Expander Die or PTX

[Wilburt]

Just bought a set of Dillon 9mm dies for my LNL AP. They don't come with an expander so I am pondering my options. Most of the loads will be plated or lead. I am trying to decide which to get: Lyman M-Type, Hornady Expander Die, or a Powder Through Expander. I am not trying to start a Hornady PTX debate. It has enough 50/50 veiws so I'd probally go with this one:

http://www.lnlptx.com/products.html

What do you think? Or other options....

 

[Wilburt]

Ok maybe it's a bad poll. Really I want to know what advantages the Lyman M-Type Expander might have or if I should stick with a reagular expander.

 

[freakshow10mm]

PTX die hands down. I know the designer personally.

 

[Walkalong]

I want to know what advantages the Lyman M-Type Expander might have

The Lyman, or Redding copy, two step expander does not "bell" the case as most standard expanders. Both "steps" are parrallel with the case. The first part (step) expands the case enough to let the bullet seat easily while still maintaining good neck tension. The second (step) expands it a bit more to let your start the bullet with only light hand pressure. This step should not go into the case very far, just enough to get the bullet started straight. That is one of the advantages of it in my mind. It really gets the bullet started very straight. (with minimal effort anyway) The other is it does not work the case mouth as much.

 

[Randy1911]

The only time I used a Lyman M-die was when I was loading 30-30 with cast bullets and needed to flare the mouth of the case to prevent shaving lead off the bullet. I expanded in between the sizer die and the seater die. It worked like a charm.

 

[bhawkeye]

[url="lnlptx.com]LnLPTX.com[/url] is the by far the best choice. Works for 30 cal to 50 cal, gives a much better bell, doesn't work the brass as much, AND it's much cheaper than the Hornady PTX's it replaces!

 

[Wilburt]

Maybe I'll try the PTX, Maybe I'll get a Lyman M Die too