.357 Expander Plug SOLVED

[Pushtone]

SOLVED:

Hi,

I have an older (20yrs) .357 Lee Powder Through Die that seems to be missing the internal Expander Plug.

The Lee website does not list a part number nor can I find a discontinued part number.
I did find a picture of the missing plug so I know it's out there.

Any help finding a part number or replacement would be much appreciated.

P

 

[Pushtone]

Here is a picture of the missing part in the Powder Through Die.
And a pic of what I have.

 

[Snider shooter]

You can order directly from Lee is the U.S. or any place in Canada that sells Lee products should be able to order it for you.

 

[Pushtone]

According to Lee customer support the shorter plug for 357 never existed (even though I have a photo of it) and all I need to do is back the die out to expand the longer 357 case.
Which dosent make sense to me because the shell holder will still touch the bottom of the die. Maybe they mean back out the funnel adapter on the top.

Anyway, I ordered replacement expander plug part #SE2408 (labeled 38spl) for the titty sum of $6.00 and I'll see how it goes.

I'm thinking I could grind down the plug to fit 357 cases if needed.

 

[bigedp51]

I have a Lee deluxe pistol die set marked ".38 Special can load 357 magnums". I load both 38 and 357 with this set without any problem, and it has only one expander plug.

That being said I'm using a Rockchucker press and a Lyman type "M" expander die. The "M" expander ensures straight inline seating and no bullet tilt. It also does not overwork the case mouth and cause case mouth splits.

 

[DaveF]

Put the expander plug in the die, and screw down the hex. funnel adapter all the way.
Back the lock-ring off then screw the die in until it touches the shell holder, then back the die off about 3 turns.
Run a piece of sized brass up into the die and you'll feel the friction as the expander plug starts entering the brass.
You need it to go into the brass about 1/4 - 3/8", and can adjust this, and the amount of flare by screwing the die in or out as needed.
Confirm that the bullet base will just enter the sized and now flared brass. If it won't, then screw the die in further until it will.
Once that's done leave the ram extended with the brass still in place to hold the die steady, and screw the lock-ring down to set it.
If you do this with 38Spl. brass you can also use it for .357 with a 0.10" spacer between the lock-ring and the top of the press.
I use a common hardware store metal washer with the centre hole reamed to size because I'm cheap. If you can't find a washer of the correct thickness, then go for a thinner one and make filler washers out of plastic container lids to make up the difference.
This also applies to using one set of dies for 44 Special and Magnum reloading.