Sizing questions

[bcr]

I only use push-through sizers so far. I can't get a proper lube-sizer at this stage of the game. I slugged three of my guns tonight, as follows:

Smith 696. Cylinder throats slugged .430". Perfect. I can use the Lee .430". Only problem is I'm waiting on the Mihec 432215 group buy for that gun and the only other mold I have is a Ranch Dog 265, which seems too heavy. Oh well, no problem, I'll have to wait.

Browning B-92. To my minor surprise, slugged out to .431. This is a bummer, because I guess I can't use the same sizer die as I can for the 696. Does anyone sell a .432 or .433 push-through sizer die, or will I need to lap Lee's .430?

Marlin Guide Gun 45-70. "The Foehammer". Slugged .457", just as I expected it to. Similar problem as the Browning though, because Lee only sells a .457". Should I try .457" first, or is there a .459" available somewhere, or should I lap the die out to .459" right away?

Thanks!

[runfiverun]

i'd go to the 459 especially with a marlin.
your browning will probably also pose another problem, i doubt it will feed anything longer than 1.610.

the 265 shouldn't be too heavy for a 44. 300 gr boolits are regularly shot in them.

[bcr]

300 gr for a .44 Magnum, but the 696 is a .44 Special. I'll have to check the load data I've scavenged, but if I remember I didn't see anything larger than 250 gr. for the 44 Special.

I've read up a little now on enlarging a Lee sizer die, so it looks easy enough I guess that's what I'll do for the Marlin.

[Wayne Smith]

If you don't want to enlarge a sizer our member Buckshot makes push through sizers for the sizes Lee doesn't. He does a good, quick job at reasonable prices. Drop him a PM.

[bcr]

If you don't want to enlarge a sizer our member Buckshot makes push through sizers for the sizes Lee doesn't. He does a good, quick job at reasonable prices. Drop him a PM.

Thanks, that's what I needed!

[mdi]

Check with Ranch Dog for load info for thr 265 in .44 Special. I was shooting some in my Puma and while experimenting with bullets that feed, I loaded some 265s in .44 Special brass, and RD helped me with load data http://www.rossi-rifleman.com/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=207

I believe SAAMI spec for .44 Magnum rifle is .431" groove diameter so your Browning is right on. My Puma is .432" and I got my Lee sizer from Ranch Dog, and many times I have shot .432" plain based and gas checked bullets in my revovlers that have .431" throats with no additional problems (I've shot .432" bullets through all my .44 Magnums, 5). The .430" throats swage down the .001"-.002" without any additional lead splatter on the cylinder face, top strap, or forcing cone. I'd go ahead and "hone" a .430" sizer to .432", as it's really easy/quick to do; .002" metal isn't very much!

I have also loaded some in Magnum brass as well as Special and shot them in my 629. Give it a try 'cause it won't hurt anything and it may work perfect for you...

[bcr]

Thanks, I'm going to hone the .430 sizer to .432 and then after I have the rifle figured out maybe I'll try some in my 696. If need be for $19 I can order another .430 sizer. And thanks for the load data!