M die help request

[truckmsl]

I'm thinking of using an M die for my .314 diameter 7.62x39 rounds. Lyman recommends the 30S die for 7.62x39 but it looks to me like the 32P pistol plug has the correct step diameters (.313, .317) for the .314 boolits. Are the pistol plugs compatible with the rifle dies? If so, does my plan make sense to you M die users?

[Patrick L]

I believe they are all interchangable. In fact, Dean Grennel used to write all the time about making custom plugs for his M dies since they just threaded in with a standard thread size. I want to say 8-32 or 10-32, but I can't recall.

[mike in co]

I believe they are all interchangable. In fact, Dean Grennel used to write all the time about making custom plugs for his M dies since they just threaded in with a standard thread size. I want to say 8-32 or 10-32, but I can't recall.

me thinks you could call lyman and ask....

mike in co

[truckmsl]

Thanks Patrick for the response. Mike, I did contact Lyman before posting here, with the specifics, and all they suggested was the 30 S die for 7.62x39, but did not address the issue of using the larger .314 diameter boolit.

[beagle]

The "plugs" themselves are all interchangeable and were available from Lyman seperately.

Pretty easy to make one to your specs as has been pointed out, they use a standard 10-32 thread. If you have a lathe available or a friend with one , knock out what you want./beagle

[Maven]

"...I did contact Lyman before posting here, with the specifics, and all they suggested was the 30 S die for 7.62x39, but did not address the issue of using the larger .314 diameter boolit."

truckmsl, I used the 30S M-die when loading .314" CB's for my Type 56 SKS. It worked extremely well, btw.

[truckmsl]

Great info - thanks all!

[jlchucker]

Try it and find out. Several years ago I ordered a 25 short M die for loading 25-20. What came back was a 25 die all right, but it didn't work for me. I couldn't lower the stem down enough. When I contacted Lyman (you could do that easily back then) they sent me a new plug and stem. That solved my problem.

[Calamity Jake]

Semi autos need a tighter neck tension and a good crimp to stop boolit movement during cycle
The 30S should be what you want. Ask for a second (.312) expander
For a bolt gun I would go for the .313 dia.
You need only one die body with expanders for the calibers you load.

[JSnover]

Great info - thanks all!

Put your request in the swappin/sellin section. There's half a dozen guys here that can make you one for short money.

[JSH]

If some one gets board this winter and fires up and makes some of these, there are a few I need. I would just as soon give some one here the $ as lyman.
jeff

[stubshaft]

PM Buckshot. He has made me a number of items from sizers to plugs for an M die. His prices are reasonable and his work is outstanding.

[Rattlesnake Charlie]

The pistol M-dies are not as long at those designed for rifle cartridges. I have the pistol set, and it does not extend far down the neck for most rifle cartridges. If using straight WW, it might work. If using some alloy softer, the bullets might deform, as I recently experienced in trying to use the .32 ACP through expander die when loading some .30-30 with a 50/50 WW/Pb alloy. The true rifle expanders are longer. Hope this helps.