What size expander mandrel 6br

[josebd]

I do use a Wilson fl bushing die, loaded round measures .269 outside the neck, I’ve been seeing alot of posts about running an expander mandrel before seating bullet,is it really necessary??
If it is what size do I need for .001-.002-.003 neck tension?
Lapua brass

 

[Bill Norris]

I do use a Wilson fl bushing die, loaded round measures .269 outside the neck, I’ve been seeing alot of posts about running an expander mandrel before seating bullet,is it really necessary??
If it is what size do I need for .001-.002-.003 neck tension?
Lapua brass

When seating bullets I like to use a mandrel that is .003 smaller than the bullet diameter. Some times one may need to drop down with the bushing size in order to get the feel desired of the bullet being seated.

 

[josebd]

When seating bullets I like to use a mandrel that is .003 smaller than the bullet diameter. Some times one may need to drop down with the bushing size in order to get the feel desired of the bullet being seated.

Thank you bill!

 

[Bill Norris]

Most welcome.

 

[josebd]

Do you think I need a .242 mandrel?
Or just get .240-.241?

 

[Bill Norris]

Do you think I need a .242 mandrel?
Or just get .240-.241?

I would try .240 first.

 

[Bill Norris]

Basing that on bullet diameter of .243

 

[josebd]

Ok I’m going with 21st century
Will this work for the mandrel?
The die body?

 

[Bc'z]

That's a lot of dough to achieve what a bushing is already doing

 

[Bill Norris]

I use K & M expanders and die but I believe that should work for you.

 

[josebd]

That's a lot of dough to achieve what a bushing is already doing

I bet bill can explain to you why it’s worth it

 

[JFrank]

@josebd
What size bushing are you using in the die at this time ?

 

[josebd]

.266-.267

 

[Bill Norris]

I bet bill can explain to you why it’s worth it

Well, not real sure if it is really that important but it does make sense by running the mandrel in the case neck after the bushing that it would move all the high spots in the neck walls back to the outside surface.

 

[Bc'z]

I bet bill can explain to you why it’s worth it

I doubt it...
Some of us are in the camp that the bullet is a mandrel.
You can just as easily control interference fit with your bushings and only move the brass once.

 

[JFrank]

.266-.267

A little testing to be sure but mine always shot well with. .266 = about .003 bullet hold ( without using a mandrel ) a .240 mandrel will do about the same thing.

 

[josebd]

I doubt it...
Some of us are in the camp that the bullet is a mandrel.
You can just as easily control interference fit with your bushings and only move the brass once.

lol ok

 

[Bill Norris]

I doubt it...
Some of us are in the camp that the bullet is a mandrel.
You can just as easily control interference fit with your bushings and only move the brass once.

Yea, this is why I said I'm not sure. It could be a waste of time and moving the brass more than needed for sure. I learned long time ago there is NO ABSOLUTES with this stuff. Whatever works for an individual is not universal by no means.

 

[Bc'z]

Yea, this is why I said I'm not sure. It could be a waste of time and moving the brass more than needed for sure. I learned long time ago there is NO ABSOLUTES with this stuff. Whatever works for an individual is not universal by no means.

Agreed...
Here's a thought for those that mandrel
after FL sizing with a bushing
Load 5 each same interference fit
Half bushing, half bushing and mandrel.
Now shoot the difference.
Or can you?

 

[Bill Norris]

Agreed...
Here's a thought for those that mandrel
after FL sizing with a bushing
Load 5 each same interference fit
Half bushing, half bushing and mandrel.
Now shoot the difference.
Or can you?

There you go. That is exactly what I'm saying.