Mold choice and size die

[kfin]

Just getting started in this and going to do 9mm and 45. I have almost everything already except my sizing dies, going to order those from lathesmith I believe. I slugged my 45 and my Glock 19 tonight. I do not have a micrometer here but do have a set of digital calipers that go to ten thousandths. I will check with a micrometer tomorrow but have questions on my findings so far.

I have ordered 2 lee 6 cavity molds already as they were listed under the 9mm section. The 356-125-2R and the 356-120-TC6. Measuring my 9mm slug with my micrometers I get a couple of different measurements depending on which grooves I measure I get .3565 or .3570. I understand that it depends somewhat on the alloy what size comes out of the mold. I will be using mostly wheel weights but also have a little stock #2 alloy.

Questions....If you want the boolit to be .001 bigger than the bore, should I be using 356 or 358 molds? And what size of sizing die should I get .357?

[kfin]

My 45 slug measures at .451. I ordered the Lee 452-200-SWC for this pistol. That looks fine to me. What size sizing die should I get for this one? .452?

[Wayne Smith]

I hate to tell you this but the real answer is: "the biggest that will chamber". It is your chamber size that determines, your barrel is the best size die in the world! I eventually end up with a full range of size dies for a gun to find the largest that will chamber. I need to order a .429 now because my 44-40 revolvers won't chamber a .430 and a .427 is too small for my rifle! I may end up with a .428 in the process.