Expanding die?

[buzzcut]

To load jacketed bullets into straight walled cases (and I don't need to actvate an automated powder drop), do I need to use an expanding die? Or are they strictly for cast bullets?

.

 

[rcmodel]

NO, you always need to use an expanding die.

Generally, it's the same die that knocks the old primer out anyway.

Even jacketed bullets need a slight amount of case mouth flair in order to get them started into the case straight and without damaging the case mouth.

rcmodel

 

[BigJakeJ1s]

Hang on, is the OP talking about reloading pistol cartridges or rifle cartridges?

If pistol, you generally need a separate expander die no matter what kind of bullets you are seating.

If for rifle cartridges (bottleneck), then the expander ball in the sizing die should work well enough for jacketed bullets without using a separate expander die. However, you'll probably need a separate expander die if loading lead bullets in rifle cartridges. In either case, make sure you chamfer the case mouth.

Andy

 

[buzzcut]

I'm gearing up to load pistol rounds.

The manuals that I've looked at only mention using the expander die to expand and flair the mouth for using lead bullets. Doesn't the expander ball in a sizing die work the same with a straight walled case?

Thanks,
Buzz

 

[DWARREN123]

3 piece Lee die sets for pistols, deprimer/sizer, case mouth expander and seater crimp (taper).
You can also get 4 piece sets.

 

[ReloaderFred]

buzzcut,

For straight wall cases, any expanding has to be in the second die. If you think about it, the sizing die "shrinks" the case back to it's original size. An expander wouldn't work in the sizing die, since the case would be sized back down as it's withdrawn from the die. Because of the design of the case, any expansion has to done after sizing, and before seating the bullet.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[Steve C]

sizing die "shrinks" the case back to it's original size

The sizing die will size the case to a minimal diameter. Due to differences in case thickness the ID of the case usually needs to be increased to a diameter appropriate to the bullet type and the first part of the expander plug does that while the last part of the plug flares the case mouth to allow the bullet to enter without crushing the case or bending the mouth. You will notice less resistance in expanding with thin walled cases like Remington and more effort with thick walled cases like Starline.

If you buy a set of dies specifically set up for cast bullets the expander plug will usually be .001" larger in diameter than the typical jacketed bullet expander.

 

[The Bushmaster]

First, I think, we need to know what die set he has...For example...Lee uses the through powder die to bell the case. If he has Lee die set all he has to do is install the powder funnel adapter nut and adjust the die for the bell he wants. With jacketed bullets all the bell he needs is just enough to start the bullet as there is less worry about shaving the bullet unlike with lead bullets...

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

I use 2 S/S presses in sequence and the Lee powder-thru-expander once set up I can put some rounds out. I'm doing good to shoot pistols over 4-5 times annum.

 

[jenrob]

you don't always need the expander.

I don't always use the expander when loading jacketed bullets pisol or rifle on a single stage

Lead and plated bullets I always use the expander.

So to say you have to have it is not so.

I do on the other hand use the expander when using my progressive with any type bullet.

 

[buzzcut]

I have the Lee sizer, expander, seater, and FCD dies. I just noticed that the manuals I've seen only mention cast bullets when describing the expanding step, so I was hoping the expanding step could be skipped with jacketed bullets.

Thanks,
Buzz

 

[rcmodel]

So to say you have to have it is not so.

You can do what you want.

But there are established reasons to always use the expander, and with straight-wall pistol & rifle calibers, a slight amount of case mouth flair.
Even with jacketed bullets.

#1 Not all cases are created equal. Some brands are thicker then other brands. Expanding after sizing gives you the same neck tension regardless.

#2 Seating without expanding almost assures crumpled case mouths, or deformed bullet noses.

#3 It's a heck of a lot easier to place a bullet in a charged case and get it to stay there when you pick it up to seat the bullet!

Looking at the bright side:
If you chose not to expand & flair slightly with jacketed bullets, and run into problems #1, 2, or 3, you already know what the answer is.

rcmodel

 

[KI.W.]

When it needs, I use LEE Universal Expander die .22-.458 cal