Lee powder through expander on progressive press (Lee Loadmaster)

[Plinking_Blinder]

hi folks.

I've researched this a lot and can't seem to find the answer.

In using the lee powder through expander die for 40SW (comes in 4 die set), the expander sleeve is rough (almost looks like its stepped). That's only half the issue.

 

The bigger issue is I can't get it to flare enough to not shave off coated bullets.

I know you screw the die in further, but I've taken the die all the way to the shellplate and it still doesn't flare enough. I replaced the top collet with the one used for the bullet seater and then it provides more options to expand flare, but then I can't use a powder measure through it.

 

When trying the autodisk it gets even worse. Even taking the die all the way to the shell plate, it neither expands the case nor raises the powder measure enough for it to get past the power drop hole.

 

is there a longer powder through expander sleeve that lee makes? (basically need a longer version of this https://leeprecision.com/pm-exp-plug-40-s-w.html) or is there something i'm not doing correctly? I tried the powder measure riser but that does nothing.

Edited October 3, 2021 by Plinking_Blinder

[Farmer]

It almost sounds like you’re missing a short sleeve that goes on top of the expander.  I pre-expand with a M die and just use the brass rifle type plungers to actuate the powder measure. It can be a challenge sometimes to get everything adjusted right and I hear ya on the roughness of the expander. I don’t know if they do that for less friction or if their just lazy. 

[Plinking_Blinder]

in case anyone ever reads this, so the solution is to order that Lee expander plug I referenced above. Seems they made the plug about 1/4" longer than the original version I have from what must be an older Lee 40SW die set.

Plug is 1.301", plug in my set is about 1.27"

 

Inside shelf of the plug is longer too (inside shelf is what pushes the case activated powder measure)