Polished Expander Ball Example

[Tactical30]

I have just recently got into reloading about 5 months ago. I had started Reloading ammo for the .223 (AR-15) and the 6.5 Grendel (AR-15 platform) so far and the Dies I had purchased for them were the Forester BR Die set for the .223 and the Forester Ultra Micrometer die set for the 6.5 Grendel.

I had recenlty posted a post about Expander balls and why use them. Now I had had a problem with the expander balls "dragging" thru the necks and scratching the hell out of them. I had tried lubing the necks but it is a pain in the ass when your loading a ton of rounds.
Now on the post someone said to "polish" the expander balls with 400 grit sandpaper chucked on a drill, so thats what I did.

I have only used the 6.5 polished ball so far and it seems while I am running it back out of the press I could slightly feel it going thru the expander ball (not nearly ass bad as before I had polished it). I took the pin out to take a look at it and it IS touching the ball as far as I could see.

Is this ok.? I know you need to have the correct neck tension. Like I said I am new to this so I dont know all the details thats why im asking. Is there a tool I should be using to be checking the neck tension because I have polished the balls or will I be o.k.?
GTG?

If I were to buy new dies ( w/o Expander Balls) which ones are at the top?

Thanks

 

[mattj]

Re: Polished Expander Ball Example

Step 1: Measure the neck diameter of a loaded cartridge with the brass you use. Subtract .002" (+/- if you have a specific neck tension preference).

Step 2:
Read the following--
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Thanks for the inquiry.

We can do the neck honing for you. The honing fee is $10.00 plus $4.70 for the return shipping of the die to you.

You can either include a check or money order with the die OR your Visa or MasterCard information.

Send the die to:

Forster Products, Inc.
Customer Service
310 E Lanark Ave
Lanark IL 61046

Specify the dimension you want us to hone the die to (remember to allow for about .002” of springback) and we will take care of it for you.

Make certain your return address is inside the box and also a daytime phone where we might be able to reach you with any questions.

Thanks and have a good day.

Dee
Forster Products
</div></div>

Step 3:
Follow above instructions, providing Forster with the number from Step #1.

Step 4:
Receive your sizing die back from Forster. Remove the expander ball from your die. Set the die back up for proper amount of shoulder bump.

Step 5:
Reload to your heart's content, enjoying the longer brass life and lower runout from not using an expander ball

Step 6:
Beer, or other refreshing beverage of choice.

Note:
You might want to drop them an email -- [email protected] -- I'll bet you'd save on shipping having them do both of your sizers at once.

 

[Mag 300]

Re: Polished Expander Ball Example

Second this !!!!!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mattj</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Step 1: Measure the neck diameter of a loaded cartridge with the brass you use. Subtract .002" (+/- if you have a specific neck tension preference).

Step 2:
Read the following--
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Thanks for the inquiry.

We can do the neck honing for you. The honing fee is $10.00 plus $4.70 for the return shipping of the die to you.

You can either include a check or money order with the die OR your Visa or MasterCard information.

Send the die to:

Forster Products, Inc.
Customer Service
310 E Lanark Ave
Lanark IL 61046

Specify the dimension you want us to hone the die to (remember to allow for about .002” of springback) and we will take care of it for you.

Make certain your return address is inside the box and also a daytime phone where we might be able to reach you with any questions.

Thanks and have a good day.

Dee
Forster Products
</div></div>

Step 3:
Follow above instructions, providing Forster with the number from Step #1.

Step 4:
Receive your sizing die back from Forster. Remove the expander ball from your die. Set the die back up for proper amount of shoulder bump.

Step 5:
Reload to your heart's content, enjoying the longer brass life and lower runout from not using an expander ball

Step 6:
Beer, or other refreshing beverage of choice.

Note:
You might want to drop them an email -- [email protected] -- I'll bet you'd save on shipping having them do both of your sizers at once. </div></div>

 

[Hummer]

Re: Polished Expander Ball Example

The reasons for the high pull tension with expander ball coming through the neck area are:
1. The case neck still had carbon in it from firing. Propellent leaves carbon residue and when it cools it becomes hard and thusly acts as an abrasive.
2. The expander ball is hardened but still soft enough to allow carbon to imbed in the ball and scores hell out of every case thereafter.

There are two ways to stop/eliminate this problem.

1. Tumble clean cases with a method that will remove ALL THE CARBON from inside the case neck. If the method you clean with still has the inside of the case neck BLACK you have not removed carbon. Hint: carbon is black haha.
2. As soon as cases are fired take a wet Q tip with Ed's Red and swab inside of case neck. This will keep the carbon soft and dissolve alot of it.

When you polished the expander ball you made it smaller now you will have a tighter grip on the bullet as the case mouth is not opened up enough.

Read the thread on annealing cases. It was on page 8 yesterday. Lots of good dope there.