Newbie needs help reloading 7.62x25 for Rom. TT-33

[blano86]

I finally broke down and got me a Romanian Tokarev. I have to wait 10 days to get it... I already reload for my mosins, mauser, M1 etc. I use Lee dies and press. I was on Midway looking for stuff for the 7.62x25 and the Lee 3 die set comes with a 'Powder Through Expander Die'. What in the heck is that, and what is it used for? Do I also need the factory crimp die? Reloading for the mosins is easy but this die is new to me. Basically what I am asking is: What do I need to get in Lee Dies and are there any different steps in reloading handgun compared to rifle?
I just bought some red dot powder. Is that a good powder?

Any help will be appreciated
Blano86

[Brasspolisher]

That's pretty much a standard Lee feature on pistol dies. The expander comes with a nut you can screw in to the top of the die that's like a small funnel so you can charge the case manually at the expansion step, or screw in an AutoDisk powder measure and have the press measure and drop a charge in each case for you while you just work the press arm. I use the latter for 7.62x25 and it's a real no-muss, no-fuss operation (especially given that on the bench it's a fairly 'tippy' small-mouthed case).

If you're loading bottle-necked rifle rounds already, you should be fine with this round. Everything except bullet diameter is just a little smaller than 'normal.' Read the instructions that come with the dies a couple times, but the process should be pretty familiar (don't forget your techniques for lightly lubing the cases prior to sizing, etc.).

I don't have the separate crimp die in this caliber, but I like them in the other calibers I use, and all the reviews on Midway are hugely positive: http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=139832

So thanks, it looks like you just made me buy another toy!

Don't have a load for Red Dot in this caliber, but I use it in a couple others and like it - one of the best things it does is make reliable light loads for milsurp rifles, so you might find it verrrrry useful. Google "Ed Harris The Load" and enjoy!