Question on Sizing

[Avenger442]

Is it possible to size WW bullets down from .450 to .430? What are the limits on sizing with a Lee push through?

[lobowolf761]

I don't think it is. You would be better off buying the proper diameter mould for that type bullet. You would have to use too many sizing dies to reduce the diameter that much.

[s mac]

I think the limits would be your grooves, probably won't have much left. A little excessive sizing. Or I should say a lot exessive.

[44man]

Too much! Full lube grooves are at the most .025" deep so you will not have much left. Small groove boolits can lose a lot.

[runfiverun]

if you fill the grooves with lube first they will stay put.

the issue you have is the boolit will elongate,,, and try to wrap around the sizing stem.
I have accidentally pushed some 454 boolits through a 430 sizer before and could probably have shot them.
but I got 430 boolits and didn't see the need to experiment.

[bangerjim]

It's called "sizing" not "swaging"!

I would never attempt to size down that much. Grease in grooves or not. And you will probably break your press. Or you wrist.

Just buy what you need in a 430 mold. And have your grease grooves left.

Unless you are powder coating and do not need the grooves. I don't. I cast and shoot a lot of boolits that do not even have grooves anymore. PC replaces grease VERY well. But you have a LOT of extra lead to cram thru there on your 450 to 430 task.

banger

[gwpercle]

Possible but not worth the effort, wear and tear on press, sizer and arms . Another mould of the correct size would be a much better option for more than just a few boolits.
Gary

[Avenger442]

Thanks for replys.
I am coating with the Hi-Tek product. It seems to make bullets slicker for sizing. And loss of lube grooves are not a problem.

My main concern was if I could push the .450 through the .430 die. I have size bullets down .01 but never .02. I have a hollow point die that cast .450 and was wondering if could size for my 44 magnum.

[bangerjim]

Buy a new LEE 6 banger. They are cheap. I just bought 3 of them.

banger

[Avenger442]

Buy a new LEE 6 banger. They are cheap. I just bought 3 of them.

banger


Have one for the 44 magnum already but it is not a hollow point mold.