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Thread: Expander plug

  1. #1
    Boolit Bub Longfellow's Avatar
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    Expander plug

    Is there a business/machinist out there who makes custom expander plugs? I need one that is considerably longer than standard for 38 special to expand for the full length of a full wadcutter. If I am permitted, I might also want more than one to cover the different case wall thicknesses that you encounter with standard and (Remington) match brass. Let’s start out easy with whomever at least makes longer plugs. We are talking plugs for standard dies. I already have a source for extended length plugs for my Dillon so I’m good there. Yes, I guess I could just use that one station on my Dillion I suppose. I’d prefer a plug for an individual, standard die. Thanks.

  2. #2
    Boolit Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Longfellow View Post
    Is there a business/machinist out there who makes custom expander plugs? I need one that is considerably longer than standard for 38 special to expand for the full length of a full wadcutter. If I am permitted, I might also want more than one to cover the different case wall thicknesses that you encounter with standard and (Remington) match brass. Let’s start out easy with whomever at least makes longer plugs. We are talking plugs for standard dies. I already have a source for extended length plugs for my Dillon so I’m good there. Yes, I guess I could just use that one station on my Dillion I suppose. I’d prefer a plug for an individual, standard die. Thanks.
    Question please.
    Do you plan different inside diameters?? Based on brass thickness??

  3. #3
    Boolit Buddy
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    NOE likely has what you are looking for:

    https://noebulletmolds.com/site/prod...r-plug-pistol/

    They are designed to be used in the Lee universal die that is shown on the upper left of that page. So if you find the required expander, grab one of the Lee dies to use it in.

    45_Colt
    Last edited by 45_Colt; 03-19-2023 at 12:42 PM. Reason: spell/gramm

  4. #4
    Boolit Master

    Tom Myers's Avatar
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    These would probably work well for you.

    38-special-wadcutter-powder-through-expander-kit
    Respectfully,
    Tom Myers
    Precision Shooting Software


  5. #5
    Boolit Bub Longfellow's Avatar
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    These are both great ideas. Thanks guys.

  6. #6
    Boolit Grand Master
    Mk42gunner's Avatar
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    A few years ago when I was first starting to load .38 Special WC in plain .38 brass, none of my expanders were long enough. I ended up buying a Lyman M-die for the .38/.357 family of cartridges. Problem solved.

    Then a few months later I found the set of Lyman .38/.357 dies that I had bought in a box lot at an auction. Now I have two...

    Robert

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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