I recently purchased a Redding 3 die set for my 458 Lott. Last night when we set up for the first time it appears that the expander plug on the EXP die may be the incorrect length. Unless you turn the die back considerably the expander plug goes so far into the case it makes it look like Elmer Fudds muzzle loader. I know Redding have a great reputation and i bought their brand specifically from good reports that i have seen on AR. Either i am doing something wrong or there is a mix up on the die set. See picture and attached and let me know what you think

Thanks

I'd call Redding and explain it to them.

Hey Manyathelo, Great Flick which appears to show the actual problem.

You DO NOT need to screw the Neck Expansion "Die" in until it touches the Shell Holder.

Try this:
1. Screw the Die - without the Expander - into the Press until you just see threads extending below the top of the Press. Lightly secure the Jam Nut.
2. Place a Case in the Shell Holder and Raise the Ram.
3. Now screw the Expander into the Die until you can feel it touch the Case Mouth.
4. Lower the Ram.
5. "Barely" screw the Expander into the Die just a bit more.
6. Raise the Ram and lower it.
7. See if a Bullet will now set atop the Case Mouth and balance well.
8. If it does you are done. If not repeat from step 3 down.

You normally just need to Flare the Case Mouth a tiny amount to get the Base of the Bullet to enter straight. I've not used that specific Die Set, but that is the way they normally work for me.

However, you "might" need to screw the Expander in until the Flare on it begins to Flare the Case. Just depends on how that Set is Designed.

But, your initial concern is correct, you only want to Flare it just barely enough to get the Bullet started into the Case Mouth.

Best of luck to you.

HC pretty much nailed it.

HC got it ...
and if you can't get it right, due to being too long, back the expander die out itself.
it just needs to flare a tiny bit

Contacted Redding and it appears they had mistakenly assembled the wrong expander plug in the die.

They shipped a new one immediately and i have already received it in Africa - great service from Redding!