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Zee
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Lyman Type M Expander Die - Anybody use them?

I am having to expand the case mouth on my .357 Mag loads a fair amount to avoids striping lead off the cast bullet as it seats. Supposedly, over time, this will cause premature splits to the case mouth (according to interwebs).
The recommendation I read is to go with the Lyman Type M Expander Die.
http://www.lymanproducts.com/lyman/dies/pistolmdie.php
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/174363/lyman-neck-expander-m-die-38-special-357-magnum-357-maximum?cm_vc=ProductFinding

Anybody have experience one way or the other using this die? Suggestions? Yes? No? Maybe? Bob's your uncle?
The recommendation I read is to go with the Lyman Type M Expander Die.
http://www.lymanproducts.com/lyman/dies/pistolmdie.php
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/174363/lyman-neck-expander-m-die-38-special-357-magnum-357-maximum?cm_vc=ProductFinding

Anybody have experience one way or the other using this die? Suggestions? Yes? No? Maybe? Bob's your uncle?
"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
Replies
Those are my current dies (Lee) and I'm glad to hear that your cases are lasting. I was just surprised at the greater amount of case mouth expanding I was having to impart with the non GC bullets in the .357 Mag. To the point it is a tight fit in the seating die!
I was just curious.
Oh ok. I saw that RCBS makes "Cowboy" dies specifically for lead bullets. Didn't know their regular expander already did that extra expansion.
One thing that helps is running the bullets through a LuberSizer to reduce the diameter slightly from the "as cast" dimension- - - -it requires less case mouth expanding that way.
Jerry
Not worth the effort- - - - -just stay away from nickel-plated cases for cast bullet loads as the plating flakes off and gets into places it doesn't belong.
Jerry
I know you have earlier, but have you CAREFULLY re-read the instructions. Almost all the reloading issues I've had were maladjusted dies, my own fault from doing things from memory, especially if it has been awhile switching from rifle to pistol. If something doesn't feel or look right as you reload , stop immediately backup and find out why.
Maybe it's just a an idiosyncrasy with how those particular bullets are made. Have you tried other hard cast brands/makes to see if the same issues arise? If I saw shaved lead rings or lead being squeezed over the case mouth I would make the case mouth bell a bit bigger until they seated smoothly.
It sure seems like a fact of life that bullets made/shaped/lubed and heavier or lighter than the nominal caliber weight sure have their own set of particulars to be dealt with by reloaders.
Words of wisdom from Big Chief: Flush twice, it's a long way to the Mess Hall
I'd rather have my sister work in a whorehouse than own another Taurus!
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Jerry