djryan13
07-24-2016, 09:31 AM
I am working on 45-70 loads for a Taylor and Co sharps rifle. I have done quite a bit of research including reading the SPG BP primer and Lyman BP handbook but I am grossly confused about something I am seeing. While this example is for black powder, my question is more general as I have now noted this with some smokeless rounds as well.
Details:
Slugged bore to .461 (huge).
I expanded using an RCBS expander plug but even at the highest diameter, when I pull the bullets, the cases had sized them down to .459.
I have since purchased the Track of the Wolf expander plugs in .460, .461, and .462. They were cheap so I did a test.
The .462 gives no neck tension. Obviously.
The .461 gives just a little but doesn't size down the soft lead.
The .460 starts to size lead down a bit.
The books and online say to pick an expander that is .001-.002 SMALLER than bullet diameter. That makes no sense. Why am I casting for a big bore if I only end up sizing the lead down in the case neck?
I am inclined to leave it at .461 and do a minimal (if any) crimp.
What am I missing?
BTW.. This is a great forum. Been haunting it for years (learning a lot) and only recently joined. Figured I would say hello.
Details:
Slugged bore to .461 (huge).
I expanded using an RCBS expander plug but even at the highest diameter, when I pull the bullets, the cases had sized them down to .459.
I have since purchased the Track of the Wolf expander plugs in .460, .461, and .462. They were cheap so I did a test.
The .462 gives no neck tension. Obviously.
The .461 gives just a little but doesn't size down the soft lead.
The .460 starts to size lead down a bit.
The books and online say to pick an expander that is .001-.002 SMALLER than bullet diameter. That makes no sense. Why am I casting for a big bore if I only end up sizing the lead down in the case neck?
I am inclined to leave it at .461 and do a minimal (if any) crimp.
What am I missing?
BTW.. This is a great forum. Been haunting it for years (learning a lot) and only recently joined. Figured I would say hello.