Who Doesn’t Bell & Crimp 45ACP or 9mm?

[tightgroup tiger]

Here’s a picture of the innerds of a Lee expander and a Redding for those who don’t have one or the other. I have two of each in 45acp. Now I may be buying something else I absolutely don’t need. Thanks a lot!

That Redding is the same as an M-die, I didn't see it before. There is no point in buying the M-die, you already have one unless that one in your picture is the wrong caliber for what you need.

 

[Walkalong]

I have Lyman M Die expanders or Redding/RCBS copy cats for many of my handgun die sets now. I like them a lot.

 

[GW Staar]

Okay I’m almost convinced to get an M die—Midway has 45acp on sale as we speak!

But, I remembered something from Lee’s second edition re: the M die and just went back to check. Here’s what it says on p 55: “At this point, similarity with other brands ends. Lee dies precisely control the flare angle and length. They work well with lead or jacketed bullets. You do not need so called “M” dies to control expansion, because it is impossible to expand too much with the Lee expander.”

Here’s a picture of the innerds of a Lee expander and a Redding for those who don’t have one or the other. I have two of each in 45acp. Now I may be buying something else I absolutely don’t need. Thanks a lot!

View attachment 1084809

You didn't notice that your picture of the "black" innards includes the "M" shelf?.......that must be the Redding. So you already have an "M" die. I have used flared brass and it just doesn't compare to the "M" pocket. "M" pockets finished with a light taper crimp makes it easy to get straight ammo that looks and shoots good. So impressed, I was, that when the idea was expanded to Rifle Loading, I wasn't at all hesitant. Tried it and love it too.

DAA uses them too on their pistol powder-through expanders....below DAA's "M" expander on the right......to replace Dillon's on the left. Keeps bullets upright while they rotate to the seater.



Tightgroup's right....just noticed his post...

Here's how RCBS designed em......this 9mm version below, works great.

 

[Jim Watson]

I got my dies out. My real .45 ACP Lyman M die is .4497 - .4544". After springback, it leaves the mouth JUST open enough for a .4510" bullet. A .4515" bullet will set square but takes a little push. And nowhere to put it on the Dillon anyhow.

My MR Bullet feeder brand 9mm Dillon expander has only a narrow band with a slight burnished look, indiscernible even with a micrometer. No M effect at all at .3546".

 

[CQB45ACP]

You didn't notice that your picture of the "black" innards includes the "M" shelf?.......that must be the Redding. So you already have an "M" die. I have used flared brass and it just doesn't compare to the "M" pocket. "M" pockets finished with a light taper crimp makes it easy to get straight ammo that looks and shoots good. So impressed, I was, that when the idea was expanded to Rifle Loading, I wasn't at all hesitant. Tried it and love it too.

DAA uses them too on their pistol powder-through expanders....below DAA's "M" expander on the right......to replace Dillon's on the left. Keeps bullets upright while they rotate to the seater.

View attachment 1084922

Tightgroup's right....just noticed his post...

Here's how RCBS designed em......this 9mm version below, works great.

View attachment 1084923

Yeah I knew what it looked like. Have been using it and one of their others for maybe two years. Was showing everyone else.

 

[CQB45ACP]

That Redding is the same as an M-die, I didn't see it before. There is no point in buying the M-die, you already have one unless that one in your picture is the wrong caliber for what you need.

That was actually my point a while back…which wasn’t even the point of my original question anyway. Thanks

 

[BJung]

I always bell my pistol brass because if I don't the mouth will sheer off the paint on my cast bullets.

 

[ballman6711]

I only shoot at indoor ranges so LSWC is a nonstarter for me, but it would be my choice otherwise.

Not die related, but look at the different coated bullets. I use the Acme swc in my 45 1911 and wouldn't hesitate to shoot it indoors. It's coated 100%. I'm sure other brands would work for you as well.

chris

 

[CQB45ACP]

Not die related, but look at the different coated bullets. I use the Acme swc in my 45 1911 and wouldn't hesitate to shoot it indoors. It's coated 100%. I'm sure other brands would work for you as well.

chris

Yes thanks I’ve used Acme too and like them. If they were significantly cheaper than extreme plated I might use them more often.