Expanding mandrel usage and brand

[Wassid82]

Which expanding mandrel do you use and when do you use it? I’ve read opposing info about only using it on new brass and others using every time they reload. I’d appreciate your input.

 

[Rob5589]

Sinclair. I used it every reload.

 

[wind gypsy]

I use K&M mandrels. I originally got them for neck turning but now use mandrels spec'd to my desired neck tension to set neck tension.

I use them on every load. I don't size virgin brass, only use a mandrel to set neck tension and clean up any dings. For fired brass I size in one step and run a mandrel through the necks in a separate step.

 

[Phil j]

21 century and i use it every time

 

[MuleyFever]

21 century and i use it every time

Same here.

 

[Lawnboi]

Sinclair for me. New brass gets the expanding mandrel. Fired gets the turning mandrel.

Not a super experienced reloaded but that’s what I ended with. K&m was on my list as well as you can specify sizes.

On top of that I size my brass using a bushing die with no expanding button, so neck is getting worked as little as possible, then I run the mandrel through to smooth out any inconsistencies.

 

[rayporter]

my old k and m mandrels are just right for most turning. but for a few jobs i have a set of arbors i got off amazon for 3 bucks each. they are used in a collet type bullet puller.

they come in half thou increments which lets me get necks just right for turning.

i dont use the mandrel for anything but turning.

 

[Wassid82]

thanks for all the input

 

[Unknown Munitions]

Sinclair and 21st Century are fantastic. I think there is some confusion with whether to run an expander mandrel (.001" under bullet diameter) or a neck turning mandrel (.002" under bullet diameter). We run the expander mandrel and with properly annealed brass you can expect around .0005" brass spring back for final neck tension of .0015" which is perfect in our opinion for most scenarios. Carbide if you can afford it. Keep it clean with some 1500 grit paper and chuck the mandrel up in a cordless drill to polish every 100 rounds or so.