Expander Choices

[lukehalee]

Going to do some serious expanding. Is one style any easier on the brass than another?

Thanks,

Mark

 

[billmo]

I guess the amount of step up would have more to do with it being easier or harder on the brass. If you are going to turn the necks, most guys say to use the same manuf's expander and turning mandrels for consistancy. Bill

 

[Forum Boss]

For Expansion duties, I prefer the bullet-shaped expanders to the conical expanders made by K&M. K&M uses a design with a straight taper, then a distinct transition to full diameter for a reason--for use with a cutter-tipped doughnut cutter, but I've found that design doesn't move in the case neck as easily.

If you plan to turn necks, the key thing is to have the expander mandrel "synchronized" with the neck-turning mandrel. Too small and you'll have too much drag when turning. Too large and the fit of the turning mandrel will be sloppy.

 

[lukehalee]

I'm going from .25 to .358, and just wanted to know if any were a little easier on the brass than others. Also what do you think about annealing between expansions.