Lee Powder Through Die differences

[leadchucker]

It seems to me that the only critical difference between any Lee Powder Through Die should be the size of the the inner part where it flares the case. I got all my Lee dies out and made some measurements of the powder through dies. The inner piece is obviously different for each different round, but the outer dies are also all different. The diameter of the mouths vary quite a bit between say, 380 and 45. I can't see that it would make any difference. The case doesn't contact this part of the die. So as long as the case clears the mouth of the die any outer body should work, shouldn't it?

In the past, I have found some good deals on dies other than Lee, but they aren't any good to me unless I have a powder through die to use with them. I have a metal lathe, and I was considering custom making an inner part of a powder through die for some die set that I don't have a powder through die for. Any reason to think that the outer section of another powder through die wouldn't work with it?

 

[joecil]

I don't think so because of the fact it also bells the mouth of the shell and not all of those are the same. Now they do make one for rifles that seems to be almost universal flaring die https://fsreloading.com/lee-precision-universal-flaring-die-90798.html however with this you will need a universal charging die https://fsreloading.com/lee-precision-universal-charging-die-90273.html which combined is as much or perhaps a bit more as buying a 3 die set from Lee. Never mind you would need an extra die on what ever press you are using.

 

[wild willy]

As long as you use a outer die of the same caliber or larger I would think it would work.Till you posted I never looked at mine closely.As long as the case is centered I don't know why it would matter how much space is around the case.Make one and let us know how it works.Maybe we are missing something wouldn't be the first time

 

[kingmt]

Each one is different. If you over flear the case out will iron it back out.

You just reminded me I forgot to order a flearing fire for rifle tho.

 

[armarsh]

One thing to consider is that Lee sells just the powder-thru expanding die for $14. Midway has some calibers for $11.

http://leeprecision.com/reloading-dies/hand-gun-dies/powder-thru-expanding-die-only/

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/422586/lee-powder-through-expander-die-9mm-luger

I understand the fun of tinkering with the lathe, but anything you are going to make will take a couple hours.

 

[dickttx]

The insert not only flares the case mouth, it also expands the case.

 

[jstein650]

Also, pulling the case back down out of the die causes a little 'pop' that is supposed to ensure any bridged powder in the funnel tube clears and drops into the case.

 

[david_r]

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