over forcing. It shouldn't drop in, but have a fair amount of resistance.

Edit: And what 243winxb said.

 

[winchester1886]

I solved the problem with a Lyman M die for a 303 British. It will expand to what you need.