Pistol Expander Dies: Overview, Comparison, Setup

[@azdavid999]

2 yrs later and your videos are still helping. Just purchased the Lyman die and your instructions are just what I was looking for. Thanks

[@daleswanson1784]

I like side by side comparison of different brands of reloading tools, measures, dies, presses, etc. They are more useful than a stand-alone demonstration for experienced and inexperienced loaders alike.

[@Ultimatereloader]

Good deal- glad that's helpful. :) Yes, sometimes it's difficult to compare things without seeing them side-by-side.

[@nomamartini1310]

I use the NOE expander plugs in the Lee Universal die for my PC lead caste bullets. It is a two-step plug, similar to the Lyman M-Die, that comes in the precision sizes of your choosing. The two-stage allows the bullet to seat squarely. Each is only $6 and fits in the same die body, saving money and space. Best of all is the ability to custom size flare to 0.002 greater than the lead cast bullet. I use these for both postal (380, 9mm, 40, 45) and rifle (223, 300, 308).

[@z28z34man]

I use the NOE setup as well for all my lead loads. If I am running it in my loadmaster I have it set in station 2 because it was unused because that press primes on the top of the stroke on station 2. So far that has been working really well for me

[@Jiminico]

Fyi, there are 2 different versions of the RCBS expanders. The older tapered plugs were made up to 2010 and the newer M style stepped ones made after 2010. Maybe you have the older discontinued tapered expander? The newer ones are really good from my experience and the bullets quickly align on the step and stay put all the way up into the die. I wish Dillon would do something like that with their powder through expander for my progressive loading.

[@CorwinBos]

Ive been using all Lyman M-dies for the last couple of years. Best expanders Ive found.

[@arnold-moger]

Does it work in conjunction with a powder drop without taking up two dies?

[@CorwinBos]

@@arnold-moger In. 5 station progressive without a bullet feed die I run sizer, M-die, powder drop, seater, crimper. When I run with a bullet feeder, I use an RCBS powder thru expander in a Hornady drop in place of the M-die because it has almost the same profile and works nearly the same. I always keep my seat and crimp separate, it's just easier to setup, and more dependable.

[@arnold-moger]

@@CorwinBos thank you. So the RCBS expander die you refer to expandscthe case and fills power on same die station? Is it the only expander die with this dual feature? Also, I'll admit I'm new to this, but is it important to run a powercheck die? That would make it not possible to use a 5 station press unless you combined seating and crimping.

[@CorwinBos]

@@arnold-moger Correct. The RCBS expander powder thru expander inserts are superior to anything else Ive used. I run them in a Hornady drop. But I only use these when I am using a bullet feeder for 9mm. Any other pistol I load is low enough volume I havent felt the need to setup for a bullet feeder on those. I dont feel that using a PTX is worth it, unless you are using a bullet feeder, as separating these operations is more accurate and easier to setup. Personally I dont run a powder check as I have a specific muscle memory built up over the years where I visually check every single powder drop, even when I am loading at 500+ rounds an hour. I also tune and polish my powder drops so they are 100% reliable. I remove all paint from the inside of the drop, and polish them to a high polish. I also polish the rotary drum and blue them to keep them from rusting. I also have a UFO press light so its daylight bright on the cases Im loading. I tried using a Hornady taper crimp seater one time when I started reloading 9mm, and it was hit or miss on the setup. So I separated the seating and crimping, added a Lee taper crimp die and never looked back. For what its worth, I use Hornady sizer and seater, Lyman M-die or RCBS expander (situation dependent), and a Lee taper crimp.

[@jekemi2010]

I've used many expanding dies over the years and they all work fine, just a little bit differently. However, I really like the Lee powder-through expanding die in conjunction with the Lee Auto Drum Powder measure. It requires very little adjustment when paired with the Lee Auto Drum powder measure. I find that the Lee Auto Drum is smooth, easy to adjust, and holds it adjustment. I still check every 5th load just to make sure.

