Making an M Die for 38-55 Anyone tell me how?

[Muddy Creek Sam]

I am in the process of trying to learn to use my lathe and Mill. What are the requirements for an M Die? I want to make one for my 38-55 compression die.

Thanks,

Sam :D

[oneokie]

Do you have a die body? Are you only wanting to make just the expander plug?

[Muddy Creek Sam]

Do you have a die body? Are you only wanting to make just the expander plug?

No, I have been using a 44-40 Die Body.

Sam :D

[garandsrus]

Sam,

Here's a page with all the information you need: http://www.lasc.us/Brennan_LymanMDies.htm

If you currently have an M die, you can just make the expander plug and use your existing die.

John

[ktw]

These links might also be useful.

http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech_notes/archive_tech_notes.htm/39
http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech_notes/archive_tech_notes.htm/46

-ktw

[rusty marlin]

If you going to make a new expander anyway, make it as a sleave that floats on a center stem, this way it will follow the centerline of the case and expand the case mouth perfectly centered. I've built these for my .45-70 and .38-55. I made the cores for the sleave to float on from extra bullet seating punches.

[Frank46]

Sam I solved that problem many years ago. Since I already had a few M dies Took one of the least used ones and using grade 8 threaded rod the same size as the hole in the top of the die
Chucked 2.5" lengths of this rod in my lathe and kept cutting until I had what I wanted. Made up a bunch in different sizes. Since the other end where the bolt goes is rough from cutting with the hacksaw faced off the first few damaged threads and chamfered them with the lathe tool. Nuts screw on very easily. Frank

[Hang Fire]

Just my 2 cents. Do you have access to an M die for another caliber? If so, perhaps take all measurements of it, then extrapolate out for what you are interested in.

[Marvin S]

Buy the LEE universal expander die and throw away the flaring plugs that come with it and make your own two step expanders for whatever boolit dia you want.

[.22-10-45]

Hello, Muddy Creek Sam. I turn mine up from either drill rod or air-hardening tool steel. One thing I do different, is instead of the abrubt step, I turn a gentle 2-3deg. taper for flaring case mouth..it is barely descernable, and works brass less.
Also, I usually use a softer alloy for my bullets..so expander dia.'s are made to bullet dia. and .001 & .002 under...One of those will be found to work. I heat treat as hard as I can get & leave them hard & polish to mirror finish. Best of luck!