Well, we would suggest that you try Forster, as they make oversized mandrels just for such a issue. Also we would like to add, annealing and proper case neck preparation also helps. Add to that, the Forster Ultra Micrometer dies which seat extremely good too. No runout and always to the correct seating depth, with .001" accuracy. Contact Scott at Forster. Real nice guy and he will help you for sure.
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Expander mandrel
- Thread starter Mc Fraser
- Start date
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I have heard several folks mention using an expander prior to seating. What would this result in that couldn't be accomplished without the step? The only positive I can see is a uniform ID when a die would result in a uniform OD. I, like most folks do not utilize the expander ball in my dies. I use quality dies and neck turn all my brass if needed. I prefer to have no more than +/- 0.0005" neck thickness variation around so since I try to get near uniform neck thickness I assume the post sizing ID is fairly uniform.
My other question is wouldn't we result in a very low bullet grip if we seat after the expander? All of mine (K&M) are 0.0005" under the caliber dimension.
I never get tired of this forum, so much knowledge and experience can be gained....thank you all.
My other question is wouldn't we result in a very low bullet grip if we seat after the expander? All of mine (K&M) are 0.0005" under the caliber dimension.
I never get tired of this forum, so much knowledge and experience can be gained....thank you all.
Plowboy
If you are turning necks, you are running a mandrel in the neck as well right? You have to in order to force any imperfection to the outside and then turn it off.
With your set up as you describe, you are basically doing the same thing as we are describing with the addition of turning the neck.
Steve
If you are turning necks, you are running a mandrel in the neck as well right? You have to in order to force any imperfection to the outside and then turn it off.
With your set up as you describe, you are basically doing the same thing as we are describing with the addition of turning the neck.
Steve
ericbc7
Well-Known Member
Another vote for 21st century
Yes sir I use the K&M mandrels. I'll size down if needed to insure the mandrel makes good contact and is able to perform its task prior to turning.
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So that I don't completely high jack the thread. I have Sinclair and K&M mandrels. I prefer the K&M because they are polished and the internal case stop is nice. I use the Sinclair's every now and then but they are a little tougher and leave some brass residue if you don't lube properly. Can you get mandrels from others at custom diameters to allow more or less billet grip?
jimbires
Well-Known Member
kwpotter
Member
Holland Gunsmithing has the best on the market.
PMA Tool makes good ones. They are tapered on both ends, so you can really feel them. Their carbide expander mandrels are straight. They are very helpful on the phone also.
Mc Fraser
Well-Known Member
There are a lot of votes for the 21st century and I already have a couple of products from them, very happy with the brand. I think I'll go with them.
Do you know based on what factors they hone the die?
I'll call Forster Monday morning. I really like their dies. I had some bad experience with Redding and I don't want to give them my business anymore.
Do you know based on what factors they hone the die?
I never heard of them, can you elaborate, please?
So you don't use an expander mandrel or the expander ball that comes with the fl resizing die with bushing? I have Redding type s dies with the neck bushings. I select a bushing that is.002 under for Neck tension and remove the expander back/decapping pin assembly all together. It's worked well for me. If a case neck gets dented or out of round I'll run it through the expander ball, but if not in just leave it out. I like this topic because I see and hear a lot of people use the expander mandrel and always wondered why.
Patriot007
Well-Known Member
Well, I'm fully vested in the K&M neck turning system. I have had the pleasure of using Sinclair, RCBS, and Hornady. None of them could match the precision of the K&M turning system. Some will agree,, some will disagree. Now, 21st Centry makes a real good precision turning tools also. A buddy of mine uses their system and I have worked with him, turning his case necks. I was impressed with It's precision. I will say this, regardless of what system you buy.. Buy Carbide mandrels, and Carbide cutting heads.You will not be happy with the steel.
As for lube, Emprial sizing wax all the way.
Try it you will love it. It works great for turning and case sizing. A little goes a long way...
Just my experience with this subject and
Neck turning tools.
As for lube, Emprial sizing wax all the way.
Try it you will love it. It works great for turning and case sizing. A little goes a long way...
Just my experience with this subject and
Neck turning tools.
J E Custom
Well-Known Member
Like you, I don't use the expander ball unless I have to because doing that doubles the working of the case neck and causes it to fail much sooner. Also If you use the correct bushing and then pull the expander ball back through it you have defeated the reason for a bushing.
I only use the expander Mandrell to size the case neck for the turning Mandrell. They come as a set and are designed to get the best fit of the turning Mandrell.
As I posted, this is the way that gives me the most consistent bullet grip and improves the SD's.
J E CUSTOM
