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View Full Version : Who makes a .38 S&W expander plug?



Jtarm
05-21-2021, 04:53 PM
I’d like to get an oversized expander for loading .38 spl wadcutters, like the cowboy dies, but looks like RCBS discontinued them.

zarrinvz24
05-21-2021, 04:55 PM
You can get a custom one made by CH-4d. I think some of the custom mold companies can make them as well.

n.h.schmidt
05-21-2021, 05:22 PM
Lee still has the powder through expander die plug in 38SW. Some have gone to that for loading oversized 9mm . It's just the plug.You wold have to use a regular 38 special powder through expander die for it. Not expensive at about $5.

Gray Fox
05-21-2021, 05:23 PM
Have you tried calling RCBS customer service? I've had great luck with them for some odd things. GF

Randy Bohannon
05-21-2021, 06:44 PM
Figure out what size you want ,go to Buffalo Arms web site and get one of theirs,you can order specifically for a pistol cartridge in bunch of variations They are the best expander made , they make them for all popular dies, I do not load cast bullets without one. They actually expand a decent depth and not bell ,everything else leaves a bell. Their $ $20.00 a piece and you will have to call them then they will make it,everything dies or moulds on their web site says out of stock. Call them you won’t be disappointed you might have to wait a few weeks but worth it.

Jtarm
05-21-2021, 07:11 PM
Lee still has the powder through expander die plug in 38SW. Some have gone to that for loading oversized 9mm . It's just the plug.You wold have to use a regular 38 special powder through expander die for it. Not expensive at about $5.

Yeah I saw that. I may go that route.

Jtarm
05-22-2021, 11:47 AM
So, follow up question: what is the diameter of a .38 S&W expander plug?

onelight
05-22-2021, 01:52 PM
My Lee powder through 38 S&W is .355 to 356 the bell section goes up to .369

deltaenterprizes
05-24-2021, 12:40 PM
I can do that!
Expander should be.002-.004” smaller than boolit diameter!

Conditor22
05-24-2021, 01:03 PM
I use the NOE expander plugs.

Unlike many people, I use a plug the same size as mu boolit. The brass springs back .001 and I get a tight fit without downsizing my boolit.

for those that go -"Expander should be.002-.004” smaller than boolit diameter!", pull a seated boolit and measure the diameter,