So I've noticed one of the set's of dies I have from Lee has a powder through expanding die with it. I'm just curious as to what this does? I've never used it and am wondering if I need to be using it. So far what I've done is resize the case, charge it with my RCBS Chargemaster, then seat the bullet, and then run it through the Lee FCD. I've never used this powder through expanding die. Am I making a mistake?
Lee powder through expanding die? What's the purpose?
- Thread starter slowr1der
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I never use mine,but it is a good tool for those
that have a system to use it.For instance I use a powder
charger,like you, that puts the powder in the casing with a
simple pull of a handle.Some use a more precise
method of using a scale on each charge,then
dumping the charge,manually,into the casing.
This die allows a 2 stage speed process.It opens
the throat of the casing for easy access of the bullet
"and" allows the loader to dump the pricise powder
charge into the casing all in a one two step.
that have a system to use it.For instance I use a powder
charger,like you, that puts the powder in the casing with a
simple pull of a handle.Some use a more precise
method of using a scale on each charge,then
dumping the charge,manually,into the casing.
This die allows a 2 stage speed process.It opens
the throat of the casing for easy access of the bullet
"and" allows the loader to dump the pricise powder
charge into the casing all in a one two step.
greyling22
Member
the die is used after the sizing die. It flares the case mouth (expanding) and, if you have an autodisk or something mounted on top of the die, drops powder through the hollow expander and into the case. (powder through) Then the next die seats the bullet.
your system works fine.
your system works fine.
snuffy
Member
You're telling us you don't expand or bell your handgun cases??¿ You must be using jacketed bullets with a generous heel at the base to allow you to seat without expanding or belling. What caliber? I've never been able to seat anything handgun related without some belling,(well the 357 sig rounds will seat okay).
The lee auto disc is made to screw into the top of the powder through expander, making the powder charging a fast simple task, for handguns. For rifles, you need a rifle charging die, different because rifle necks are normally not belled.
Lost Sheep
Member
Or the funnel
As a couple of responses have said, the Lee Auto-Disk powder measure is made to screw into the top of the Lee Powder-through die (whose primary purpose, is, of course, to bell the case mouth). Note: You do have to remove the funnel bushing on top of the powder-through die in order to screw the Auto-Disk powder measure onto the die.
But if you eschew the Auto-disk, the Lee Powder Funnel's neck is (on purpose) just the right size to slip into the bushing on top of the Powder-Through die.
Lost Sheep
As a couple of responses have said, the Lee Auto-Disk powder measure is made to screw into the top of the Lee Powder-through die (whose primary purpose, is, of course, to bell the case mouth). Note: You do have to remove the funnel bushing on top of the powder-through die in order to screw the Auto-Disk powder measure onto the die.
But if you eschew the Auto-disk, the Lee Powder Funnel's neck is (on purpose) just the right size to slip into the bushing on top of the Powder-Through die.
Lost Sheep
sonick808
Member
bell the mouth and charge the case on the same die
goes especially well with the charge disk dispenser
goes especially well with the charge disk dispenser
Yarddog
Member
"[I've never used this powder through expanding die. Am I making a mistake]"
Yes, As stated in other post youNEED to bell the mouth so the bullet or boolit can be seated without scraping Lead or coper plated off your projectile ; )
Y/D
Yes, As stated in other post youNEED to bell the mouth so the bullet or boolit can be seated without scraping Lead or coper plated off your projectile ; )
Y/D
sonick808
Member
I like the jerk as well, lol.
For cast lead bullets, it's a necessity or you'll be shaving off lead and gunking up the seating die.
I'm surprised you're able to seat and are not having any crushed cases, shaved copper, or messed up case edges from seating without a slightly expanded case.
snuffy
Member
I guess you should read a couple reloading manuals so you understand why you need to use an expander die!
kennedy
Member
I love mine, I use it for .223 and my pistol cals.
Bmac1949
Member
Like the others said. Expand the mouth of your straight walled cases of you'll shave the bullet especially lead bullets. I speak from expirence on this one.
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