Lyman M-die for 38 Special

[PBSmith]

I see these advertised as Part # LY7341801 but none of the sellers nor Lyman give the two diameters of the expander plug.

There's a chart kicking around somewhere on this website that gives expander plug dimensions. I'd rather get the numbers from someone who owns this particular M-die and knows how to read a micrometer.

Thanks.

Edit: No need to waste ink in telling me about the NOE product. I have them and know their merits. Just interested now in the Lyman product.

[Rattlesnake Charlie]

The Lyman pistol through M-die has correct for .38 spl.

[Ed_Shot]

My Lyman 38/357 M1-Die expander plug (die set purchased in the late 60's) reads .355" on the first step and .360" on the second step. The expander plug stem is stamped "38P".

[PBSmith]

My Lyman 38/357 M1-Die expander plug (die set purchased in the late 60's) reads .355" on the first step and .360" on the second step. The expander plug stem is stamped "38P".

Ed, Thanks.

[bedbugbilly]

OP - I have a set of the old Lyman AA (All American dies - steel. Unfortunately, they are in AZ and I am in MI right. If I remember correctly - and someone can correct me on this if I am - the expander die in the old AA set is the same as the M-die - so if you are looking for the M die and can't find one in stock, you might be able to pick up an old set of the AA dies cheaper?

[Ed_Shot]

Is this what you are looking for?

http://ps-2.kev009.com/ohland/Cast_Bullet/Lyman_M-Dies/Lyman_M-Die_Plugs.html

[uscra112]

Plugs for the M-die body are easily made if you have a lathe. Threaded rod comes from McMaster-Carr. 302652

[PBSmith]

Plugs for the M-die body are easily made if you have a lathe. Threaded rod comes from McMaster-Carr. 302652

Nice work 112. No lathe here. At one time, I did fashion an expander from a bolt, using a drill press and mill file. The results were - shall we say - "primitive."

[PBSmith]

Is this what you are looking for?

http://ps-2.kev009.com/ohland/Cast_Bullet/Lyman_M-Dies/Lyman_M-Die_Plugs.html

Ed, I believe that's the source of information on which the Castboolits thread is base. My foggy memory relays an even foggier message about changes in Lyman products that might have included dimensions on some of the plugs. Of late, my successes on crap shoots have been nothing to brag about. Thus my interest in actual measurements.

[PBSmith]

Thanks Billy, MIght look into that.

[Jtarm]

I use the seater plugs from Buffalo Arms or NOE.

[Char-Gar]

The Lyman M die has a .355 expander and is made for jacketed bullets. This can be too small for less than rock hard cast bullets. The Lyman 310/Tru-Line Jr. expanders came in .357 and .358. I used them with the correct adapter in my reloading pressed. The second step usually runs around. 360.

[PBSmith]

The Lyman M die has a .355 expander and is made for jacketed bullets. This can be too small for less than rock hard cast bullets. The Lyman 310/Tru-Line Jr. expanders came in .357 and .358. I used them with the correct adapter in my reloading pressed. The second step usually runs around. 360.

Thanks Char. Better to know now than later.

[uscra112]

I use the seater plugs from Buffalo Arms or NOE.

The NOE plugs for use in the mis-named Lee Universal Expander die are so cheap that I idon't make my own anymore.