No neck tension?

[ar15barrels]

wouldn't the expander still determine the inside diameter?

Only if the brass is THICK ENOUGH that the sizing die squeezes it down smaller than the expander button.
If the brass is too thin, the sizing die might not size the brass ENOUGH for the expander to expand the neck.

[someoneeasy]

Only if the brass is THICK ENOUGH that the sizing die squeezes it down smaller than the expander button.
If the brass is too thin, the sizing die might not size the brass ENOUGH for the expander to expand the neck.

Gotcha, thanks for the explanation

[NorCalFocus]

Yes. Per instructions.

Not to ask a silly question, but do you have the die turned down far enough?

Okay, but is the decapping rod to far down? Only takes a turn or two to make it sit to deep to keep it from sizing. I did it on my last batch of .308.

[SamGoldstein]

Okay, but is the decapping rod to far down? Only takes a turn or two to make it sit to deep to keep it from sizing. I did it on my last batch of .308.

Decapping rod is even with top of collet.

[pacrat]

Decapping rod is even with top of collet.

May be OK. It's the bottom end that is important.

Quik Tip for depriming/expander adjustment.

Remove the stem from the die. After proper adjustment of sizer die body. Remove it from the press and turn it upside down. Replace the stem. Place shell holder on the die body, situated just like both were in the press. Adjust the stem so the depriming pin is flush with the bottom of shell holder. Bingo done.

Takes as long for me to type the instructions, as it does to do it.

Load safe, shoot straight.

JM2c

[SamGoldstein]

May be OK. It's the bottom end that is important.

Quik Tip for depriming/expander adjustment.

Remove the stem from the die. After proper adjustment of sizer die body. Remove it from the press and turn it upside down. Replace the stem. Place shell holder on the die body, situated just like both were in the press. Adjust the stem so the depriming pin is flush with the bottom of shell holder. Bingo done.

Takes as long for me to type the instructions, as it does to do it.

Load safe, shoot straight.

JM2c

I can do this while the die is still seated in the press. Just have to remove shell holder from press ram and place it up against bottom of die. Then adjust stem appropriately. Thanks for the tip.

[savagemann]

I would suggest to try a small batch of different branded bullets.

[Bumslie]

You sure you're using a FL sizing die and not a collet die?

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[pacrat]

I can do this while the die is still seated in the press. Just have to remove shell holder from press ram and place it up against bottom of die. Then adjust stem appropriately. Thanks for the tip.

Yes, you can. A bit more uncomfortable for a stiff neck ole codger like myself. Holding the SH up against the die mouth in my RCBS "O" press. With my head twisted upside down like a drunken owl trying to see the bottom of the SH while adjusting the stem.

[pacrat]

You sure you're using a FL sizing die and not a collet die?

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If it was a "collet" die, it wouldn't size/deprime/expand in one operation, or even have a depriming/expanding stem.


JM2c

[Bumslie]

If it was a "collet" die, it wouldn't size/deprime/expand in one operation, or even have a depriming/expanding stem.


JM2c

Lee collet dies do have a depriming stem.

Op seems like a newbie so it doesn't hurt to ask some not so obvious questions on why he's having difficulty.

[pacrat]

Lee collet dies do have a depriming stem.

Op seems like a newbie so it doesn't hurt to ask some not so obvious questions on why he's having difficulty.

You are absofreak'nlutely correct sir. Pardon my brainfart.

[Top Cat]

Thin necked brass may not be getting sized enough by the sizing die. Nothing you can do about that except to not reload that brass or try a new sizing die.

The expander ball may be slightly large in diameter, but the bullets should not be loose using what you have.

Getting the neck tension right is important to making good quality ammunition and is why several manufacturers make neck sizing dies with removable neck sizing bushings in a choice of diameters.

Adding a Lee Collet Neck Sizing die is a very inexpensive solution.

[SamGoldstein]

Thin necked brass may not be getting sized enough by the sizing die. Nothing you can do about that except to not reload that brass or try a new sizing die.

The expander ball may be slightly large in diameter, but the bullets should not be loose using what you have.

Getting the neck tension right is important to making good quality ammunition and is why several manufacturers make neck sizing dies with removable neck sizing bushings in a choice of diameters.

Adding a Lee Collet Neck Sizing die is a very inexpensive solution.

And that is exactly what I will do. Already ordered one.

[SamGoldstein]

You sure you're using a FL sizing die and not a collet die?

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Yes