Okay I’m out of excusesI printed off a metric ruler and taped it around the die a minute ago, I say that took me a couple try’s to get the scale perfect.
Appears to work.
View attachment 1171779
View attachment 1171780
Well then see ya later My micrometer taper crimp die is completely unnecessary as are my three micrometer seating dies. And I want more.- Pistol reloading isn't nearly as exacting as rifle reloading, the distances, velocities and typical accuracy requirement doesn't warrant such fuss
- There is literally nothing exacting about expanding the case, does the bullet fit, good to go, anything more is seriously over thinking
- I set my 9mm and 45ACP expander once, many many years ago and haven't changed it since
ETA: All of my pistol reloads are made from scalped range brass of varying head stamps. If it were an issue, I'd have seen it.
It’s not the word per se. It’s the functionality. I have four micrometer dies. I like em. A lot.So, a micrometer has a thread pitch of 40 threads per inch, one turn is 0.025", and why the spindle has 25 graduations around it.
Any screw with 40 threads per inch could be considered a "micrometer" in that respect.
I'm not sure why you are hung up on the word (micrometer) when any screw can be calibrated with an index wheel or measured with a caliper.
Granted it will not indicate any exact measurement but that's not needed for an expander plug, only the movement withing one revolution.
I'm guessing you already have a dial/digital caliper, here's another use of it.
I have even used a caliper to return a powder measure to a previous setting and the weight was exactly the same:
View attachment 1171776
On a PM that has a micrometer spindle available from RCBS for $$$.
Good luck on your quest going forward.
jmo,
.
All you gotta do is open your wallet and pour money into the problem.It’s not the word per se. It’s the functionality. I have four micrometer dies. I like em. A lot.
Well then see ya later My micrometer taper crimp die is completely unnecessary as are my three micrometer seating dies. And I want more.
Well then you sir are more disciplined than me. Once I used one I was hooked even though I was perfectly satisfied just a moment beforeI use Redding Micrometer seating dies for all of the rifle rounds I load.
I can "almost" see using micrometer seating dies for pistol loads, but not really.
I can say honestly I’m tempted. It’s similar to decades ago when I wanted externally adjustable shocks for my car. Koni or KYB I think they were. Basic shocks were more than adequate but I had to have adjustable and externally at that.All you gotta do is open your wallet and pour money into the problem.
Why not buy a mechanical micrometer head/spindle and find someone to 3D print an adaptor or stand-off??I can say honestly I’m tempted. It’s similar to decades ago when I wanted externally adjustable shocks for my car. Koni or KYB I think they were. Basic shocks were more than adequate but I had to have adjustable and externally at that.
It might be an option, but I think he is better off with steel components.Why not buy a mechanical micrometer head/spindle and find someone to 3D print an adaptor or stand-off??
There are people on Esty that offer 3D printing services but I think would need to supply them a design or print file.
I think @jmorris may have a 3D printer and has shown interest in your quest.
jmo,
.
Understood...It might be an option, but I think he is better off with steel components.
Once we find out all the requirements it will be easier to know.
Okay, just a basic steel expander with micrometer adjustment.The only “requirements” are a micrometer on top of an expander. I used my current ones as examples when I started this thread.
One is Redding’s standard steel the other is something else (I don’t know what Redding does off hand).
Not sure where I’m going with this right now.
One (45acp) but if one is possible then so are others. Who the heck even knows why I’m going down this theoretical rat holeHow many calibers are you wanting this for?
That was my original “plan” how hard could it be and why hasn’t someone already done it was my thinking.I wouldn’t take parts from your old micrometers. They made it this far, keep them original.
Not giving alternatives, but sticking with what you’re asking for.
Take a Redding micrometer taper crimp or seating die and swap out the insert.
The expander insert will be a custom, but easy to do.
If you use a large caliber Redding die you will be able to use it for all of your smaller calibers. One micrometer die with multiple expanding inserts for other calibers.
This is very simple and IMO the path of least resistance for a person wanting a micrometer adjusting die for expanding.
So where are you on this project?
The biggest reason IMO is the case heights vary in length so a person sets there expander to the short cases and moves on.That was my original “plan” how hard could it be and why hasn’t someone already done it was my thinking.
I’m no where beyond talking about it on this thread and taking apart all my dies and fiddling around.
I am going to call Redding and ask. They can say I’m nuts just like everyone elseThe biggest reason IMO is the case heights vary in length so a person sets there expander to the short cases and moves on.
On the flip side, the same is true for your crimp die, it’s affected by case length and wall thickness.
So why not for case expansion? Well it may just be something they haven’t released yet or they don’t think it’s marketable yet.
I don’t machine parts anymore but have a good idea of what you’re wanting and it’s not complicated task.
Call and ask to speak with Jay in the technical support department.I am going to call Redding and ask. They can say I’m nuts just like everyone else
Also tell him you’re wealthy, retired and bored. It will lend credence to your idea.Call and ask to speak with Jay in the technical support department.
Tell him what you’re wanting and he can get back with you on the subject.