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Thread: Case neck expansion tool

  1. #1
    Boolit Bub
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    Dec 2020
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    Case neck expansion tool

    I load on occasion with a lee loader in the red and black box and I primarily use lead boolits. I have no issue per say with the factory bell punch, yet with the success I have had recently with m dies I wonder if a flare tool based on m die dimensions would be equally satisfactory with a lee loader?

    I have access to a lathe and o1 tool steel so I feel a quality expander is within my ability to make if this is a good idea.

    What is your thoughts on this?

  2. #2
    Boolit Buddy
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    I make expander's that go in a Lee thru powder die. I make special sizes for my paper patch bullets.

  3. #3
    Boolit Bub
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    I have made an 44 magnum m die powder thru expander for my lee powder measure and I thoroughly enjoyed the project. I learned a great deal about how lee thinks through their processes.

  4. #4
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    W.R.Buchanan's Avatar
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    You might try a pair of Needle Nosed Pliers stuck into the case mouth and rotated, which delivers a nice flare on the case mouth which allows Boolits to start easily and not shave lead.

    Simple and effective and right in line with a Lee Classic Loader.

    Randy
    "It's not how well you do what you know how to do,,,It's how well you do what you DON'T know how to do!"
    www.buchananprecisionmachine.com

  5. #5
    Boolit Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by W.R.Buchanan View Post
    You might try a pair of Needle Nosed Pliers stuck into the case mouth and rotated, which delivers a nice flare on the case mouth which allows Boolits to start easily and not shave lead.

    Simple and effective and right in line with a Lee Classic Loader.

    Randy
    THAT is a fine idea. It works too!

    I've done it but it's been years ago and has never occurred to me to share it.

  6. #6
    Boolit Master
    Scrounge's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by 1hole View Post
    THAT is a fine idea. It works too!

    I've done it but it's been years ago and has never occurred to me to share it.
    Not everyone has all the latest toys. And not everyone has the clear vision to see how to do things that you don't have the latest toys for, but will work, if perhaps not "just as well." I've spent a lot of my time broke and poor, and learned a lot of, let's call them "different" ways to get stuff done. I also collect aphorisms, and one I really like could well be the unofficial motto of the USMC: Semper Gumby! Always flexible! Or you can use the real unofficial motto: Improvise, adapt, and overcome!

    When you have a problem and can't buy the latest tooling to fix it, or can't wait for it to be delivered, take a look around and see what you can find that will do the job, even if only just this once. And sharing that idea, as Randy did, is a good thing. I'm all for buying or making new tools, but sometimes you just need to do it now, with whatever will work. Later, when you have the fancy tools, you can remember how much easier it is now, but you may keep going back to that simple method or tool, just because you feel like, once in a while. And it may be all you ever need.

    Bill

  7. #7
    Boolit Master

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    I make my own expander plugs for the Lee Universal Expander dies. In the close up image, you can see two diameters. The first expands the case about .003" under bullet size. The second step is about .002" over bullet diameter. That second step is only run into the case about 1/16". This allows the bullet to start easily and stay in alignment. It also prevents excess stretching of the case mouth that can lead to splits.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails 44 exp 2.jpg   44 exp 1.jpg  

  8. #8
    Boolit Master

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    I also make my own neck size bushings for the Lee Universal Expander die. Needless to say, I like these dies and have a lot of them, each set up for a specific use.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails 20210221_101703_copy_1046x788_copy_699x526.jpg   20210221_101740_copy_1046x1492_copy_699x997.jpg   20210221_095824_copy_699x690.jpg   20210221_100422_copy_1046x740_copy_699x494.jpg   20210221_100553_copy_1046x279_copy_699x186.jpg  


  9. #9
    Boolit Master
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    I will also attest to needle nose pliers working satisfactorily. Pretty quick as well!

    Nice work, ndn. I make some dies and a lot of jags as well.
    "In general, the art of government is to take as much money as possible from one class of citizens and give it to another class of citizens" Voltaire'

    The common virtue of capitalism is the sharing of equal opportunity. The common vice of socialism is the equal sharing of misery

    NRA Benefactor 2008

  10. #10
    Boolit Grand Master

    Wayne Smith's Avatar
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    If you have lathe and want experience this is probably an excellent opportunity. Look at what NOE makes to add to the Lee expansion die, look at the Lyman M die, and figure out what you need, draw it up and make it.
    Wayne the Shrink

    There is no 'right' that requires me to work for you or you to work for me!

  11. #11
    Boolit Buddy

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    I don't have a lathe so bought the NOE expander to use in a Lee universal expander die.

  12. #12
    Boolit Grand Master

    gwpercle's Avatar
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    Get an NOE expander plug of the dimensions you wish and use your mallet to tap it into the case just like you would do the factory expander ... should work like a charm .
    This tip is for those of us who can't make things like this ... if you have the tools , talent and ability then make whatever you need ... you guys are good .
    Gary
    Certified Cajun
    Proud Member of The Basket of Deplorables
    " Let's Go Brandon !"

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Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check