[KR45P13]

I'm guessing you didn't get it shoved all the way into the shellholder and the base of the expander hit the top and folded it down. I have done the same with a U-decap die on occasion. Be sure you push the case all the way into the shellholder (and be sure you press is level)

Yea I just went back out to do a few more and switch from my turret press to my single stage and ruined another out of 15 I just did. not sure was the deal here.. it's happening with my 38/357 expander getting frustrated 😠.

 

[KR45P13]

The Lee shellholders are notorious for being "loose", meaning they don't hold the case snugly. When you go to use the expander, make sure the case is pushed all the way in. Don't have that problem with Lyman, RCBS, or Hornady shellholders as they are made for each caliber. For example, the Lee #19 "fits" 9mm, 38 Super, 40S&W, 10mm even though the cases are not the same dimension.

I believe I don't have the universal one it's the lee #1 for 38/357. I was wondering if it's the expander it self. I noticed is on my federal case and none of my remington or starline. I'm going to buy a lyman shellholders and another expander to see.

 

[KR45P13]

The shell holder of something out of alignment. Try working gently and aligning the case with the die to start.

yes.. if I hold the case and feel it out it expands fine but I just can't run them like normal .. it just started this after my 200 cases. I feel it's not really going in aligned. I'm here in Florida bored out my azz waiting on the Hurricane so I figured do some reloading. I'll probably jus load so 45's😒

 

[KR45P13]

Could there be a rough spot or burr on the tip of the expander?

Grumpy

I check it out & hit with a scuff pad and all. On some cases it will slide in and on other is like if it's same size.

 

[KR45P13]

Sounds as if you already found the problem and know how to keep it from happening again.

Takes to long and suck to worry about screwing up another case.. I order another expander to see.

 

[KR45P13]

If it’s a Lee turret press, the Square Ratchet that installs inside the black auto index clamp on the steel ram can be damaged or worn. The square black ratchet rides on the 1/4"x 1/4" steel index rod. If damaged, it will cause the turret to NOT fully rotate, resulting in the expander to misalign and fold the case lip.

The square ratchet is a sacrificial piece made from plastic with the dual purpose of indexing and to protect other parts if the press binds. It can also wear out after many rounds. It’s easily replaced and cost is minimal ($0.75 -- see link above).

I was folding over the lip of 32acp cases at the expander station after thousands of rounds through the press. The inside corners of the square ratchet were rounded and the turret would not fully rotate into position causing misalignment. And, of course, if too much pressure is applied, the ratchet deforms to save other parts. Check it or just replace it.

Yes I also checked that.. I switched to my single press and still have the issue I just order another expander to see. I also keep a few turret press plastic square as spares. Thanks for the info 👍

Something is not right at all here. The part about the expander hitting the edge of the case mouth makes perfect sense from an alignment standpoint and “folding” the edge. But now you have that same expander just going into the case with no effect?? Back everything off and unscrew the die. Reinstall it by following their instructions exactly and make sure the lock ring is tight. Try again. I have caught a case on the edge of the sizing/decamp die before but never on an expander die. You have to be waaay off since the tip of the expander is beveled. This is just weird.

Telling me!! I already screwed up 10 cases trying to figure it out. I wouldn't mine if it was 9mm cases but 38/357 are not cheap. 👍

 

[KR45P13]

Work dies down in smaller increments.

I put a timing mark on my die and press so I can keep track of my progress.

I put a starting mark when contact is made.

Usually by the time I wreck one or two cases I have a mark for too far.

Without a couple reference points it is easy to get lost.

Thanks snuby 642👍👍
check out how I polish my 642

 

[KR45P13]

This is a airweight model the finish was starting to wear out so, I risked it and strip it to aluminum and slowly start polishing. I started in the grip section incase it look like crap but when I saw the mirror shine it was on!😁

 

[KR45P13]

Let us know when the new die shows up. It’s always interesting to see what was going on. 🙂

supposed to get here today Friday. 👍

 

[KR45P13]

C’mon man!! It’s Sunday…..whatcha find out?? 😆

Just loaded up 50 rounds flawless.. it was the expander for sure. It's like is 99.8% same size of my federal 38 special brass. some will expand others get damaged. Yes and it's Sunday Gunday. just fire 100 rounds 👍😁

 

[KR45P13]

supposed to get here today Friday. 👍

Bad Expander 100% issue solved 👌

 

[KR45P13]

Whatever you do, if it hasn’t been thrown in the lake, make sure it is well marked!
Years from now, you will forget (yes you will🙂) why that is lying around and find out all over again!😆

I bet your right.. I will mark it 👍

 

[KR45P13]

KR45P13, do you still have the "faulty" expander, or did you send it in? I'd love to see some clear close-up photographs of the tip of that expander. Misshaped, burr, or rough finish. Glad you got the problem ironed out regardless.

Grumpy

When I get home of is not ro late from work I'll shoot some pictures. 👍

 

[KR45P13]

When I get home of is not ro late from work I'll shoot some pictures. 👍

 

[KR45P13]

Is like is exactly the same size as the brass and only with my federal brass.

 

[KR45P13]

Red circle is larger. 0.360 and 0.357 on the new one.

 

[KR45P13]

I've guess never really noticed since I mostly load 357 mag brass. I've owned this for a few years now.😒