Thanks to all! Loaded my 1st 9 trial rounds with the Hornady Custom 40 S&W sizing die, then a wee bit of Frankford Arsenal case lube and their 357 SIG steel sizing die to neck size, the expander die and the seating/crimp die. Very smooth operation, no sticking or unusual effort required.

We'll see at the range, but I don't anticipate any set back "issues" as the neck tension alone seems pretty stout and I have always had good performance with the taper crimp on Hornady pistol die sets...

Cheers!