I read on Graybeard.com that Veral Smith, for his LBT bullets, says it's best to have the case neck expander .0002" under the cast bullets sized dimension. Here is my example:

My .452" bullets should have a case neck expander made to a diamerter of .4518". My Redding expander is .449". I called Redding. Their tech says they make them .449" to .450". They do not handle custom orders for this.

Any suggestions.

Alan

Take your expander to any Gunsmith or Machine Shop and they will make you whatever size you want.

quote:

Originally posted by GSSP:
I read on Graybeard.com that Veral Smith, for his LBT bullets, says it's best to have the case neck expander .0002" under the cast bullets sized dimension.

That's not very much neck tension. Is the figure not 0.002"? The expander in a standard die set is usually for jacketed bullets. However, your bullet's 0.452" measurement conforms to the jacketed spec; cast bullets are typically 0.454".

If you need more expansion, Lyman's "M"die is stepped for both diameters. Redding's later expanders are of similar design.

I think you read that wrong. a 0.0002" is almost not even measurealbe & brass will flex more than that upon sizing. I like my expanders at least 0.002" smaller, so the .452" bullet wants a .450" expander.

For 45 Colt cast bullets are typically TWO sizes. One is .454 and the other is .452. This is because the old original Colt had along the lines of a .454 groove in the barrel. The newer revolvers today average around .451 to .452.

If you have a drill press or a hand drill take your expander plug out of the die and chuck it in your drill press. Take a file and wrap some find sand paper on it, say like 400 grit and press it evenly to the plug. Just do a little at a time and measure it. When getting close switch of like 600 or 880 grit for a fine smooth finish. You can put your hand drill in a vise to hold if you do it carefully and pad it. Don't use a lot of pressure on the jaws.

If you have the Hornady expander die that you can't take apart you are shit out of luck. One thing I hate about Hornadys pistol dies.

Joe

one answer is the universal case expander from lee.

http://www.surplusrifle.com/sh...adingtools/index.asp

budman