K&M Expander Question

[Dutchman]

Postman just delivered my new K&M neck turning tool last week along with the expander. I'm using a 6mm BRX Whidden FL Bushing sizer with a .263" Bushing to get the neck tension I want. My question is after using the K&M expander and trimming my neck to the proper thickness do I then run the brass through the Bushing die? I'm new at this neck turning and just want to be sure I'm doing this in the right sequence. Thanks

 

[Preacher]

I like to use the expander before and after working the brass over.
I also load them right after using the expander every time...

 

[johara1]

Do yourself a favor and buy a full length non bushing die and then run the expander in for a perfect fit . I don't think Forster makes one for a BRX but one for the BR will work ……….. jim

 

[Dusty Stevens]

To answer your question yes you must size the neck back down after turning before loading

 

[JohnKielly]

=1 to Dusty

 

[Dutchman]

Thanks Dusty............that makes sense.

 

[fredo]

Agree, and just to clarify for a rookie "neck-turner"...

The ExpandIron mandrel is used to open the ID of the neck up so that the case itself will index correctly on the cutter mandrel. At the same time, any eccentricity (variance in thickness) of the necks is now pushed to the OUTSIDE of the neck. With any thicker 'high spots' now on the OD, the neck turner's cutter is able to shave them away to desired diameter. Ideally, the end result is necks with an equal thickness around their circumference...

With the 'truing' aspect now completed, the last step is to utilize a bushing die to dial in the desired neck tension. Bushing selection is usually recommended to be -.002-003" less than the neck diameter of a loaded round...

You'll get the hang of it pretty quick, good luck & have fun!

 

[johara1]

Agree, and just to clarify for a rookie "neck-turner"...

The ExpandIron mandrel is used to open the ID of the neck up so that the case itself will index correctly on the cutter mandrel. At the same time, any eccentricity (variance in thickness) of the necks is now pushed to the OUTSIDE of the neck. With any thicker 'high spots' now on the OD, the neck turner's cutter is able to shave them away to desired diameter. Ideally, the end result is necks with an equal thickness around their circumference...

With the 'truing' aspect now completed, the last step is to utilize a bushing die to dial in the desired neck tension. Bushing selection is usually recommended to be -.002-003" less than the neck diameter of a loaded round...

You'll get the hang of it pretty quick, good luck & have fun!

That is not completely true, the donut area at the shoulder and the neck meet can't be pushed out like the rest of the neck. using a K&M carbide cutter mandrel will take care of this while you turn your necks…… jim

 

[fredo]

I haven't loaded/turned for a BRX, but have wildcatted & turned for a few cartridges.
300SAUM necked down to 6.5 & turned down via K&M equipment. Donut free...

If using a cutter mandrel is mandatory for a BRX, I'll defer to your expertise.