[@PatriotPaulUSA]

The Lyman "M" dies kinda revolutionized these case expander dies. The perfect inside case diameter by the 1st part then being able to just slightly flare the mouth in 1 die was huge and works great for cast bullots

[@jimvandemoter6961]

Thanks for this video. you helped me sort out the question of how much flare do I put on my cases.I have a lee breach lock challenger kit and lee 9mm die set that I've loaded at least 2000 rounds with. I found, after a little fiddling it works just fine. Granted I've never tried any other dies than lee, but my results have been great. I would have no problem recommending lee to anyone who is new to reloading.

[@Ultimatereloader]

Good deal, yes, the LEE gear works- and that kit is a good one!

[@nelsondoan8271]

Gavin, on another pistol ammo die issue, maybe you have more pull with the manufacturers than I do. I’ve been trying to get three of them to make a combination seating/taper crimping die that combines these two steps into one die, but separates the operations. It’s a pretty simple design that is maybe very complicated to describe, but most of the die makers are already making nearly all the parts needed. I use a 550 Dillon, and would like to incorporate a powder checker, but no room.

[@DimaProk]

There is also NOE expander plugs that fit Lee universal expander. It's great and you also realize once you see one how easy it is to machine these plugs and save money.

[@richlovin2173]

I switched to the LYMAN M die years a go. I do not bell the case mouth as I found it unnecessary. I use the Lyman M die for all pistol and rifle cases. No problems on a Dillon XL650 press.

[@RONZiLLA702]

Case mouth expansion. Thanks for the tip...Keep the great videos coming out brutha.

[@hankkramer]

Good video. Thanks for all of your instructional videos.

[@greenbudkelly2820]

The Redding is very similar to the RCBS. One thing to note about the Redding is the machining marks on the stem of the Redding will shave some brass. The Lyman is nice and smooth. Expansion quality with the Lee is very poor, both the Lee and Hornady are difficult to make minute adjustments. However Hornady seating does are the cats ass.

[@CarbonGlassMan]

My LEE 9mm powder through expansion die is set by running it in to the turret press till it touches the shell holder, then backed out 1 full turn. But when I run a case into this die, the 9mm jacketed bullet falls all the way down into the case. I have a LEE auto drum powder measure on top of this die with the die extension also installed. Any idea why I am having this problem?

[@thompsonjerry3412]

The Lyman 45 90 expander I bought was not straight and I purchased a plug from Buffalo Arms, it works great now.

[@afdgxzghzgfhgfzhazghzdfhxf]

This is a great vid - clear and to the point

[@fiftyshooter]

The Lyman die looks great on paper but that expanding plug threading into the shaft is a horrible design. As you start using it, it will unscrew and over expand your case mouth. Yes I've used different thread locker products and they delay the time until it starts coming apart but it still comes apart. When it starts unscrewing inside the die it will over expand your case mouths and in some cases ruin the case. I'm going to try the Hornady next if I can find one. It is simple and has nothing to come out of adjustment while you are using it.

[@velocity550]

I would like to see more about the powder measure expander with a powder drop. I'm using the RCBS Pro 2000 with a powder measure drop expander. I have several calibers set up with dedicated die plates and use RCBS powder measures except I have one Hornady powder measure with an powder drop expander. I would like to see you expand on these options. Since I only have 5 stations, i've become creative on how to utilize each station so I can get automatic bullet feeding. If you could, please cover to the auto bullet feed functions that are available. Most of the auto pistol calibers work great but I've found the long cases i.e. 357 mag, 44 mag troublesome to get reliable results.

[@RumblestripDotNet]

My issue is coming on the other end in the seat and crimp using two separate dies, I can not get my 45's to pass the plunk test using BBI coated bullets. Tried using both the Lee and Hornady dies on a LnL press.

[@CF-qz7ho]

Sounds like you could use a Lee pistol FCD: leeprecision.com/reloading-dies/hand-gun-dies/lee-carbide-factory-crimp-die

[@silentbob267]

Have you tried seating them a little deeper into the case?

[@JR5.04.6]

Where did u get that caliper holder/stand ?

[@NavyChiefPa]

Was really hoping you were going to demonstrate each brand and compare the differences in how they expand the case mouth.

