,224" Expander mandrel - correct size ?

[jagermeister]

Hi Gents,

I am working on an expander mandrel to be used for my .222 Remington.

Which size diameter do you think it'b be the best, to get an optimum neck tension ?

Thanks

:wink:

 

[Oldtrader3]

Normally for a small caliber like the .222 Rem, the mandrel should be no smaller then .2230/.2235, assuming that you barrel is .2240. Some older .222 Remington rifles have a .2230 barrel (before 1970 or so). You should slug the barrel if you are not sure and have an older rifle. You do not need much neck tension is a small caliber to deliver optimum accuracy and less bullet seating defromaity since they are thin jacketed bullets.

 

[jagermeister]

Thanks for your quick answer.

The mandrel I have tried to use was .2230, way too tight, as I have experienced a very bad run out and too much "force" necessary to seat (Seater was marking a clear ring on the bullet's ogive).

I have measured the olive diameter in the original FL resizer die and it was .2233 (I have the feeling it is still a little too tight).

???

:wink:

 

[Kodiak]

In order to end up with the correct neck tension, all carbon should be removed from inside the cartridge-neck. Pulling the expander-ball back thru a carboned-up neck may not give you the correct OD or ID if cases have been fired many times, without a proper cleaning.

Something to consider,

Jim

 

[jagermeister]

Jim, thanks for the heads up, but brass in this case has been fired twice only and inside of collet well cleaned with a brush, so it should not be the case.

I have tried with .2236 and tension "manually measured" seems OK.

I will try to seat and load 4-5 rounds to test.

I previously used a Wilson seater (chamber type) and, likely due to neck tightness (hopefully), it was seating quite badly...

If I do not solve though.....

Isn't Wilson supposed to be the best ?

:?