Are expander dies the same or different -- 380 ACP and 9MM Luger

[gene pool]

Gentlemen,

Here's another question I feel silly for asking, but is the expander on a 9mm Luger die the same as the expander on a .380 ACP die?

I am reloading .380 ACP with cast lead bullets and don't have a .380 expander die. I have been using the expander die for 9mm Luger instead. I am suspicioning that it's expanding deeper in the cases than necessary. I am getting usable ammo however it looks strange in that the cases have two rings--one where the expander bottoms out, and the other where the base of the bullet is. It's only a cosmetic thing, but I was wondering if a genuine .380 die would not cause that with cases.

Does anyone have both sets of dies ... for .380 and 9mm Luger ... and would you mind checking the expanders to see if they are different?

Thank you in advance,
Gene Pool

 

[bheadboy]

The calibers are the same, but the chambers are not the same dia, the 380 is .373 and the 9mm .380 so there is an inherent problem using 9mm dies on the 380 or the reverse.

both use .355 bullets, the difference is the Case wall etc.

Bob

 

[gene pool]

Gentlemen,
Thank you for your inputs--they are valuable to me. I went ahead and ordered a Redding 380 expander die since my other 380 dies are Redding. Hopefully I will get better (or at least better looking) reloads with the correct equipment.

Thanks again,
Gene Pool

 

[bigedp51]

gene pool

Good choice in expander die, the patent Lyman on the type (M) die expired and die manufactures are now copying the design. This will make seating cast bullets much easier with the "step" created at the case mouth.

Below "A" expands the case, "B" creates the step, and "C" flairs the case mouth.

Below Redding dies with the expander die in the center.

 

[arunninghorsegoeswild]

I've used the neck bell die for 9mm on .380.
And heres a can of worms.
I've used the .380 sizing die to remove the bulge on 9mm cases that have base bulge.
I.E. Spent Glock brass.
Heres a video I made.

 

[divingin]

I kind of suspect he worked it out sometime in the past 8 years.

I'll have to remember your trick, though, if I ever start loading for 9mm. And run across an orphaned 380 sizer.