JeffinNZ
06-07-2013, 06:04 AM
Team.
Recently I started messing around making a neck expander for my .223 loading. I started with a 7/8x14 bolt, 2 inches long and using my mini lathe I, after some trial and error, made a three step 'M' die. The expanding mandrel measures .222, .224 and .226 inch. For seating jacketed I will use the .222 and enough of the .224 step to help start the bullet. For cast boolits I will run the mandrel down a bit and expand on the .224 and .226 step.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v505/JeffinNZ/Shooting%20stuff/die_zps3cc007b1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/JeffinNZ/media/Shooting%20stuff/die_zps3cc007b1.jpg.html)
The expander is threaded 1/4x28 and this was cut on the mini lathe. Took three attempts with one thing and another but my first attempt at screw cutting so a good learning curve. The expand 'balls' are wet quench hardened. The body of the die is machined such that the web and shoulder of the case are both supported when the press ram is at its full extent. This keeps things all square....I hope.
Best part is it actually works!
Recently I started messing around making a neck expander for my .223 loading. I started with a 7/8x14 bolt, 2 inches long and using my mini lathe I, after some trial and error, made a three step 'M' die. The expanding mandrel measures .222, .224 and .226 inch. For seating jacketed I will use the .222 and enough of the .224 step to help start the bullet. For cast boolits I will run the mandrel down a bit and expand on the .224 and .226 step.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v505/JeffinNZ/Shooting%20stuff/die_zps3cc007b1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/JeffinNZ/media/Shooting%20stuff/die_zps3cc007b1.jpg.html)
The expander is threaded 1/4x28 and this was cut on the mini lathe. Took three attempts with one thing and another but my first attempt at screw cutting so a good learning curve. The expand 'balls' are wet quench hardened. The body of the die is machined such that the web and shoulder of the case are both supported when the press ram is at its full extent. This keeps things all square....I hope.
Best part is it actually works!