Tell me about mandrels? Use of, pro & con
- Thread starter tribb
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I don't use them for everything, but on my precision ammo, it is the final step to set neck tension. It is also believed that any rough surface will be pushed to the outer side of the neck where some clearance is available and not interfere with the projectile as much.
Makes sense to me
The expander ball in most sizing dies can stretch the neck and pull it off center when the die pulls it back up through the neck. Stretching the necks causes more neck length trimming too. A mandrel pretty much eliminates these issues. You will like mandrels once you start using them.
Is that a partition bullet in your avatar picture? Tell me the process of actually using a mandrel. Neck size only or not? Is a mandel used in conjunction with a die? That kind of information is what I need because I don't have a clue where to start? Is there a video that will be helpful. Thanks Tribb
Remove the expander ball from your die, I always full-size but as minimally as possible, then order a die to hold your mandrel and a mandrel for the specific diameter needed size the case as normal and the last step for me is the mandrel.
using mandrels is just another step in the process. you can get mandrels and the die from Sinclair, 21st century, and a few others. I use a turret press so it is simple. I size, prep and clean my brass and toss in box according to times fired, when it is time to load expand necks, dump powder, seat bullet. this has really helped my ammo consistency giving better ES and groups at distance, eliminating some of the unexplained fliers.
Roger got it
Thank you. Between you and can 1010 that explains it very well I'll see if I can't get into this
KH_Outdoors
Well-Known Member
Here's what I've used lately:
www.unknownmunitions.com
www.unknownmunitions.com
Expander Die Body - Unknown Munitions
Expander Mandrels Found HERE All Die Bodies sold here come with a lock ring Introducing the much anticipated Generation X Expander Die Body with viewing window! Set up of an expander die has not been easier! The viewing window allows the user to set the die to allow for optimal mandrel use...
www.unknownmunitions.com
Expander Mandrels - Unknown Munitions
Expander Die Body found HERE Black Nitrided Expander Mandrels made by 21st Century, These are our preferred tools we use in our shop. 21st Century Shooting is excited to unveil a brand new product! Introducing the Slippery black Expanders, this new products will revolutionize the way you reload...
www.unknownmunitions.com
I've been using an RCBS Redding Type S full length bushing die and either Short Action Customs or (mostly) 21st Century mandrels on just about everything I load for about 3 years now. Others have pointed out the same benefits that I get from sizing brass that way. Your brass will last longer and once you get everything dialed in (powder, primer, bullet, seating depth, etc) your rifle will shoot better.
Edited to correct the die
Edited to correct the die
Last edited:
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It was overwhelming to me at first as well. I bought 21st Century. They have mandrel in.0005 increments.
I also use full length bushing dies with the expanderbutton removed. Doing it this way greatly reduces the amount of work hardening involved in the resizing process. Often a basic sizing die may reduce case neck diameter several thousandths under caliber and then the button will expand it another several thousandths and sill leave it .003-.004 under caliber.
Mandrels are just another step in the process of making quality ammo and preserving your expensive brass.
I also use full length bushing dies with the expanderbutton removed. Doing it this way greatly reduces the amount of work hardening involved in the resizing process. Often a basic sizing die may reduce case neck diameter several thousandths under caliber and then the button will expand it another several thousandths and sill leave it .003-.004 under caliber.
Mandrels are just another step in the process of making quality ammo and preserving your expensive brass.
I didn't think I'd use the .0005 mandrels but I bought some anyway. When you start adjusting neck tension and dealing with spring back, the .0005" adjustment comes in handy.
