Phelps die head in 7/8x 14

[wayne]

I recently bought a phelps die head which is drilled and tapped for 7/8x14 dies but only the sizing and seating/crimping positions are 7/8.What is conventional wisdom for the mouth expanding position.I wrongly assumed I could use a normal die set with this head.Thoughts solutions?
Wayne

[bummer7]

I recently bought a phelps die head which is drilled and tapped for 7/8x14 dies but only the sizing and seating/crimping positions are 7/8.What is conventional wisdom for the mouth expanding position.I wrongly assumed I could use a normal die set with this head.Thoughts solutions?
Wayne

Wayne,

Perhaps I don't understand your question.  But why can't you decap the primer and size the case at the first station without belling the case mouth? 

-s

[tony barone]

The belling station for the Star has a shell expander that was designed to hold the shell
 down, bell it and seat the primer without stressing the shell plate. Another manufacturer's die won't do that.

[fc60]

Greetings,

I would suggest using the Star 1/2-27 threaded expander.

Cheers,

Dave Wilson

[wayne]

The dies I have are  3 and 4 die sets,belling the case mouth is my quandary along with typing. Dave where can these belling dies you suggest be obtained?

[fc60]

Greetings Wayne,

On the Star Parts List, the item you seek is #16, Shell Expander Plug. If you need one for 45 ACP or 38 Special, I am sure someone on the list has a spare. Should you need one for a different caliber, I can machine one for you. I need to know the bullet length and diameter.

Cheers,

Dave Wilson

[tony barone]

Why not give Bill Cunningham from Star Machine Works at 209-295-5000 he might be able to fill your needs.

[rbwillnj]

Although it's best to use a Star expander to counteract the force of the priming operation, you should be able to use a three die set by expanding in what is normally the seating station, and seating/roll crimping in the taper crimp station.   If you need to do a separate taper crimp in the last station, the easiest way is to use the Star expander.