[45marlin70]

Ok, so I have read all of the recommendations for using the Lyman M die when loading cast bullets. Low and behold after I get my order from Beartooth Bullets I find out Lyman has discontinued the M die for 444. I've checked every reloading and online shop to try and find one still out there but they all say discontinued. So.....what are my other options? I have bullets cast to .432 for my 444P.

Thanks

 

[mehavey]

https://leeprecision.com/universal-case-expanding-die.html

I use it for all my bottleneck-case rifle cast work.
So easy, a caveman can use it.

 

[Pereira]

444 is not bottlenecked.

RP

 

[Goldtrigger]

the one for 44 mag may just do the trick, I'm not sure of the length but it might work

 

[bryan alder]

https://noebulletmolds.com/site/shop/expanders/expander-plug-rifle/436-x-432-exp-plug

 

[mikej]

444 is not bottlenecked.

RP

Doesn't matter, it will put a flare on most any diameter case of most any length. As much or as little as you like. I've used it on cases from .22 to .458 when using lead bullets.

 

[45marlin70]

So I see how the Lee Universal Expanding Die would flare the case mouth but I don't think that is what the Lyman M die achieved. I believe (and again I never used one) the M die expanded uniformly deeper than just the case mouth. Again the difference being the Lee uses a steep taper vs the Lyman was more of a plug. So perhaps I need one of the NOE plugs in place of the tapered one from LEE?
Again just guessing out loud and looking for input from others with more experience.

 

[bryan alder]

So I see how the Lee Universal Expanding Die would flare the case mouth but I don't think that is what the Lyman M die achieved. I believe (and again I never used one) the M die expanded uniformly deeper than just the case mouth. Again the difference being the Lee uses a steep taper vs the Lyman was more of a plug. So perhaps I need one of the NOE plugs in place of the tapered one from LEE?
Again just guessing out loud and looking for input from others with more experience.

I use the Lee die with the NOE plug. Gives same flare as an M die. Then just have to buy plugs for any caliber you want. Much cheaper and gives great result

 

[mehavey]

444 is not bottlenecked.
M die expanded uniformly deeper than just the case mouth

You use the standard expander (both bottle & straightwall)/followed by the (Lee) mouth flare just enough not to shave the base when seating-- IF NECESSARY.

Personally I'm having a hard time understanding the OP problem.
All of my straightwall pistol/rifle dies have a stepped expander for mouth flare.

Am I missing something ?

 

[BubbaJon]

So I see how the Lee Universal Expanding Die would flare the case mouth but I don't think that is what the Lyman M die achieved. I believe (and again I never used one) the M die expanded uniformly deeper than just the case mouth. Again the difference being the Lee uses a steep taper vs the Lyman was more of a plug. So perhaps I need one of the NOE plugs in place of the tapered one from LEE?
Again just guessing out loud and looking for input from others with more experience.

You are correct. Problem is Lyman refused to make anything other than "stock" diameter of .429 which is useless for oversized cast.
Good to know NOE sells plugs - I bought a custom one from a guy on Castboolits.com that made them.

 

[BubbaJon]

You use the standard expander (both bottle & straightwall)/followed by the (Lee) mouth flare just enough not to shave the base when seating-- IF NECESSARY.

Personally I'm having a hard time understanding the OP problem.
All of my straightwall pistol/rifle dies have a stepped expander for mouth flare.

Am I missing something ?

Yes - mouth flare doesn't address the issue that most cast is oversized to about .432. When you seat the bullet it is squeezed or shaved too small.

 

[Prickle Farmer]

100% spot on, mehavey.

 

[Ghost Chili]

While I have no clue of the M I did just run across this for sale: https://www.northwestfirearms.com/threads/lyman-dies.312935/

 

[45marlin70]

I use the Lee die with the NOE plug. Gives same flare as an M die. Then just have to buy plugs for any caliber you want. Much cheaper and gives great result

Thanks bryan alder I think that is what I was looking for. Will contact NOE.

 

[rifrench]

https://leeprecision.com/universal-case-expanding-die.html

I use it for all my bottleneck-case rifle cast work.
So easy, a caveman can use it.

Lee website shows out of stock

Would an M die for 44 Mag be workable?

 

[Ret_Eng]

https://leeprecision.com/universal-case-expanding-die.html

I use it for all my bottleneck-case rifle cast work.
So easy, a caveman can use it.

I do have a Lyman M die for my 444s but the Lee Universal expander die works well for my 30-30/35 Rem lead boolit loading.

 

[45marlin70]

Ok so thanks for all of the replies. I sent an email to NOE Bullet Molds and this is the reply I got regarding their custom expander plugs.

Based on this I will be buying a Lee Universal Expanding Die but instead of the tapered expanders from Lee I will order a NOE Expander Plug sized .434 x .430 and use that for my .432 cast bullets.

Thanks again

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Darryl



Use one that the first number is .0015” to .0020” over your bullet size.


Bullet maker, maker / Owner
Al Nelson
NOE Bullet Moulds LLC
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

[ironhead7544]

Call RCBS. Or get a 45 cal expander and have it turned down to the size you want.

Sorry, I was a little late with that.

 

[Ray Newman]

Try Buffalo Arms: 208-263-6953, Fax: 208-265- 2096, Mon-Fri Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. PT, Sat-Sun Hours: Closed

660 Vermeer Court
Ponderay, ID 83852

The on-line catalogue lists several in .430-.435", but claims "out of stock". However, often times the on-line catalogue is not up to date.

https://www.buffaloarms.com/reloading-supplies-accessories/custom-bullet-expander-balls?p=10

 

[ardenkent]

Lyman just sent me a seater plug for my All American set ( 1960s ) in 444 Marlin to use with the Hornady FTX. Contact Lyman customer service to see if they can help you.