Lee Expander Powder Die

ShootingNut · February 14, 2008, 04:49 PM

Since I set up my Lee turret with .45 ACP dies, it seems as if I can't get much flare to the casings when I keep screwing in the expander die.
I have my Pro Powder installed, but I get barely enough flare to keep from shaving lead when seating, and yet the die is screwed in almost to the end of the threads!
Any thoughts from those of you using the Lee dies for .45.
I load 4 other calibers, and never noticed that to be a problem?
Thanks,
SN

Foxbat · February 14, 2008, 05:12 PM

I am using it on my Load Master without any problems, and in fact have more room for adjustment. Are you sure you have the black nut tight?

ShootingNut · February 14, 2008, 07:00 PM

No "Black Nut" on my Lee Classic Turret. We have the stainless lock nut, that you finger tighten, and I do so it is not moving.
It's just not matter how much I turn the die in, it really doesn't increase the flare on the casing.
All in all, I've had more goofy things with these .45 ACP Deluxe dies, than with any others that I use.
Maybe I just got a crappy bunch?

SN

MADISON · February 14, 2008, 07:12 PM

I have an interesting 5 die set up you can copy.
I use the regular decapping and flareing die
Then I ADD the Lee Powder through the expander die with the old style Lee Disk Powder Measure.
Then the seating die with an extra Taper Crimp Die.

DennisD · February 14, 2008, 07:25 PM

Sounds like something is missing, out of place or just the wrong part. Mine has 1/2 inch of thread above the nut when it is adjusted to the flare I want. If I cranked it down as much as you say you have yours, I think it would split the case. Are you using a riser for the powder dispenser? Check to make sure the extension is in place inside the riser. Then take out the expander and try to put it into a sized case to see if it is a pretty tight fit at the start. If everything looks right, contact Lee. Maybe the parts you have are incorrect (may have been returned to the place you bought it from or put together wrong at the factory). Good luck.

ShootingNut · February 15, 2008, 06:24 AM

I will do as you suggest, something has to be wrong. I have used the mic on the center and mouth of the casings, hardly any flare regardless how far in you go with the die. Should be able to make it look like a funnel if you wanted to. Will keep working on it.
Thanks All!
SN

jhansman · February 16, 2008, 07:22 PM

My Lee Powder Through Expander die for .45ACP works just fine. Call Lee and explain the problem; my guess is they will want that die and replace it.

DaveInGA · February 17, 2008, 06:41 PM

Sounds to me like you may have gotten a very old set of Lee dies. At one time, they made a their dies shorter than they do now. I would call Lee, explain your problem and see if they'll fix it for you with some replacement dies.

Regards,

Dave

February 14, 2008, 04:49 PM	#1
ShootingNut Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,475	Lee Expander Powder Die Since I set up my Lee turret with .45 ACP dies, it seems as if I can't get much flare to the casings when I keep screwing in the expander die. I have my Pro Powder installed, but I get barely enough flare to keep from shaving lead when seating, and yet the die is screwed in almost to the end of the threads! Any thoughts from those of you using the Lee dies for .45. I load 4 other calibers, and never noticed that to be a problem? Thanks, SN

February 14, 2008, 07:00 PM	#3
ShootingNut Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,475	Fox No "Black Nut" on my Lee Classic Turret. We have the stainless lock nut, that you finger tighten, and I do so it is not moving. It's just not matter how much I turn the die in, it really doesn't increase the flare on the casing. All in all, I've had more goofy things with these .45 ACP Deluxe dies, than with any others that I use. Maybe I just got a crappy bunch? SN

February 14, 2008, 07:12 PM	#4
MADISON Senior Member Join Date: January 1, 2000 Location: Roanoke, Virginia Posts: 2,678	Lee Expander Powder Die? I have an interesting 5 die set up you can copy. I use the regular decapping and flareing die Then I ADD the Lee Powder through the expander die with the old style Lee Disk Powder Measure. Then the seating die with an extra Taper Crimp Die.

February 14, 2008, 07:25 PM	#5
DennisD Senior Member Join Date: December 2, 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 365	Sounds like something is missing, out of place or just the wrong part. Mine has 1/2 inch of thread above the nut when it is adjusted to the flare I want. If I cranked it down as much as you say you have yours, I think it would split the case. Are you using a riser for the powder dispenser? Check to make sure the extension is in place inside the riser. Then take out the expander and try to put it into a sized case to see if it is a pretty tight fit at the start. If everything looks right, contact Lee. Maybe the parts you have are incorrect (may have been returned to the place you bought it from or put together wrong at the factory). Good luck. __________________ What part of "... shall not be infringed" do you not understand?! NRA Life

February 15, 2008, 06:24 AM	#6
ShootingNut Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,475	Dennis I will do as you suggest, something has to be wrong. I have used the mic on the center and mouth of the casings, hardly any flare regardless how far in you go with the die. Should be able to make it look like a funnel if you wanted to. Will keep working on it. Thanks All! SN

February 14, 2008, 05:12 PM	#2
Foxbat Senior Member Join Date: January 13, 2008 Posts: 367	I am using it on my Load Master without any problems, and in fact have more room for adjustment. Are you sure you have the black nut tight?

February 16, 2008, 07:22 PM	#7
jhansman Senior Member Join Date: June 17, 2007 Posts: 680	My Lee Powder Through Expander die for .45ACP works just fine. Call Lee and explain the problem; my guess is they will want that die and replace it. __________________ Blessed is the man who has nothing to say, and cannot be compelled to say it.

February 17, 2008, 06:41 PM	#8
DaveInGA Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2005 Location: Flowery Branch, GA Posts: 132	Sounds to me like you may have gotten a very old set of Lee dies. At one time, they made a their dies shorter than they do now. I would call Lee, explain your problem and see if they'll fix it for you with some replacement dies. Regards, Dave