Mandrels

[Ken6PPC]

I still use lube with carbide mandrels. Why wouldn't you use this simple step to help increase consistency?

However, I can't say that I have ever tried it without lube, so perhaps it isn't helping anything. To me, it is easy enough to do, that I kept using lube, even after changing to carbide mandrels.

 

[JackWagon]

21st Century is the bomb as they make .0005 half sizes. I quit using bushing dies a few years ago so now I FL size and get the shoulder bump just right and a mandrel for neck tension. Along with annealing each firing it is really consistent.

 

[Charlie-NY]

I still use lube with carbide mandrels. Why wouldn't you use this simple step to help increase consistency?

However, I can't say that I have ever tried it without lube, so perhaps it isn't helping anything. To me, it is easy enough to do, that I kept using lube, even after changing to carbide mandrels.

I've got carbide pistol dies that are sold with the idea that you never need to lube the cases. Lubing cases isn't too bad but getting the lube off is a PITN. (neck)

Getting the lube out of the inside of the neck would require tumbling which I like to keep to a minimum.

 

[Charlie-NY]

21st Century is the bomb as they make .0005 half sizes. I quit using bushing dies a few years ago so now I FL size and get the shoulder bump just right and a mandrel for neck tension. Along with annealing each firing it is really consistent.

I looked at the 21st Centry site and the black mandrels in .0005 sizes doesn't state that they are carbide. The only carbide mandrels that I saw were for neck turning. What am I missing?

 

[Ken6PPC]

I've got carbide pistol dies that are sold with the idea that you never need to lube the cases. Lubing cases isn't too bad but getting the lube off is a PITN. (neck)

Getting the lube out of the inside of the neck would require tumbling which I like to keep to a minimum.

For the most part, I am fireforming after turning case necks, so getting all of the lube out of the inside of the neck doesn't concern me all that much.

For when I lube a mandrel to expand the neck after F/L sizing (almost always use a steel mandrel for this purpose), I use Acetone or Isopropyl Alcohol on a Q-Tip.

 

[Murray Brook]

I don't mandrel much but when I do I find the the Lee lube works good. Very easy to remove and Lee stated that once dry it would have no effect on gunpowder. Works for me.

 

[Ken6PPC]

I looked at the 21st Centry site and the black mandrels in .0005 sizes doesn't state that they are carbide. The only carbide mandrels that I saw were for neck turning. What am I missing?

I don't think steel is much of a disadvantage for expanding. Only when you are spinning the case on a tight fitting mandrel while neck turning is the cost of a carbide mandrel necessary and justified, IMO.

I think the fact that the OP referred to using a mandrel for BOTH expanding and neck turning has caused some confusion, and I probably didn't help that... Sorry!

 

[Ken6PPC]

I was wondering about this. Why is TN, black nitride, and carbide better for neck expanding? I understand the need for carbide for cutting tools, but brass over stainless steel seems to be enough right? I guess unless you are expanding a very large amount.

I only have ever used stainless steel and the expander plugs are just as nice as the day I bought them.

To clarify my previous posts, I don't really see enough advantage to carbide to justify the additional cost, FOR EXPANDING ONLY!

 

[JackWagon]

I looked at the 21st Centry site and the black mandrels in .0005 sizes doesn't state that they are carbide. The only carbide mandrels that I saw were for neck turning. What am I missing?

I use the stainless steel ones and dry lube or you will get buildup on the mandrel. Been using mine for a few years and no wear on them.

 

[Charlie-NY]

I think I'll carefully check the actual diameters of the Sinclair E & T mandrels that I already have and see if they are usable, at least as a start.

I have white mica powder that was used to lube the outside of necks at one time and I've got a tub of moly powder with SS shot that I could use. Is one preferable to the other?

 

[fkimble@charter.net]

A mandrel is a mandrel. Diameter is the main thing. Material is the other thing. Yes, for turning, the coated or carbide material has more going for it!

Frank