Recommendation for 6.5 Expander Mandrel

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Hey Jim (or anyone else with advice)!

Any recommendations for expander mandrels for my 6.5? I assume I can use the same one for both Creedmoor and PRC. But either way, just wondering what you’d recommend me purchasing.

Thanks!

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I use these ones from 21st century. They are a few dollars more expensive but they have a black nitride coating on them so I’ve never needed to use any line on the cases which is a big time saver. Black Nitride Expander Mandrel

It is for the caliber, not the cartridge. So yes, you’d use the same for a 6.5 creedmoor as a 6.5 PRC.

You’ll also need the die body. I’d recommend just getting the standard with ring. Expander Die Body (Expander Die Body: Standard with Ring and with Window GenX- #904-GX)

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Thanks, Jim, always helpful!

One other question. Do you use a lubricant with the expander mandrel as it goes into the case to expand it, or do you just use it as is?

Thanks again!

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Just shot 4 different loads I made using the extra step with the expander mandrel. I have to say, I definitely saw difference in accuracy. Loads were noticeably more consistent and groups were tighter (15 out 16 groups under 1 MOA). Thanks for the recommendation, Jim!

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Hello all,
I am new to Backfire plus and was browsing the questions.
Just wanted to chime in.
I recently purchased the 6.5 Expander mandrel from Cortina Precision. Reasonably priced and nicely made.

Best regards,
Chris

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I use the Imperial dry neck lube. Works good.

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Im using a Hornady match grade full length bushing die and the eric cortina expander mandrel and die. Good stuff

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I have some dry neck lube and its messy. Does imperial dry lube get all over everything?

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Not for me. I just dip the neck into it before using the mandrel.

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I bought the Eric Cortina expander mandrel for my 6.5 prc. Works great.

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I have the nitride coated 21st century mandrels. I use no lube at all and only once have I had a stuck case (and it was lightly stuck) in thousands of rounds processed.

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By dipping the neck into the lube it gets all over the outside of case and then it covers my fingers just handling the cases.

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I’m no expert, but I know a lot of people dry tumble their brass and the remaining residue in the case provides enough neck lubrication on its own for the mandrel and to prevent cold weld.