To day I got to examine the contents of a package I received from the USA with some moulds a batch of expander buttons and some case overall length buttons I ordered in January of this year. On examination I realized I had missed out ordering a expander in a particular size that I was looking forward to using for a rifle I cast for and I also neglected to order one of the case overall length buttons I needed. I could add them on to my next order but if they take as long as the last order I can expect them to arrive in probably December. So having the real thing as a template and nothing else to do to day I spent the day on the lathe and made a expander button and a case overall length button. It proved a bit of a challenge the dimensions are really tight the whole thing is not a inch long but I got there in the end. Obviously the Guy in the States is using a CNC lathe or mill as it his living. I enjoyed the challenge I would definitely have another go. My biggest problem was getting a good finish and as usual parting off. I still have huge problems parting off stainless.
I'm going to have another go to morrow I have one more expander I need.
Cast boolit Expander buttons.
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All handloading data posted on Full-Bore UK from 23/2/2021 must reference the published pressure tested data it was sourced from, posts without such verification will be removed.
Any existing data without such a reference should be treated as suspect and not used.
Use reloading information posted here at your own risk. This forum (http://www.full-bore.co.uk) is not responsible for any property damage or personal injury as a consequence of using reloading data posted here, the information is individual members findings and observations only. Always verify the load data and be absolutely sure your firearm can handle the load, especially older ones. If in doubt start low and work your way up.
Re: Cast boolit Expander buttons.
Get those pictures posted!
Expander buttons and mandrels are fun to make, I use a particularly tough tool steel for mine, the interesting part is building them accurately especially when people ask for them in 0.0005" increments. I use a new uncoated 0,2mm radius insert for the finishing cut and you can get a mirror like finish with some care.
Expander buttons and mandrels are fun to make, I use a particularly tough tool steel for mine, the interesting part is building them accurately especially when people ask for them in 0.0005" increments. I use a new uncoated 0,2mm radius insert for the finishing cut and you can get a mirror like finish with some care.
Re: Cast boolit Expander buttons.
Ill post pics later I'm off out now. Ovenpaa what sort of speeds do you run the lathe at when machining expanders. I ended up using a high speed steel cutter for finishing I could not get a satisfactory finish with carbide. I had to scrap the first attempt it looked like it had been threaded.
Re: Cast boolit Expander buttons.
Not that fast, around 950 r/min with the finest feed on the machine.
Re: Cast boolit Expander buttons.
Pictures the three on the left are NOE supplied in sizes .313 .315 .316 for some reason I did not order one in .314 so I made the one on the right in the picture to .314. Not up to NOE standards but it will do for what I want.
This is a case overall length button I ordered one in .308 when it arrived I thought it would be nice to have one in 6.5x55 as well.
The buttons are aluminium.
The buttons are aluminium.
Re: Cast boolit Expander buttons.
While we are here. This when its finished will be a bushing push through sizing die for my tumble lubed boolits.
Re: Cast boolit Expander buttons.
While we are on a roll. This is a tail stock die holder it also serves as a centre height gauge for centring my carbide cutting tools etc.
The knurling did not turn out well. I also struggled to get a decent internal finish but it will do for now its all part of the learning curve.
All in all I enjoyed having a play and that's all that counts.
The knurling did not turn out well. I also struggled to get a decent internal finish but it will do for now its all part of the learning curve.
Re: Cast boolit Expander buttons.
Looks like you have the screw cutting side of things covered, did you grind your own tool or use indexable?
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