Which die for tapered expander?

[Caduceus]

I just re-read Al Nyhus' excellent advice on case forming for the 30BR and have a question regarding the one step neck expansion method.

I've previously been using Sinclair expanders in multiple stages but I've seen the light and want to go over to the one step method. I bought a Redding tapered expander button but don't think I have a suitable die to put it into.

Al says, "this button can be used in any Redding die that has a large enough inside diameter to accept the BR case without any case-to-die contact".

Well, the closest I've got is a type-S FL 308 Winchester die and although it works, it's also sizing the body of the case at the same time. I can't imagine it's sizing it too much since the bottom half of a BR case should be the same as a 308 and it certainly doesn't touch the neck or shoulder however, it just doesn't seem right.

Anybody want to suggest a specific die that is the best one to use for fitting the 30cal tapered expander into for 30BR case forming? A part number would be great too :thumb:

Thanks,

 

[Forum Boss]

Your FL die is intended to size the case a bit. If you want to expand the necks without touching the case, raise the die relative to the shellholder and reset the locking rim. Because the 6BR case has a slight taper this should eliminate almost all case contact. For those who use the std Redding expander ball,as opposed to the optional tapered button Caduceus has) you may have to adjust the decapping rod downwards.

PS, some folks have good luck necking to 30 caliber in one pass. Others will run a 6.5 or 7mm expander followed by the 30 caliber.

If you have the K&M Expandiron body or equivalent Sinclair expander holder, you can also expand the necks without touching the cases. It's worth buying such a product because it is necessary if you ever neck-turn your cases.

 

[Caduceus]

Actually, I answered my own question when I got home tonight. I also had a RCBS universal decapping die but didn't think to use it before. You know, Redding expander, RCBS die - that's not going to work right? Wrong.

The thread size on the decapping pins are identical so the Redding tapered expander plug fits the RCBS universal decapping die body just fine.

Boy, the result was worthwhile. One pass and wham, bam, thank you ma'am 6mm BR is now 30BR. I'm only using a puny RCBS partner press and even it has plenty of leverage to get the job done without any fuss.

I'm a convert.