M die for the 22 calibers?

[gishooter]

I've done some searching but do not see an answer. So I'll post my question.

Can I use the same M die for sizing both .223/5.556 and 22 Hornet cases for cast? Will be for the 225438 and the Mihec 5.56 NATO molds.

I currently do not have an M die for either .22 Hornet or the .223. On the Midway website they list different product numbers for each caliber.

Are the M dies really that different between these two?

[waco]

You could go this route.....
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/73...pander-die-224

[sigep1764]

One way to go for both is to buy the Lee Universal expander die, purchase the correct NOE expander plug insert for .22's, and do both 22 calibers.

[gishooter]

I already have a 31 M die that has worked well for cast over the years.

I bought a Lee universal expanding a while back. Worked okay, but not the results I wanted. I'm not sure but the RCBS looks similar in concept to the Lee. Nothing against RCBS. 2/3rds of my reloading gear is RCBS. Much prefer the M die for cast. So want to stick with them for the .22 calibers.

Anybody use a M die in 22 Hornet and .223?

[leadhead 500]

I use the Lyman M die on 223 and load thousands of cast a year for it. I also have the Lee expander, it works but the M die is the best way to go! I think you will need a M die for the hornet because the 223 probably won’t adjust down far enough for the Hornet

[earlmck]

I have one .225 M die I use for all my centerfire 22's from Hornet to Zipper.

[HangFireW8]

Generally you can use one expander for every cartridge in a caliber family, in this case .224"... if that works for you.

For example if you had a very early Hornet (since you mentioned Hornet) with a rimfire standard .222" bore and a tight throat, you might want a second, smaller expander just for that.

I say that not just an mental exercise, since it is highly unlikely you have a .222 bore Hornet. I have some NOE expanders in .308, .309, .310 and .311, I could probably get by with fewer, but I can dial in exactly as much expansion as I desire. This helps in case life, also accuracy because consistent neck tension is a key accuracy factor.

[wmitty]

An alternative to the M die is a collet type bullet puller. A 5/16 “ bolt is easily turned down whatever diameter you want by chucking it in a hand drill and using a mill file to make chips. Polish with wet/ dry sandpaper and save some money. The .30 caliber collet holds the machined pin just fine if you put a slight step in to prevent the pin from being pushed into to collet.

[gishooter]

Thanks for the replies. Having enough adjustment (.223 down to the 22 Hornet) was my primary concern.
The rifle is an Anschutz in .22 Hornet. Very accurate with jacketed. My first attempts with cast were okay. But I believe most of that was due to the uneven neck tension when I tried the Lee universal expander.
Purchased 200 pieces of virgin brass, fire formed, neck turned etc. So choice of expanding die is the last thing to do.
I could easily machine a longer expander. But time is money. Need to finish priority work in the shop.

[earlmck]

I should have mentioned I always order the "M" die for the shortest cartridge I am going to use it on, otherwise Lyman will give you a setup that won't work on shorter cases until you cut some off the bottom of the die body.

[MT Gianni]

You can use the same button but the hornet may not fit in the rifle M Die. The reason for two part #s may be the shorter case needs the pistol die.

[Blammer]

yes they will both work, look at NOE's neck sizer dies and flairing tools, they work well and are probably a bit cheaper.