Lee expanding die: What's going on here?

[AZAndy]

I recently got a spiffy .38 S&W and was planning to shoot it today. When I went to whip up a batch of cartridges, the powder-through expanding die was taking a bite out of the mouth of each case:



The die set is new and unused, as are the cases. I pulled the expander/riser dealie out of the die and polished it with extra fine sandpaper and then jeweler's rouge, but that didn't help any. I also checked the bottom of the die for any burrs or rough spots but didn't see anything wrong. I've already ordered a replacement, but I'm curious as to whether there's anything I can do to straighten this one out.

Suggestions?

 

[troy fairweather]

is there a vent hole maybe it has a burr on it ?.

 

[Walkalong]

Expander cockeyed in the die body? Wrong expander? Damaged expander? Got pics?

 

[koz4guns]

Looks like the brass isn’t centered under the die correctly.
What press are you using?

 

[AZAndy]

Expander cockeyed in the die body? Wrong expander? Damaged expander? Got pics?

I looked at this before, but didn't notice the lack of concentricity until I took the photo. Yep, something's wonky there. Thanks for asking the right question. Guess I'll just have to wait on the new one.

 

[AZAndy]

Looks like the brass isn’t centered under the die correctly.
What press are you using?

It's a Pro 1000 that has done thousands of .38 and .357 with this shellplate, so probably not that. I think the photo above makes it clear what's wrong, and I'm embarrassed I didn't spot it before. Thanks for the suggestion though!

 

[troy fairweather]

sometimes your eyes over look the little things.

 

[AZAndy]

is there a vent hole maybe it has a burr on it ?.

Ah, if only! Thanks for the thought. I've had a half-dozen die sets from Lee and this is the first one with a problem, so I guess their batting average is still pretty good.

 

[troy fairweather]

Ah, if only! Thanks for the thought. I've had a half-dozen die sets from Lee and this is the first one with a problem, so I guess their batting average is still pretty good.

call lee they should replace it. they are great for the money.

 

[Hondo 60]

Looks like the brass isn’t centered under the die correctly.
What press are you using?

Ding, ding, ding - I think we have a winner here.

I've seen this issue as well.
I had too much play in the shellplate.

Just my 2¢ worth - hope this helps.