Best FL expander ball decamping dies?

[SDHNTR]

I try to keep things simple when reloading, to the extent I can anyway. Would like to try a better quality die than my current standard RCBS. Don’t really want the added complexity of bushings, so who makes the most concentric FL expander ball dies? Yes, I realize looking for less runout with an expanded ball is kinda contradictory, but let’s just go with it for the time being.

 

[ckleeves]

Floating carbide expanders seem to help. I turned a lot of cartridges on a concentricity gauge loaded with different methods/dies and noticed a improvement. I didn’t keep close track of the results so I don’t have concrete numbers so I can’t factually say “ they will reduce runout by x%” but there was a improvement.

IMO mandrel expanders are the way to go. Reduced runout and more consistent neck tension.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[doverpack12]

Look into Forster their expander is actually a ball so doesn’t matter if the neck pulls over a little crooked or not, and the neck is still supported as the bottom starts over the expander.

 

[SDHNTR]

Floating carbide expanders seem to help. I turned a lot of cartridges on a concentricity gauge loaded with different methods/dies and noticed a improvement. I didn’t keep close track of the results so I don’t have concrete numbers so I can’t factually say “ they will reduce runout by x%” but there was a improvement.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Like a Redding Premium set?

 

[ckleeves]

Like a Redding Premium set?

I’m not sure if the premium sets come with the floating carbide or not? I know the new master hunter sets do but I’m not sure on the others?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[SDHNTR]

I’m not sure if the premium sets come with the floating carbide or not? I know the new master hunter sets do but I’m not sure on the others?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Do you know the difference between the Master Hunters and the premium?

 

[ckleeves]

Do you know the difference between the Master Hunters and the premium?

The master hunter sets have a competition seater, the premium I believe have a standard seater with a micrometer that just replaces the standard plug. I think some of the premium are available with a standard (non micrometer) plug also.

Master hunter’s are great sets imo.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ckleeves]

Just be aware not all the Master Hunter sets have the carbide expander. The older ones I have didn’t come with it but the newer ones all have. I think they usually say pretty clearly if they come with the carbide or not.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[StopMakingSense]

GENERATION II EXPANDER DIES | Brownells

Our Generation II Expander Dies completely capture the mandrel within the die so the mandrel cannot pull out. An O-ring in the die cap allows the mandrel to float a bit and find its own center within the case neck. All three Generation II dies are...

www.brownells.com

+

CARBIDE EXPANDER MANDRELS | Brownells

Sinclair Carbide Neck Expander Mandrels are ground from solid carbide stock, which yields closer tolerances and more lubricity. Carbide is also better at resisting galling which can leave behind material and scratch the inside of your necks. The s...

www.brownells.com

The bushings aren't complex... just measure the outside diameter of the loaded brass you're using and take .001 to .003 off of that and you're done.

But if you're looking to save money then I get that.

 

[wind gypsy]

Look into Forster their expander is actually a ball so doesn’t matter if the neck pulls over a little crooked or not, and the neck is still supported as the bottom starts over the expander.

This ^. You can google how to set up forster FL dies to minimize runout caused by expander. The other thing you can do is have forster hone the necks to your specified diameter to minimize over working brass and requiring the expander to do more. I have had some Forster dies honed so they can be used without an expander at all.

The Redding with floating expander is another improvement.

 

[tdot]

I'll 2nd the suggestion of the Expander Mandrel.

Neck thickness doesnt matter. One mandrel will work for every single cartridge in the same caliber. Resizing is easier and faster, as you're not trying to pull the expander ball up and out of the neck. It can also be used to take out dents in the neck.