Expanding die question - The Firearms Forum

tomstib · 04-05-2011, 06:17 PM

I have adjusted the die to open the case mouth on my 45 acps so that the bullet sits comfortably. As I bring the handle up after the bellowing is done I find that I encounter a lot of resistance to the point that I am lifting my bench upwards. I have cleaned and lubed the die itself, but still have the problem. Any help would be appreciated. By the way I am using Lee dies on a Challenger press with a Lee bench plate.

Tom

Alpo · 04-05-2011, 06:24 PM

Is this new brass or once (or more) fired?

I've found this problem with new brass. The brass adheres to the steel expander plug. Once it has been fired, graphite residue (from the burnt powder) on the inside of the case prevents the grabbing.

Jay · 04-05-2011, 06:25 PM

I'd suggest you check the radius on the die for tool marks. If that radius isn't smooth, it could cause the case to "stick" to the die.

tomstib · 04-05-2011, 07:02 PM

Thanks for the replies..The brass is once fired. I cleaned it before I started the reloading cycle. Everything looks okay inside of the die the best I can tell.

steve4102 · 04-05-2011, 07:34 PM

Are you seating and crimping in the same step? Sounds to me as if you have your seating die set to over-crimp.

JLA · 04-05-2011, 07:44 PM

polish the expander plug in the die.

Take the hollow hex nut out of the top of the die and pop the expander plug out and polish the tool marks off the bevel.

steve4102 · 04-05-2011, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve4102

Are you seating and crimping in the same step? Sounds to me as if you have your seating die set to over-crimp.

Damn, I have to read better. I misunderstood completely.

tomstib · 04-05-2011, 08:30 PM

What should I use in the way of a polish?

JLA · 04-05-2011, 08:45 PM

220 grit sandpaper to start and then progress to 320 and then a dremel with felt wheel and blue magic mag polish.

220 til the rings are gone, 320 to smooth and polish the surface. and blue magic to make a mirror out of it...

tomstib · 04-05-2011, 08:53 PM

Thank you very much...I will give it a try tomorrow

Tom

312shooter · 04-05-2011, 11:51 PM

Quote:

As I bring the handle up after the bellowing is done I find that I encounter a lot of resistance to the point that I am lifting my bench upwards. I have cleaned and lubed the die itself, but still have the problem. Any help would be appreciated. By the way I am using Lee dies on a Challenger press with a Lee bench plate.

Warith · 04-06-2011, 12:34 PM

I have this problem with my set up as well and I am using the same press and bench plate. What I do to cure it is put less of a bell on the shell mine is sticking coming out of the die not off the plug.

JLA · 04-06-2011, 05:30 PM

Most of my LEE dies stuck off the plug. Some of them I just used til they polished themselves out, but other less used sets got hand polished.

tomstib · 04-06-2011, 07:59 PM

Thanks for the suggestions..I disassembled and using 320 sandpaper sanded the plug. I did not use a dremel because I don't how to use it . I then used some Rem oil and reassembled. The die seems to be a little bit better. Maybe it just needs to be worked in after a while. At least I am not lifting my workbench off the ground. Thanks again..
Tom

04-05-2011, 06:17 PM	#1
tomstib Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 21	Expanding die question I have adjusted the die to open the case mouth on my 45 acps so that the bullet sits comfortably. As I bring the handle up after the bellowing is done I find that I encounter a lot of resistance to the point that I am lifting my bench upwards. I have cleaned and lubed the die itself, but still have the problem. Any help would be appreciated. By the way I am using Lee dies on a Challenger press with a Lee bench plate. Tom -->

04-05-2011, 06:24 PM	#2
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,658	Re: Expanding die question Is this new brass or once (or more) fired? I've found this problem with new brass. The brass adheres to the steel expander plug. Once it has been fired, graphite residue (from the burnt powder) on the inside of the case prevents the grabbing. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

04-05-2011, 06:25 PM	#3
Jay Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,286	Re: Expanding die question I'd suggest you check the radius on the die for tool marks. If that radius isn't smooth, it could cause the case to "stick" to the die. __________________ "For those who fought for it, freedom has a flavor the protected cannot taste." "USMC 8652, 2531, RVN Jun '67, - May 69"

04-05-2011, 07:02 PM	#4
tomstib Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 21	Re: Expanding die question Thanks for the replies..The brass is once fired. I cleaned it before I started the reloading cycle. Everything looks okay inside of the die the best I can tell.

04-05-2011, 07:34 PM	#5
steve4102 Former Guest Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Minnesota Contributor Posts: 2,760	Re: Expanding die question Are you seating and crimping in the same step? Sounds to me as if you have your seating die set to over-crimp.

04-05-2011, 07:44 PM	#6
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,315	Re: Expanding die question polish the expander plug in the die. Take the hollow hex nut out of the top of the die and pop the expander plug out and polish the tool marks off the bevel. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

04-05-2011, 08:30 PM	#8
tomstib Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 21	Re: Expanding die question What should I use in the way of a polish?

04-05-2011, 08:45 PM	#9
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,315	Re: Expanding die question 220 grit sandpaper to start and then progress to 320 and then a dremel with felt wheel and blue magic mag polish. 220 til the rings are gone, 320 to smooth and polish the surface. and blue magic to make a mirror out of it... __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

04-05-2011, 08:53 PM	#10
tomstib Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 21	Re: Expanding die question Thank you very much...I will give it a try tomorrow Tom

04-06-2011, 12:34 PM	#12
Warith V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Belton, Mo Posts: 287	Re: Expanding die question I have this problem with my set up as well and I am using the same press and bench plate. What I do to cure it is put less of a bell on the shell mine is sticking coming out of the die not off the plug.

04-06-2011, 05:30 PM	#13
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,315	Re: Expanding die question Most of my LEE dies stuck off the plug. Some of them I just used til they polished themselves out, but other less used sets got hand polished. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

04-06-2011, 07:59 PM	#14
tomstib Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 21	Re: Expanding die question Thanks for the suggestions..I disassembled and using 320 sandpaper sanded the plug. I did not use a dremel because I don't how to use it . I then used some Rem oil and reassembled. The die seems to be a little bit better. Maybe it just needs to be worked in after a while. At least I am not lifting my workbench off the ground. Thanks again.. Tom