lyman M die for a .348

38 WCF · Post by **38 WCF** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 6:45 pm

Does anyone know if Lyman will make a custom M die in caliber .348 ?
Need one for my upcomeing .348 DC

WinM71 · Post by **WinM71** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 6:59 pm

Don't know about the Lyman, but last I knew you could still get the RCBS Neck Expander die with a .348 plug.

jhrosier · Post by **jhrosier** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 7:01 pm

They don't list one. Your best bet would be to order the M die for the 35 Whelen and have the plug turned down to suit the .348 Win.
You might be able to do this yourself with a drill press, files and sandpaper, if you are careful and patient.

Jack

Post by **Chuck 100 yd** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 7:27 pm

I ordered an M-Die from Midway for the .444 Marlin. It went on back order . When it did finally came 30days later,the box was marked .444 but the expander was marked .45 (for the .45ACP). I turned one on the lathe out of O1 and heat treated it. Works just great!
If you call RCBS, I bet they have one(expander plug) in stock. It will fit any RCBS long expander die body!

1886 · Post by **1886** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 8:26 pm

Buffalo Arms makes many custom expander dies. They list the .348 and will make the exact size you need. Regards. 1886.

Ram Hammer · Post by **Ram Hammer** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 9:06 pm

I went on that same expedition a few years ago and came up with goose eggs. I turned one out on my metal lathe instead. I have made "M" type die parts for Lyman and RCBS dies in 45-70 and 40-70 Sharps Straight respectively. If I recall, the step-up only required about 0.004" or so. The plug length ran the full length of the case neck with about the top 0.060 or 0.080 stepped up. I custom made each to be able to seat bullets as cast without shaving any lead. I have not hardened mine and so far the 45-70 has loaded a couple thousand rounds with no sign of wearing out. All of them are made out of 12L14 steel.

38 WCF · Post by **38 WCF** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 10:56 pm

Thanks to all. Buffalo Arms had exactly what I was looking for.!

big bear · Post by **big bear** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 11:25 pm

Educate me please. What is a "M" die?

1886 · Post by **1886** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 4:09 am

It a two step expander die. Check Lyman's web page for a more thorough explanation. Regards. 1886.

big bear · Post by **big bear** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 9:27 am

Where does this fit with respect to a neck sizing die? My aim is to get good reloads in 348Win with maxium brass lifespan. I love accuracy also, but not expecting bench rest results.

1886 · Post by **1886** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 1:55 pm

Many folks feel the M die is used primarily for cast loads. I employ 2 sizes of expander when loading cast. I use an expander that is .005 under bullet diameter when loading hard cast and jacketed and one that is .002 under bullet diameter when loading soft cast. I use soft cast for casual plinking and reduced power loads. Mic Mcpherson writes about this subject extensively. Good Luck. 1886.