Sizing die question

[357Scott]

Hey all,
I have a question about sizing my 9mm lead boolits. I am using a Lee #90457 356-125-2R mold. I am reloading for use in my Berretta 92FS. I sized the barrel using soft lead and I cameup with .375. After reading what otherswrote about sizing using a .358 sizing die to eliminate leading in the barrel,I want to try using a .358 sizing die. The question I have is: using the Leemold #90457 with a diameter of .356, can I use a .358 sizing die? Or would it be better to buy a Lee #90306.358-125-RF mold and use a .358 sizing die, or is there something I’m notunderstanding. I also am power coatingmy boolits not waxing them. Your opinions would be greatly appreciated!

[whisler]

Surely you mean .357, not .375. If the Lee 90457 mold casts @.356, then it will fall thru the .358 sizer, They size down not up. It may well cast larger than .356 but you won't know until you try it. The Lee 90306 should definitely cast large enough to size at .358, at least mine does.

[357Scott]

Whisler, yes your right .357, sorry.

Thanks

[DougGuy]

You would likely need the larger mold to go up .002" from .356" I know you can cause your mold to drop larger by using different alloys but I don't think it will go quite that far. Also, may want to load up a dummy or two and see if they will "plunk" in your barrel before you load a whole bunch. Many 9mm barrels won't plunk a .358" without coating, and coated just makes them bigger. To use coated .358" you may need to have the barrel throated and still run your coated boolits through a .358" sizer once the coating is cured, but this will have the gun digesting your loads without issue.

[runfiverun]

if your castings are coming out to 356 and you powder coat them then run them through the 358 sizer it should slick off the sides.
the P/C should add about .002
it should also help prevent leading in the barrel.
you still have to have the proper diameter even when using a coated boolit.

[RED BEAR]

you need to measure boolits after casting my lee molds are supposed to cast .356 but measuring after casting showed them to be .359 to almost .3595 so you could size to .358 . buy a micrometer you may be surprised at what you find. i only have less than 20 molds but a large number from all makers do not cast the exact size they are supposed to the only way to know is to measure.

[Rattlesnake Charlie]

My Lee 9mm mold drops them at a little over .359. I size through a .358 sizing die. They shoot great in all my 9mm as well as all my buddies.