Expanding Dies / Mandrells

[Scoterbeast]

Gonna start using these. Seeing Wilson and Sinclair. Any opinions on which one to buy?

 

[Bradv86]

Sinclair & 21st Century are cross-compatible and a good option.

 

[MtnCreek]

On mandrels I went cheap at first. Carbide is worth the extra cost if it's something you're going to use every loading. For oneoff forming, steel might be the way to go.

 

[Mudflap621]

The 21st Century black nitride are holding up very well for me. No added lube before expanding and mandrel just shows slight wear after cpl thousand cycles.

 

[straightshooter1]

On mandrels I went cheap at first. Carbide is worth the extra cost if it's something you're going to use every loading. For oneoff forming, steel might be the way to go.

Likewise, I've been using carbide expander mandrels and they work very well; much better than the steel.

 

[GMZ]

The 21st Century black nitride are holding up very well for me. No added lube before expanding and mandrel just shows slight wear after cpl thousand cycles.

Using these too.

 

[918v]

Get the 21st Century sets with incremental sizes. The standard sizes work well on new or maybe 1x brass but then you need a .0005” bigger size and eventually .001” over as the neck gets harder.

 

[TylerN]

Using these too.

Same and they both do the job equally and well.

 

[bax]

Gonna start using these. Seeing Wilson and Sinclair. Any opinions on which one to buy?

I use the 21st Century 0.306 mandrel in their floating mandrel holder thingy.

I anneal after every firing. Full length size with a Redding type-S so that neck ID is about 0.303. Using graphite for lube, run each case over the 0.306 mandrel and I get 0.305 neck ID. A 0.306 gauge pin won't fit and a 0.305 fits snugly - friction holds the gauge pin in place but can be easily pushed with fingers. With 0.308 bullets, seating force is low/moderate and consistent.

 

[Herb Stoner]

I use the Porter Precision Mandrel die system with their guage pins. Nice set up - I like it a lot.

 

[ACard]

Anyone tried the PMA die and carbide expanders?

 

[Hill Top]

I use a undersize bushing and then set neck tension with a undersize mandrel, mine are KM

It’s an extra step in the reloading process, but if you don’t neck turn it is a good way to get constancy

 

[MarkyMark007]

all internet is about using mandrells nowadays; like neck sizing yesterday...

you realy get better groups and velocity spreads with using mandrells or it's just a thing that everyone is saying?

 

[Gtscotty]

Anyone tried the PMA die and carbide expanders?

I use the PMA tool expander die with Sinclair carbide mandrels, is good.

 

[Haney]

Try it and find out for yourself .

all internet is about using mandrells nowadays; like neck sizing yesterday...

you realy get better groups and velocity spreads with using mandrells or it's just a thing that everyone is saying?

You will never know unless you try it . Then you can form your own opinion .

 

[Hill Top]

all internet is about using mandrells nowadays; like neck sizing yesterday...

you realy get better groups and velocity spreads with using mandrells or it's just a thing that everyone is saying?

I think it is working out, attempting to achieve all the 1% improvements that amount to something at the target is what it’s all about

All I am interested in these days is long range and I am keen on any gains I can get

I have the KM mandrel set up, my mate has the 21st century I think his are better quality for what it’s worth

 

[ACard]

I use the PMA tool exhaust expander die with Sinclair carbide mandrels, is good.

Thank you!

 

[BigDog00]

Anybody know what the scoop is on the Sinclair carbide mandrels...I've been watching Brownells for months trying to order and they haven't been in stock. Any alternative sites to look at?