carbide expander buttons

This section is for reloading and ammunition only, all loads found in here are used strictly at your own risk, if in doubt ask again.
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 treated as suspect and not used.

Moderator: dromia

Forum rules
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.
Post Reply
Message
Author
User avatar
drone
Posts: 108
Joined: Wed Jan 04, 2023 4:11 pm
Contact:

carbide expander buttons

#1 Post by drone »

I've a small base 308 full length die rcbs iirc, I see that a carbide button equipped deprime/expander rod is available as an add on.
Has anyone tried them and, if so, any comments one way or the other?
Thanks in advance.
User avatar
dromia
Site Admin
Posts: 20229
Joined: Sat Nov 06, 2010 4:57 am
Home club or Range: The Highlands of Scotland. Cycling Proficiency 1964. Felton & District rifle club. Teesdale Pistol and Rifle club.
Location: Sutherland and Co Durham
Contact:

Re: carbide expander buttons

#2 Post by dromia »

Expander buttons of any kind are an abomination and should be destroyed on sight.

Just get a plain decapping pin and an "M" style expander die cut to your specific bullet/case mouth dimensions and save your cases.
Image

Come on Bambi get some

Imperial Good Metric Bad
Analogue Good Digital Bad

Fecking stones

Real farmers don't need subsidies

Cow's farts matter!

For fine firearms and requisites visit

http://www.pukkabundhooks.com/
PeterN
Full-Bore UK Supporter
Posts: 413
Joined: Tue Sep 22, 2020 8:08 am
Contact:

Re: carbide expander buttons

#3 Post by PeterN »

For years, I reloaded using the resizing die with the decapping pin and expander button. When I started reloading Berdan cases I could not use the decapping pin and expander button so I removed that from the die and expanded the neck with a Lyman M die with the expander plugs. I found that to be better for the cases, so I now do all my reloading that way, including the Boxer primed cases. It is an extra step, but I think it is worth it. Dromia is right.
Regards
Peter.
User avatar
Alpha1
Posts: 8628
Joined: Fri Nov 12, 2010 8:27 pm
Contact:

Re: carbide expander buttons

#4 Post by Alpha1 »

Yep Dromia is right I stopped using expanders in my full lentgh dies years a go. Most of my reloading is done with body dies and LE wilson neck sizing bushing dies or Sinclair expanders.
User avatar
dromia
Site Admin
Posts: 20229
Joined: Sat Nov 06, 2010 4:57 am
Home club or Range: The Highlands of Scotland. Cycling Proficiency 1964. Felton & District rifle club. Teesdale Pistol and Rifle club.
Location: Sutherland and Co Durham
Contact:

Re: carbide expander buttons

#5 Post by dromia »

Not only does the "M" expander extend case life it also ensures your bullet seats square.

RCBS have their own version of this but 'tis a bit hybrid and not so efficacious in my experience.

The fact that they make carbide expander buttons just tells you that they are trying to mitigate the built in problems with the damned things.
Image

Come on Bambi get some

Imperial Good Metric Bad
Analogue Good Digital Bad

Fecking stones

Real farmers don't need subsidies

Cow's farts matter!

For fine firearms and requisites visit

http://www.pukkabundhooks.com/
Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: dromia and 0 guests