neck expansion / bullet diameter

[wmitty]

I'm sizing the 31141 group buy bullets to .311" for .30-30 and .30-06; what diameter expander buttons should I be using in the cases to prevent damaging the bullets when seating them. I'm using ACWW and have been running the cases onto the .306" mandrel of the Lee collet die to open them up after full length sizing. Is everyone else using larger expander buttons and I just never got the word?

[KCSO]

I have a Modern Bond reloading set from the 1920's and there are two expanders included for the 30 cal. One at 306 for jacketed slugs and one at 309 for cast bullets. I have tried a 310 button in my 30-40 loads and got no better results than with the standard button so i just use what's in the die. For hunting loads that shoot under 2" at 100 yards I just don't think changing the buton makes that much difference. If I were shooting targets and looking for the las possible fraction i might do more experimenting. I do know that my best loads in 30-06 that will consistantly group 1 1/2" at 100 yards, are made with the standard button and a 311 bullet.

[felix]

In single shot rifles, use the least amount of friction that is practical for the boolit and seating requirements. Then adjust powder speed to quicker than what would be expected, to obtain the best accuracy. Heavier seating pressure is required to ignite slower powders properly, such as in revolters, autos, etc. ... felix

[Phil]

Use a Lyman "M" die so you don't shave the bullet when seating it. They will seat a lot easier also.

Cheers,

Phil

[trk]

I'm just starting with cast in .303 with a #4mk1. Have the dies and have the Sinclair die body that holds just an expander. So I'm building a set of expanders every thousandth or so to test how it affects accuracy. The answer won't be tomorrow - too much going on.

[felix]

Don't forget to adjust powder for ignition. You never know if you are on an accuracy edge until you do. ... felix

[wmitty]

Felix, are you saying to adjust charge wt. of a designated powder or to increase burning rate by going to progressively faster powders?

W. Mitty

[454PB]

I also size .311 for several rifles. Seating without damaging the boolit can be difficult, so I made some expander buttons that are interchangable on a 7/8" X 14tpi body.

I have one of the Lee universal expanders and it's a great tool, but doesn't open the length of the neck enough to avoid boolit damage.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v16/eddard49/Homemadeneckexpanders2.jpg

[wmitty]

So as long as the bullet isn't being distorted by the seating operation ( too small case neck I.D.) the added case neck tension is beneficial? I'm using RE-7 and surp 4895 as propellant in these loads.

[wmitty]

454 PB - an excellent Idea! I have tried placing a .309" mandrel in the collet of a bullet puller and running the case necks up onto the mandrel to expand necks but I wasn't sure if I was helping or hurting the situation as I was unable to determine if the mandrel was concentric and vertically aligned with the axis of the case necks ( if any of this makes sense).