Why No Micrometer Adjusting Expanders?

HKGuns said:
- 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.
Click to expand...
Well then see ya later:) My micrometer taper crimp die is completely unnecessary as are my three micrometer seating dies. And I want more.
 
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Tilos said:
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,

.
Click to expand...
It’s not the word per se. It’s the functionality. I have four micrometer dies. I like em. A lot.
 
CQB45ACP said:
Well then see ya later:) My micrometer taper crimp die is completely unnecessary as are my three micrometer seating dies. And I want more.
Click to expand...

I 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 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?
 
CQB45ACP said:
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.
Click to expand...
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,
.
 
What are you wanting for the expander itself?
Do you want to be able to use the Redding TiN coated expanders or are you wanting a steel expander?
Do you use different expander diameters for one caliber? Some use a smaller diameter expander for jacketed and a larger one for lead or coated lead rounds so when seating the cases don’t size the bullet smaller. NOE expanders would be a good example.
 
Tilos said:
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,
.
Click to expand...
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.
 
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.
 
JHTexas said:
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.
Click to expand...
Understood...
A steel machined component would also be 20X the cost $.
A printed part would require a different technique/light touch/feel during use but could be learned.
I only referenced the micrometer spindle as that's the OP's preference.
I think a drop gage like @jmorris's picture, with a 3D printed stand-off would be a better choice...
jmo,
.
 
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CQB45ACP said:
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.
Click to expand...
Okay, just a basic steel expander with micrometer adjustment.

Well if you decide you want to move forward with this, I still think it’s very simple and IMO affordable.
Cost would mainly be driven by how many calibers you want it for and if you want a dedicated die for each caliber.
 
JHTexas said:
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?
Click to expand...
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.
 
CQB45ACP said:
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.
Click to expand...
The 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.
 
JHTexas said:
The 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.
Click to expand...
I am going to call Redding and ask. They can say I’m nuts just like everyone else:)
 
CQB45ACP said:
I am going to call Redding and ask. They can say I’m nuts just like everyone else:)
Click to expand...
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.
 
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