Hornady PTX expander problem

COREY

COREY

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I have a Hornady LNL AP that I use a powder cop and crimp die with. I have been using the PTX for both 38 Special and 45 Colt with my cast bullets with no problems. I have also used it with 9mm jacketed with no issues using the same PTX as the 38.

I was given some of the x bullets to test with the red coating. I set it all up and expanded a CAS, put the bullet in, and then had lead shavings come out. I popped the bullet out to find one side of the bullet bare of coating and shaved. I opened the flare up as a test to the point that the crimper no longer worked and it still did it. I am using all Hornady dies by the way.

As a test I got out the factory expander that came with the set and set a reasonable flare and tried it again. No problems. I popped the bullet out and there is no marks in the finish.

I am. It sure want to do now. I can either yank the powder cop and use a separate expander, or use different bullets, unless someone has an idea how to fix my setup the way it is. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance for any help you.can give me.
 
What caliber are you loading for that you are having issues? I have not loaded coated yet but am thinking of.
I was using a powder cop for awhile but now with the lighting I have I just look into the cases. Most I do is a hundred or so at a time so looking in the case isn't an issue.
 
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I use a Universal Powder Through Expander in my AP that was from powderfunnels.com but that seems to be gone. It works great for all cals and fully adjustable unlike the PTX ones. Maybe soemone know of another source for them or a similar one
 
i couldn't see anything in your post, are you seating and crimping in the same die? If so you should seat in one stage then crimp in the next.
 
I am using a seating die and crimp die separately for the 9mmkad and all handgun cartridges I load for. This is the reason I need to shed the powder cop if I go with a separate expander die.
 
Found a universal powder through expander for you. This way you can incrase the flare on the case mouth to avoid shaving.
www.cbararmory.com/apps/webstore/products/show/6344388
 
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I gave up on the ptx expanders...the cases always seemed to grab the expander and it made the press rough to use. The whole assembly would jump when I started to pull the handle back up as the case would stick to the ptx and let go violently.
 
caperaway said:
I gave up on the ptx expanders...the cases always seemed to grab the expander and it made the press rough to use. The whole assembly would jump when I started to pull the handle back up as the case would stick to the ptx and let go violently.
Click to expand...

Mine did that until I polished them with 1200 wet dry. On the 357 and bigger cases I give them a spray with Hornady one shot case lube and makes big difference in operation of press.
 
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