NOE Expander plugs

[jamesp81]

I think I need one, but not sure which to get.

My 1911 slugs at .4515. My mold's drop at .453 to .455 depending on if I'm doing it right. I've got a Lee push through sizer that sizes them to .4526, which is where I want to be for .4515 groove diameter.

I'm fairly certain my cases are swaging the bases down to .452. So I need a neck expander to mitigate that issue.

The NOE plugs are listed by two diameters. I assume that the first diameter is the how wide it makes the case mouth, and the second being how wide it makes the neck.

If that's so, it makes me think I need the .456 x.452. If I'm right that should give me about 0.0006 interference fit with the base of the bullet with the case neck. Hopefully, combined with a taper crimp, this would be enough to hold the bullet without sizing it from .4526 down to .452.

I do not know if my read of this situation is correct. I wanted to ask those here who know better than I.

[jamesp81]

Also as an FYI: the reason I'm fairly certain my bases are swaging to .452 is based on case measurements before and after loading.

The case walls of the brass in using are 0.01" thick. After loading, case diameter at the base is .472. .472 - (.01 x 2 sides) = .452.

[gpidaho]

If I'm reading it right NOE says to use the expander that matches the bullet for size as in .452 expander for .452 bullet. For me ,I order one thousandths under as in .451 for .452 bullet and may go 2 under for some rifle bullets. I prefer the Noe system to the Lyman M-die. Gp

[dragon813gt]

The NOE plugs are listed by two diameters. I assume that the first diameter is the how wide it makes the case mouth, and the second being how wide it makes the neck.

That's correct. What size to buy is personal preference. I typically use one that's .001 under bullet diameter. Using one that's the same diameter of bullet will still provide bullet tension due to brass springback. This is why I'm saying it's personal preference. It all depends on how much neck tension you're after.

[jamesp81]

That's correct. What size to buy is personal preference. I typically use one that's .001 under bullet diameter. Using one that's the same diameter of bullet will still provide bullet tension due to brass springback. This is why I'm saying it's personal preference. It all depends on how much neck tension you're after.

Makes sense. Leaves me in a lurch though since I'm between .452 and .453. I'll probably give .452 a try first. I'm only out $6.50 if it doesn't work out. As these things go, that's pretty cheap.

[dragon813gt]

Makes sense. Leaves me in a lurch though since I'm between .452 and .453. I'll probably give .452 a try first. I'm only out $6.50 if it doesn't work out. As these things go, that's pretty cheap.

That's why I buy a bunch of different sizes and go from there. I won't pretend that I don't like buying tools as much as anything else. But when you have all options on hand it makes it easy to fix any issues that pop up.