purpose of extended shell holders?

[oconeedan]

This may be a dumb question, but what is the purpose of extended shell holders, or using a shell holder extension? I have loaded a very long time, and have never had the need....I think.
Dan

[challenger_i]

Extended shell holders are used with file trim dies.

[Sam Sackett]

Extended shell holders are also used when pulling pistol bullets. It raises them high enough above the press frame to allow them to be held but side cutters, etc, then the ram is lowered. Voila! Bullet pulled from case and if you are careful, no spilled powder. I find this easier than a hammer type puller.

Sam Sackett

[Blkpwdrbuff]

Also used in reforming cases to different cartridges.

[G W Wade]

50 years of reloading and I have never used one either GW

[poppy42]

I make my own 9x18 brass from 9x19. I use a file trim die. Impossible to do without an extended shell holder.

[Czech_too]

Extended shell holders are also used with Vickerman style dies.
https://www.vickermandie.com/products/

[imashooter2]

I used one with a Lee Ram Prime once. Used them when pulling bullets with diagonal cutters too.

Just another tool in the toolbox. Sometimes you want to raise the shell holder instead of lower the die.

[hd09]

some calibers in rcbs competition seaters

[jsizemore]

I learned something today. Thanks for the question and answers!

[Texas by God]

They were included with T/C .30 & .357 Herret dies, if I remember right.


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[oconeedan]

Thank you folks! I learned a lot.
imashooter2, your comment got me to thinking. It would be neat if they made a set of shell holders to go with dies meant for several calibers. I'm thinking die sets for 38 sp, 357 mag, 357 max...with 3 different shell holders, you don't need to adjust the bullet seater die, just change the shell holder. Maybe I'm over thinking it.

[imashooter2]

Thank you folks! I learned a lot.
imashooter2, your comment got me to thinking. It would be neat if they made a set of shell holders to go with dies meant for several calibers. I'm thinking die sets for 38 sp, 357 mag, 357 max...with 3 different shell holders, you don't need to adjust the bullet seater die, just change the shell holder. Maybe I'm over thinking it.

I’ve seen .38/.357 die sets with a spacer washer to go under the die lock ring. MAX isn’t popular enough that I’d think the extra sales would justify the cost of including an additional spacer for those that didn’t need it.

[Tall]

Old West uses extended shell holders - made from brass - to move the cartridge inside a Lee Factory Crimp Die in order to effect a crimp on a heeled bullet. The extended shell holder is - in this case - adjustable.

Link: https://oldwestbulletmoulds.com/shop/ols/products/38-long-and-short-colt-heel-bullet-crimp-die

[imashooter2]

Old West uses extended shell holders - made from brass - to move the cartridge inside a Lee Factory Crimp Die in order to effect a crimp on a heeled bullet. The extended shell holder is - in this case - adjustable.

Link: https://oldwestbulletmoulds.com/shop/ols/products/38-long-and-short-colt-heel-bullet-crimp-die

That’s interesting. The one I have is just a simple ram extension.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1011036653?pid=225116

[Shawlerbrook]

It’s information like this that makes me visit everyday.

[dogrunner]

Purpose? Obviously to destroy balance and wind up with a heavier and less ergonomic shootin' piece!

[Eddie Southgate]

Purpose? Obviously to destroy balance and wind up with a heavier and less ergonomic shootin' piece!

Somebody been sniffing Python dust ?

[rintinglen]

I make my own 9x18 brass from 9x19. I use a file trim die. Impossible to do without an extended shell holder.

+1 Back in the 90's I got a Bulgarian Mak and used an RCBS trim die with an extension shell holder to shorten 9mm luger brass. That die was weird looking. Kinda resembled an iron wedding ring for a skeleton.