I run a LE Wilson expander die for 6GT. The only size the mandrel comes in, from Wilson is .242. I want to try a couple different tensions, but they don't make variable sizes. Anybody know who make different sizes that would work with the Wilson die body without switching to a new body?
Mandrel expander
- Thread starter donno
- Start date
The LE Wilson expander is unique, unfortunately.
Try the 21Century when you are ready.
Try the 21Century when you are ready.
^ this
I love LE Wilson products, generally. They're literally about 5 minutes from my house; great folks.
But what they were thinking when they decided to jump in the mandrel die business, with a special one-off unicorn die that can't use existing 'standard' mandrels... dunno
I love LE Wilson products, generally. They're literally about 5 minutes from my house; great folks.
But what they were thinking when they decided to jump in the mandrel die business, with a special one-off unicorn die that can't use existing 'standard' mandrels... dunno
I switched to gage pins - great solution. More sizes and precision than I ever wanted. …or need.
https://portersprecisionproducts.com/shop/
https://portersprecisionproducts.com/shop/
So you just hammer them in and yank out with a pair of vice grips?
I use Wilson mandrel die body and make my own mandrels, any size I want.
Sometimes with multiple expansion bumps to move up to a much larger caliber in one pass. Also make bushings for their FL bushing dies, for different brass brands.
To get the right neck tension.
Spring back will be different if you anneal the case necks making them tighter, and more consistent also.
Sometimes with multiple expansion bumps to move up to a much larger caliber in one pass. Also make bushings for their FL bushing dies, for different brass brands.
To get the right neck tension.
Spring back will be different if you anneal the case necks making them tighter, and more consistent also.
Attachments
Exactly!
No - click the link. It’s a die body that holds the gage pin similar to the others mandrel systems mentioned.
That looks like a really neat system.Exactly!
No - click the link. It’s a die body that holds the gage pin similar to the others mandrel systems mentioned.
Sold mine; went back to the Sinclair / 21st Century dies & mandrels.
Not really - the pins are only $11-12 each and you don’t need many. I have 3-4 pins for each of the calibers I’m using it on. Some manufacturers mandrels are a whole lot more per size. I didn’t buy the Porters to save money but I liked having all the options and I’m happy with it.
Note on gage pins.
There are + and - sizes/sets. Minus are sized to fit in a hole of the marked diameter. Probably insignificant with sizing brass but there is a difference.
There are + and - sizes/sets. Minus are sized to fit in a hole of the marked diameter. Probably insignificant with sizing brass but there is a difference.
Porter offers standard and minus. Minus is -.0002. I have both and see no difference. My preference is a pin .001" larger than finished ID of brass. It's enough to uniform what little variation I see.
