Shell Expander Plug Modifications

[FOR_Star]

Are Shell Expander Plugs (#16) too hard to modify via some lathe work?
I have an extra .38 Spl Expander and was curious if it could be modified to work as a 9MM expander.
The diameter of the expander "barrel" would need to be reduced by around .003 and the "barrel" length would need to be shortened to better approximate the seating depth of the 9MM bullets.
If this was done, would this make the OAL too short to work with the 9MM cases? (Shorter cases need longer Expander Plugs)
Anyone been successful converting a .38 Spl Expander to use with 9MM?

[rbwillnj]

Expanders are very hard, and they are case hardened not hardened all the way through.  You would have a very difficult time turning one down on a lathe, and you would probably would not be happy with the finish.  You could grind one down with a tool post grinder, but then you may go through the case hardened surface and you would have to re-case harden it.

By the way, I have 9MM shell expanders in stock.

Bruce Williams
Star Machine Works

[FOR_Star]

Thank you for the explanation, Bruce.
I'll contact you via email.