Runout in Full Length die expander ball?

[Zoso5150]

I happened to noticed when I spin my new RCBS full length sizing die in my hand that the diameter of the expander ball has an obvious off center rotation from the center axis of the die.
Has anyone else noticed this in their die? It seems this would cause me runout and neck tension issues.

 

[freediver111]

I gave up on expander balls a few years ago. If I were you, I’d remove the expander ball, use it as a FL die, and then use a Sinclair expander mandrel. Seems to work great that way. Adds a step, but it seems to be worthwhile. I was listening to a podcast with Scott Satterlee and that was his process as well. He used an inexpensive Hornady FL die with expander ball removed, and finishes them with an expander mandrel.


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[bluetick78]

^^^This. Or try a neck bushing die. You can customize neck tension with these.

 

[Don Qui Puncher]

I gave up on expander balls a few years ago. If I were you, I’d remove the expander ball, use it as a FL die, and then use a Sinclair expander mandrel. Seems to work great that way. Adds a step, but it seems to be worthwhile. I was listening to a podcast with Scott Satterlee and that was his process as well. He used an inexpensive Hornady FL die with expander ball removed, and finishes them with an expander mandrel.


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Do you use a separate decapping die?

 

[FLS]

I’ve been doing this for a few years now. You do have to use a decapping die. I decap then tumble. It does add a couple of steps to the process but it’s worth it IMO. I get very consistent neck tension, and low ES and SDs.

 

[freediver111]

Do you use a separate decapping die?

I do.
1. Decap
2. Anneal every other firing.
3. FL size
4. Expander mandrel
5. Ultra sonic clean
6. Chamfer/deburr mouth
7. Prime
8. Powder and bullet sweating

Some folks clean first or earlier in the steps, but the above is just how I do it. Works for me. The expander mandrel requires some lube. I just dab a little imperial sizing die wax on the mandrel.

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[Ram94]

Hey guys, a bit off topic here but it got me wondering....Instead of buying a decapping die, could I use a FL sizer for 7RM to decap 7mm-08 cartridges? I cant see why it wouldn't work...

 

[freediver111]

Hey guys, a bit off topic here but it got me wondering....Instead of buying a decapping die, could I use a FL sizer for 7RM to decap 7mm-08 cartridges? I cant see why it wouldn't work...

A universal decapping die is $12. I bought a used Redding one off some classifieds for cheap like 2 years ago. I’d just pay the $12 and you have one for life.


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[Ram94]

A universal decapping die is $12. I bought a used Redding one off some classifieds for cheap like 2 years ago. I’d just pay the $12 and you have one for life.


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Yeah that's not bad haha and I guess I would still be expanding the neck with the expander ball...Thanks!

 

[Zoso5150]

RCBS is sending a new decapping rod so I'll give that a try first. But yes, I'm considering just moving to a Redding type S to ditch the expander ball technology and also have the ability to set neck tension.

 

[freediver111]

RCBS is sending a new decapping rod so I'll give that a try first. But yes, I'm considering just moving to a Redding type S to ditch the expander ball technology and also have the ability to set neck tension.

I mostly buy Type S dies, but really if you’re going to use a mandrel expander, you’d save a lot of money by just using any old FL die like the RCBS you have and remove the decapping/expander ball. Then finish with the expander mandrel. Those type S dies are not cheap, and I doubt you’ll see any difference by using the method I just described vs a Type S die. Just a thought to save you some $.


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[LaHunter]

RCBS is sending a new decapping rod so I'll give that a try first. But yes, I'm considering just moving to a Redding type S to ditch the expander ball technology and also have the ability to set neck tension.

Instead of screwing the stem down tight onto the die, leave it a little loose. This will leave a little play in the expander rod so that it will have less tendency to induce runout in your brass. As your brass is on the way down, the expander ball will 'self center' in the neck and not favor one side as long as there is enough play in the rod.
Hope this makes sense.

 

[Harvey_NW]

Instead of screwing the stem down tight onto the die, leave it a little loose. This will leave a little play in the expander rod so that it will have less tendency to induce runout in your brass. As your brass is on the way down, the expander ball will 'self center' in the neck and not favor one side as long as there is enough play in the rod.
Hope this makes sense.

With Hornady dies the threads aren't deep enough and you'll zip that sucker right out of that lock nut!

 

[StopMakingSense]

Instead of screwing the stem down tight onto the die, leave it a little loose. This will leave a little play in the expander rod so that it will have less tendency to induce runout in your brass. As your brass is on the way down, the expander ball will 'self center' in the neck and not favor one side as long as there is enough play in the rod.
Hope this makes sense.

Same goes if you get a Type-S ... leave a bit of room so the bushing self-centers instead for forcing it into place if it was locked down

 

[Redwood]

I took a little off the expander ball so it does nothing and let the bullet do the sizing for me. I haven't noticed a difference in accuracy and don't have to trim my brass as often since I'm not pulling that expander ball through the neck stretching the brass.