[@daleswanson1784]

Seems to me Gavin has always avoided direct comparisons of differing brands. I suspect that has to do with sponsorships and how he gets his equipment.

[@zazkariafrady9152]

Dale Swanson I suspect that they all do about the same thing besides the Lyman M die. Beyond Lyman its do you want powder thru (Lee, Dillon, Hornady) or not (rest)

[@zazkariafrady9152]

Dale Swanson P.S. by suspect I was being a SA. I've used most all of them at one time or another. I prefer Lee or Dillon. Lee is cheap but works. Its on my Dillon at the moment with a pro auto disk.

[@Newtire]

So…if my Lyman M-die expands the case somewhat for best bullet alignment (as well as bells the mouth slightly) doesn’t the RCBS does the same thing? In those regards, is there any difference between these two brands as far as end results go? Seems to me that they are both going to accomplish the same thing. Even the Lee seems to do that quite well. But mainly my question is: If I have the Lyman already, any good reason to buy the RCBS?

[@chuckcullup1384]

I would like to see your comparison of the mighty armory die set

[@swinn1967]

You may have mentioned this in video already but where did you get the rails for your workbench. I have a pretty tight work area for now and this would make it so much easier to slide the turret presss out of the way when I do not need it.'

[@arnold-moger]

Do you need this for rifle calibers?

[@irishrider7324]

Love You videos!! I learn so much!

[@rottdogsparky]

I am far from an expert but I will tell you the lineman m-series die are the bomb the best in the business like them better than my Lee

[@Newtire]

Also, found out that you can buy the plugs for the Lyman m-dies separately if you call them (not listed that way in their catalog that I could see). NOE is that way-and work great as well.

[@chevy6299]

I use the Lee powder through die to kill two birds at one time. I find .002 is plenty for my lead bullets on the 45 acp but seams like I had to go bigger for the .380, can't remember how much off the top of my head.

[@eddiecabot8886]

Thanks

[@mrweeby1961]

How about some boat tail pistol/revolver bullets, voila! No expansion needed lol. J/K. Very informative.

[@leefeatherston7014]

gavin thanks good video 👍

[@joejr9653]

I presume this is same kind of steps for rifle brass?

[@silentbob267]

No, and yes, depending on several factors. Typically if you are loading straight walled rifle cartridges you will expand the mouth before seating a bullet. Typically with bottle neck rifle cartridges you do not need to expand the neck before seating. The Jackets for the types of bullets typically used in bottle neck rifle cartridges are thick enough to seat well without expanding the necks plus if seating the bullets is ever a problem many sizing dies can be modified to adjust the neck tension to facilitate easier bullet seating if necessary. There are probably a few exceptions to this generalization. If in doubt it's best to research the individual cartridge you plan to load thoroughly before attempting to start reloading. Hope that answers your question

[@BrunoRodrigues-qg4zu]

What about Redding’s?

[@jekemi2010]

As I mentioned, they are all good. I've been using my Lee powder-through expanding dies for 10 years. I have several and they have been flawless. Redding products are great products but expensive. All I'm saying is that from a Value perspective; price vs quality vs durability many of the Lee products offer some of the best value on the market. This is big plus for new reloaders who are looking to get started and don't want to take out a bank loan in order to do so.

[@josephpepicelli4859]

I would like to know who the heck are the people that give a thumbs down? They must be Far left....

[@lostnlooking2]

thanks I'm extremely new to all this..

[@Ultimatereloader]

You are welcome!

[@lostnlooking2]

gavintoobe what do you think about the Lee shotgun reloader? they sell for about 50 to 60 bucks. I'm thinking about picking up one for 20 gauge & another for 12 gauge reloading. I have 6 boys 2 girls all shoot & hunt. shells can become extremely expensive when you have that many children who want to shoot clays & then fire several rounds at a quail... lol

[@leefeatherston7014]

William Branstetter hi you can go to ballistic products.com they have used and new

[@lostnlooking2]

Lee Featherston thanks a lot that's great to know!

[@leefeatherston7014]

William Branstetter your welcome and I wood surecrib to Gavin channel

[@Crlarl]

12 fps. Nice.