The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

I've a small base 308 full length die rcbs iirc, I see that a carbide button equipped deprime/expander rod is available as an add on.
Has anyone tried them and, if so, any comments one way or the other?
Thanks in advance.

Expander buttons of any kind are an abomination and should be destroyed on sight.

Just get a plain decapping pin and an "M" style expander die cut to your specific bullet/case mouth dimensions and save your cases.

For years, I reloaded using the resizing die with the decapping pin and expander button. When I started reloading Berdan cases I could not use the decapping pin and expander button so I removed that from the die and expanded the neck with a Lyman M die with the expander plugs. I found that to be better for the cases, so I now do all my reloading that way, including the Boxer primed cases. It is an extra step, but I think it is worth it. Dromia is right.
Regards
Peter.

Yep Dromia is right I stopped using expanders in my full lentgh dies years a go. Most of my reloading is done with body dies and LE wilson neck sizing bushing dies or Sinclair expanders.

Not only does the "M" expander extend case life it also ensures your bullet seats square.

RCBS have their own version of this but 'tis a bit hybrid and not so efficacious in my experience.

The fact that they make carbide expander buttons just tells you that they are trying to mitigate the built in problems with the damned things.

Late back but thanks for the comments one and all.
Before I read this I'd tried reloading without the expander in 223, 30/30 and 308 then processing the neck tension with a neck size die, fyi 308 does 30/30 and 308. Quite pleased with the results tbh.
With regard to the M dies, I've not had a great deal of success with them, I fell back on the lee powder through dies. In 308 and 30/30, I bought a 30 carbine one and cut it back with an angle grinder so it doesn't foul the neck and it does the job extremely well and I can use my autodisc powder measure with the discs doubled up to charge the cases with propellant.
Probably be unacceptable for BR matches but for my manky eyes plenty good enough.

What was your problem with the "M" style dies?

They seem almost fool proof to me.

Unless of course you have them cut to the wrong dimensions.

The NOE range is excellent and far more versatile than the Lyman's they use a Lee body.

I use a carbide expander button but only because I neck size using a Ti bushing and I dont need to faff around with lube.
As you are full length resizing you will be using lube with a smidge in the case mouth to ease the button in and out.
If your current set up gives you correct tension then no advantage using the carbide button.
I wouldnt use an M die for seating BT jacketed bullets but do for lead.
HTH.