NOE expander plugs

[Deleted]

Anybody here use the NOE expander plugs in the universal case flaring die? Im wondering if the .453 would help my cast bullet seating issue in 45 colt.

[41freak]

I use them and like that I can set the neck tension to what I like and change depending on the brass thickness in the neck area.I normally go .001-.002 under bullet diameter. They also do a nice bell that allows the bullet to sit into the case better then standard dies.

[Deleted]

Dec 1, 2023 15:10:57 GMT -5 41freak said:

I use them and like that I can set the neck tension to what I like and change depending on the brass thickness in the neck area.I normally go .001-.002 under bullet diameter. They also do a nice bell that allows the bullet to sit into the case better then standard dies.

Do you use the ones that go in the lee universal expander die or the powder through type?

[Deleted]

I called NOE. Was advised to try the 454 x 450 plug. From our discussion, I believe my problem will be solved. Hopefully.

[41freak]

Dec 1, 2023 15:50:48 GMT -5 @professor said:

Dec 1, 2023 15:10:57 GMT -5 41freak said:

I use them and like that I can set the neck tension to what I like and change depending on the brass thickness in the neck area.I normally go .001-.002 under bullet diameter. They also do a nice bell that allows the bullet to sit into the case better then standard dies.

Do you use the ones that go in the lee universal expander die or the powder through type?

Yes, I use the ones for the universal die.

[LeverGunner]

I use them in conjunction with a Lee universal expanding die body. The expander I purchased for 30-30 was too short to expand the neck completely, but other than that, I've had no complaints. I use them quite a bit in 44 Special and Magnum, and 45 auto when I loaded that.

[Deleted]

My plug came in today. I put it in the lee universal expander die.
I tried a few settings as no instructions were provided by NOE. Do you set the plug to leave a little shelf step inside the case? I currently have it set where the entire bottom band of my bullet sits inside the case mouth. Usually my flare just allows the base edge to sit in the flare.
Deep seating a few dummy rounds, I found no issues with meplat distortion as I had before. Pulled one, and cannot tell it was ever seated. Had a good pull on the bullet. It doesnt flare, but makes a little step. Any insights?

[ideal]

I believe that what you're seeing in an "M" die type step which helps seat the bullet straight. By all means call NOE and verify doing this. I do have some of these expanders, but have yet to use them, and all of them have this step. Yup, more 5+ year old equipment that's sitting around, sitting in its original packaging.

[LeverGunner]

You can set it as deep as you like until the top of the die starts to flare the case. I set mine as deep as needed for the length of the bullet, but as shallow as possible. If it's set super deep, the crimp die may not remove the expanded portion in its entirety.

Honestly, while I like the NOE expanders, I prefer RCBS factory expanders, and use that most of the time for my 44 Special and Magnum loading whenever I'm loading .430 diameter bullets.

[gcf]

Dec 7, 2023 18:08:35 GMT -5 @professor said:

My plug came in today. I put it in the lee universal expander die.
I tried a few settings as no instructions were provided by NOE. Do you set the plug to leave a little shelf step inside the case? I currently have it set where the entire bottom band of my bullet sits inside the case mouth. Usually my flare just allows the base edge to sit in the flare.
Deep seating a few dummy rounds, I found no issues with meplat distortion as I had before. Pulled one, and cannot tell it was ever seated. Had a good pull on the bullet. It doesnt flare, but makes a little step. Any insights?

As long as case expansion is deep enough for your full bullet shank, I'd suggest adjusting the step for just barely enough "snug slip fit" to hold the bullet straight, and prevent shaving. In other words, maybe the very slightest amount less - than your current setting.

The difference between not enough, just right, & a tad too much, may probably be an eighth of a turn - or less. 

[Deleted]

Dec 10, 2023 15:19:28 GMT -5 gcf said:

Dec 7, 2023 18:08:35 GMT -5 @professor said:

My plug came in today. I put it in the lee universal expander die.
I tried a few settings as no instructions were provided by NOE. Do you set the plug to leave a little shelf step inside the case? I currently have it set where the entire bottom band of my bullet sits inside the case mouth. Usually my flare just allows the base edge to sit in the flare.
Deep seating a few dummy rounds, I found no issues with meplat distortion as I had before. Pulled one, and cannot tell it was ever seated. Had a good pull on the bullet. It doesnt flare, but makes a little step. Any insights?

As long as case expansion is deep enough for your full bullet shank, I'd suggest adjusting the step for just barely enough "snug slip fit" to hold the bullet straight, and prevent shaving. In other words, maybe the very slightest amount less - than your current setting.

The difference between not enough, just right, & a tad too much, may probably be an eighth of a turn - or less. 

I appreciate the responses. Im going to do a few tests and see if I get any varied results vs my regular RCBS flare die. I was shooting my 308k bullet at steel plates at 100 yds yesterday, seated in the crimp groove. Hit after hit after hit. I may just stick to my regular ol way rather than deep seating.