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View Full Version : Swaging vs. Sizing



drhall762
06-16-2011, 12:03 PM
As a Newbie I have been reading what I can find here about the process. It would appear that a cast boolit can be sized several thousandths. How many thousandths that is I don't really know.

My question is about where in terms of diameter change does sizing become swaging. This is generated by the fact that I have a very nice 200gr. .452 bullet that I think would shoot fine in my .44WCF if it was just .429 in diameter. I believe this process would be considered swaging and more of the question is added. Would this much change ruin the lube grooves?

Just couldn't find this answer.

geargnasher
06-16-2011, 02:08 PM
I think that's WAY too much. I size for one gun by taking a .458" boolit and making it a .4535" boolit in several stages, lubing the bands in a .458" die so that the hydraulic pressure will keep the bands from being wiped out, but even going that far is a stretch unless paper-patching. You need a .44 caliber mould.

Gear

Moonie
06-16-2011, 03:37 PM
you size a boolit down, you swage a slug up.

Bret4207
06-17-2011, 07:34 AM
Sizing with a modern design sizing die (ie- tapered reduction vs the old "step" type Lyman dies that cut) IS swaging. You aren't removing any alloy, you are moving it. As you size down the boolit becomes longer, barring any collapse of the grooves as Gear mentions. Where to draw the line...pretty much of a blurry line IMO.

drhall762
06-17-2011, 07:59 AM
I am getting a better feel for it. Thanks!

deltaenterprizes
06-17-2011, 08:05 AM
The process would be "drawing" that is how brass cases and jackets are made. You would have a hollow base and a longer boolit if you were successful in the process.

michiganvet
06-21-2011, 06:45 PM
drhall- you can do it in steps with inexpensive Lee sizing dies.