Most modern die sets don't flare much, they are built for jacketed bullets. If flare is what you want best get a Lyman "M" die in the appropriate size. Lee will cut a custom expander plug too.

I run a little flare on my 32/40 cases used for breech seating in order to better seal when using light loads. Fixed ammo cast it's good to get the expander plug exactly right size so you don't deform the bullets when seating. Lyman will do that with there M die, about any size you want.

Bullet sounds like it's tapered for breech seating. While you could in theory size down a tapered bullet in a lube sizer most of us pan lube tapered bullets as from the mold with no sizing.  32/40 can be two things, breech seated with tapered bullets, fixed ammo with uniform sized bullets.  Components need to be tailored to the end use. Mixing is not going to give good results.

Soft lube is best, Hard is no good for plain base cast in single shots,  Fairly universal opinion with single shot shooters.   If you don't want to mix just buy SPG lube it's as good as any for single shot use. 

Boats

What kind of rifle is it ? Some cam a bullet in with a plugged case just fine way the block rocks forward when raised.

In fact except it's only "file" adjustable, plugged case in a 44 1/2 is probably more precise than a mechanical lever action breech seater. Certainly not less precise.

You can tell if something is going to work with a chamber cast & measure or cam one in and see what happens. Mark that bullet up with a black marker drive it back out the mark will witness the fit.

Boats

Quote:


Bill,...Due to the current back-log of standard catalog work at Lee Precision, they have temporarily ceased doing custom shop work until the get caught up with their retailers.

I would stick with your suggestion of using the Lyman product "M" sizing plug and do it by telephone w/ customer service.  Their gals mostly have the sizing information at their finger tips & they do take credit cards for payment.  I ordered several sizes including .32 Cal and 8MM and had them in 3 business days.

Webb

I don't think a Miller has much cam to the block when raised, but not sure. 44 1/2 Stevens or 1885 Winchester pushes them right in

Boats

Got a set of RCBS Cowboy dies along with my rifle when I bought it and am very satisfied with them.  Expand the case mouth well.  Have had no problems with dies or brass.

i breech seat and use the same brass shot after shot. after de-priming i flare the case mouth with a tapered tool which just slightly flares the brass. my chambers are tight  and this seals the chamber pretty well.  works for me !

I have a temporary flare tool using a deep socket in 1/4 drive
slides in without much play . Having a long taper seems to work well for now . I do have a mill & lathe so I may build a breech seater , wondering how long the stroke needs to be 
1.5 " ? . 

Thanks the replies guys .