Re: .416 Barrett Full Length size
No, The expander is what makes the mouth concentric and adjusts your neck tension. You can FL size without the expander then re-run the brass with the expander ball if that helps.
Also, make sure on big cases like these to use Mica, Graphite or a dab of imperial IN the case mouth. Otherwise you will experience what you are experiencing - let me guess, it makes a loud screech as you pull the ball through the mouth right? If so you need some form of lube (mica, graphite etc) in the mouth.
Finally if those don't help you can chuck the expander ball in a drill and LIGHTLY polish it with emery cloth to a mirror shine which will help with the drag you are experiencing.
Hope this helps,
madd0c