Just wondering what folks views are on these. When FL sizing (.222) it always seems a bit of a wrench when pulling out of case, I use Imp sizing wax with a tiny amount inside neck, this is not an exact amount, the next step would be neck lube, then graphite powder, then to clean inside of neck or not. Carbide buttons dont seem to need lube, so dont need to clean neck etc, but come at a rather expensive option. Just wondering what your views & experiences are. Worth it or not? Thanks.
Redding carbide expander button?
- Thread starter User00036
- Start date
Steff
Well-Known Member
Carbide buttons may have a longer service life than standard expander buttons but they do not give a smoother operation. I have tried them and could not make out a discernible difference.
Lube inside the neck may work but is a pain to remove unless you tumble your cases or clean them otherwise after sizing.
My recommendation is this:
Shortly run a nylon brush on a electric drill through the case neck after shooting. This is just to remove any rough, scratchy debris.
Before sizing dip the neck into a pot of graphite with some sort of carrying media (e.g. lead shot). Knock the case on the table neck down. Use a sheet of paper on the table to collect the excess graphite falling off. Then wipe the outside of the neck with some paper kitchen towel. You don't want to mess up your die, do you?
This works for me.
Lube inside the neck may work but is a pain to remove unless you tumble your cases or clean them otherwise after sizing.
My recommendation is this:
Shortly run a nylon brush on a electric drill through the case neck after shooting. This is just to remove any rough, scratchy debris.
Before sizing dip the neck into a pot of graphite with some sort of carrying media (e.g. lead shot). Knock the case on the table neck down. Use a sheet of paper on the table to collect the excess graphite falling off. Then wipe the outside of the neck with some paper kitchen towel. You don't want to mess up your die, do you?
This works for me.
I have them in both, the correct Redding ones, in .270 WCF and .30-06 on Redding standard dies replacing the steel ones that came with the dies. It won't 100% stop the need to libricate the necks but it is a whole huge improvement on a steel expander.
FWIW if you are ONLY using your ammunition (loaded in one make of case) in one rifle it may be cheaper(ish) to forego a carbide button and go for a Redding S Bushing Full Length Die and select the bushing for you cases? That way you totally eliminate the need for an expander ball of any sort.
To my mind a bushing type S Die is like tungsten carbide or titanium carbide sizing dies. Cry once when you buy and forever after rejoice at the "faff" you've spared yourself. Money well spent IMHO!
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