Flaring Adjustment

[jeepster]

I am testing some DG 147 FB in .357 and decided to try the Lyman M die prior to bullet seating (I always wanted to play with one of these anyway), so I thought the I could adjust out any flare with the Lee Auto Drum Powder Measure and just use the M die.

The instructions state that you can back the die out (raise it) to reduce flaring, sounds so easy. Well when I raise the powder Thru Expanding Die in order to reduce or eliminate the flare it does not allow for the full upward movement of the Auto Drum mechanism?

After looking at how it works it does not appear that you can use the powder drop properly without flaring the case.

Am I missing something?

[Wobbly]

• And this is with a Lee Classic Turret press ?

• Can you Expand using the M Die first, then move the powder measure and Thru Powder Die to the next die position ?

[jeepster]

Yes to Lee Classic Turret.
 
Yes that is the plan, I was just trying to eliminate unnecessary flaring, also I would like the option of no flare when reloading bullets such as the 147 HAP which no flare is really needed because if the boat tail.

[greenbastard]

Jeepster

I am also using the LCTP with the Lyman M die and the Lee powder through expanding die with the Lee Auto drum mounted on top. I came up against the exact situation that you have encountered. The M die does a great job of expanding and flaring, but once it goes into the powder through expanding die to drop a load of powder, the flare was enlarged too much, which defeated the reason for using the M die. What I did was to remove the expanding plug from the Lee die and grind it down so that it can no longer add any flare. Just don't shorten the expanding plug or the Auto Drum will not operate with it's full range of motion, just grind off enough of the plug's diameter so it won't add any flare. If ever you want to go back to using the powder through expanding die like it originally, Lee sells the expanding plug for $3.00. If you don't have the capability to grind the plug yourself, I believe you can by a new plug and pay Lee a nominal fee to fabricate it for you. I believe that lee used to make a die called the Universal expanding die for this purpose, but quit making it a few years ago. I looked on Ebay and other places to buy one, but had no luck and that is why I decided to modify the plug myself and it works perfectly now. Hope this helps.

[newageroman]

Cool to see others using the M die here. I think the M die is mostly used for bullseye, I haven't really used it much but I might throw it in when I setup the D650 head for the 30-06.
Sounds like a good solution to that issue as well. I'm not super familiar with the lee presses though - their dies are great for the $ though!

As far as the universal decapper, I think pretty much everyone under the sun makes their own version. I use the RCBS version because the single stage was green already so...

[jeepster]

I just reloaded some rounds yesterday with my new setup.

I clean, size (on single press) then hand prime so my cases are sized and primed and stored in that condition. Then to load 1st Lyman M Expander set not all the way down, then powder drop expander set to minimum flare but still full stroke of the Auto Drum, then Lee bullet seater with custom stem, then Hornady taper crimp die to just fit in the case gauge at .377

When I set the DG147 FP .356 into the case it sets just perfectly in the case and setting is smooth and without any bullet shaving.

I have not shot any of these yet but we will see!

[Wobbly]

Sounds like progress !

[SoCal]

Cool to see others using the M die here. I think the M die is mostly used for bullseye

I think a lot of 9 MM action competition shooters use the M die as well, it's the "BEE'S NEES" for reloading with range brass.