Problem: Lee 45acp Carbide Powder thru Expander Die...

[LiveLife]

Well I can’t wait to read the re-arguments about who has the best M type expander die after all.

Based on my beta testing of Lee's new inline bullet feeder die and rotary magazine and comments from other THR members, looks like Lee did product research and took the best features of other products and simplified them into theirs - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...agazine-for-spp-pro-6000-beta-testing.913099/

And from my communications with Calvin on clarification of design specifics of the stepped "M" style powder through expander, looks like they are doing the same and taking the best features of other stepped "M" style expanders and incorporating them into theirs.

I also suggested they offer them in different sizes for larger sized lubed lead/coated lead reloaders and/or incorporate flare feature on top of the step to better accommodate larger sized bullets and press used with not exact/perfect alignment issue with shellplate/case mouth as in use with inline bullet feed die.

With very quick response from John Lee redesigning the priming pin to be "self-cleaning" and already stress tested by me and John Lee committing affirmatively to stepped expander R&D definitely shows fast "Open Source" type problem identification/reporting to solution options to achieve resolution product cycling at lightning speed aided by computer design and 3D printing we have seen on pre/early production to current production. Amazing design/production/manufacturing realities of 2022.

 

[nevadabob]

CQB45ACP...And when that happens I'll get the popcorn ready! Glad to hear Lee is moving in that direction. I like their stuff.

 

[Tilos]

PapaG...Now that would be the ticket: to have a Lyman M die be able to hook up and function with my Lee Pro Auto Disk!

oops

 

[Tilos]

lordpaxman...I wish I could "over-bell"...that way I could tone it down a bit.

jmorris...I'm using once-fired range brass from Diamond K. And it has been thru my tumbler with Harbor Freight coarse walnut media.

You can "over-bell" by just lowering the PTED body, because there is a positive stop built in.
.

 

[nevadabob]

Looking forward to the replacement expander plug! But also looking forward to the new powder thru expander die I ordered from Midway this afternoon. I'll post the outcome next week!
My Midway order won't be here until 12/15. Gives me time to play with the replacement expander plug.

 

[nevadabob]

I got the replacement expander plug from Lee. Its bright and shiny, unlike my original. Once installed in the die, it expands the case mouth just enough to get the projectile started. It definitely won't overbell no matter how I adjust the die in my Breechlock press. But that's OK, it is what it is. Much better than the initial plug. The expander die that I bought from Midway is still winging its way west. Should be delivered tomorrow.

I loaded up 6 rounds: Hoosier 200 gr. coated SWC using 5.1 gr. Titegroup with a COL @ 1.30". These will be run thru my newly acquired Star PD 45acp. BTW a very generous forum member (GeoDudeFlorida) gifted me a set of rubber Pachmyer grips that he had used on a Star PD that he previously owned. Christmas happens! Thanks again Geoff!

 

[LiveLife]

Nice.

BTW a very generous forum member (GeoDudeFlorida) gifted me a set of rubber Pachmyer grips that he had used on a Star PD that he previously owned. Christmas happens! Thanks again Geoff!

Christmas cheers to @GeoDudeFlorida!

 

[Barbaroja]

Based on my beta testing of Lee's new inline bullet feeder die and rotary magazine and comments from other THR members, looks like Lee did product research and took the best features of other products and simplified them into theirs - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...agazine-for-spp-pro-6000-beta-testing.913099/

And from my communications with Calvin on clarification of design specifics of the stepped "M" style powder through expander, looks like they are doing the same and taking the best features of other stepped "M" style expanders and incorporating them into theirs.

I also suggested they offer them in different sizes for larger sized lubed lead/coated lead reloaders and/or incorporate flare feature on top of the step to better accommodate larger sized bullets and press used with not exact/perfect alignment issue with shellplate/case mouth as in use with inline bullet feed die.

With very quick response from John Lee redesigning the priming pin to be "self-cleaning" and already stress tested by me and John Lee committing affirmatively to stepped expander R&D definitely shows fast "Open Source" type problem identification/reporting to solution options to achieve resolution product cycling at lightning speed aided by computer design and 3D printing we have seen on pre/early production to current production. Amazing design/production/manufacturing realities of 2022.

It’s exciting to hear they are really interested in improving and expanding their product line. I for one would buy powder through m style expanders for every caliber I run in my turret press ,IF big IF they make them available in a range of sizes to accommodate properly sized cast Bullets. I certainly feel it would be in there best interest to do so, as you have suggested. If you ever get around to talking casting with them, they need to make their molds a little larger I think most of them need to be .001 larger in diameter to accommodate different bore sizes.It is my only complaint about the molds they make, I own about 10 of them so it doesn’t stop me from enjoying them. I just think it would make them that much better.Great stuff keep it up @LiveLife

 

[nevadabob]

And this is where Paul Harvey comes in...the rest of the story...Received the Powder Thru Expander Die from Midway this afternoon. Adjusted it on my Lee Breechlock press and it works just like it should. The bell is a bit more generous than the original die with the replacement plug (see post #31). Not sure why this is but it was too cold out in the garage (23 degrees) to try and play detective. I appreciate the comments and help!