rodregier
Member
I've been using Redding rifle dies with the carbide expander ball upgrade for several years. I like the elimination of the need to inside-lubricate case necks and the reduced force needed to expand the necks as I pull the cases back thru the die.
I'm migrating to using an RCBS small-base resizing die to support my tight-chambered Browning Lever Rifle. Alas, the RCBS die has a conventional steel expander.
After looking at the Redding carbide upgrade and the RCBS expander, I realized I could upgrade the RCBS expander to use the Redding carbide expander.
.30 Cal carbide expander is Redding # 49307.
I'm working with the RCBS .308 Win SB die set.
I reduced the length of the expander collar for the RCBS expander die from 0.674" to 0.473". That permitted the Redding .30 cal carbide collar to fit with a small amount of play and still permit tightening to retaining the decapping pin. A small amount of play is needed for the carbide collar because carbide is brittle.
I'm migrating to using an RCBS small-base resizing die to support my tight-chambered Browning Lever Rifle. Alas, the RCBS die has a conventional steel expander.
After looking at the Redding carbide upgrade and the RCBS expander, I realized I could upgrade the RCBS expander to use the Redding carbide expander.
.30 Cal carbide expander is Redding # 49307.
I'm working with the RCBS .308 Win SB die set.
I reduced the length of the expander collar for the RCBS expander die from 0.674" to 0.473". That permitted the Redding .30 cal carbide collar to fit with a small amount of play and still permit tightening to retaining the decapping pin. A small amount of play is needed for the carbide collar because carbide is brittle.