Problems sizing hi tek coated bullets with NOE push through sizer

[molar]

I cast some boolits this am from a NOE 503 383 RF mold. It dropped them at .506" and exactly 183 gr. with 18 brinnell alloy.

I coated them with 2 coats of Hi tek and they are now .508". I'm trying to size them to .501" using the NOE push through sizer.

I have to lube the bullets with imperial sizing wax to even get them to think about passing through, and even then I have to take a rubber mallet to the ram of my rockchucker press.

There has to be an easier method than this. Should I have sized the bullets first, then coated them with hi tek, and then sized again?

[runfiverun]

maybe,,, .007 is a long way's down.
try raising the size die higher in the press then you can use the cam over to help.

[dkf]

Your trying to size a large diameter rather hard bullet down .007" in one shot. It isn't going to be an easy push. I'd buy a .504 bushing and size the bullets in two steps.

[243winxb]

Bullet molds are regulated using an alloy of set specifications. Start with contacting NOE to see what alloy they use. If you dont use any antimony in your alloy, as cast diameter will be smaller. Bullets will be softer with a lead , tin only blend. With your current alloy, try using maximum heat. This will make smaller diameter, as cast bullets, that are frosted. But not small enough, is my guess.

[dragon813gt]

Sizing down.007 is going to be hard in any sizer. I'd buy a couple of intermediate sizes and go down a little at a time. There is good chance you're going to distort the bullet quite a bit sizing that much.

[243winxb]

A search shows NOE molds using wheel weights to get listed diameter and weights. Use ww and then oven heat treat them.

[Forrest r]

I've ran into the same thing with a couple of mihec molds. I cast & size them and then 2 coat and re-size them again.

[243winxb]

http://www.lymanproducts.com/lyman/bullet-casting/mould-details.php?entryID=36 The Lyman mould may work better with your alloy, as its closer to what Lyman regulates with. The coating should replace the need for a gas check? In fact, you may not need to size at all? Just powder coat the as cast bullets. My Lyman 45 acp mould drops right at the correct diameter of .452" using an alloy closer to #2 . (2%-Tin,6%-Antimony,and 92%-Lead) Good luck. Hope this helps.

[molar]

Well, it's not the mold. It was me. There was lead splatter that was preventing the blocks from closing properly. I cleaned them up and just cast 50 bullets that mic'd at .503-.5035" on the dot.

Now the question is whether to size them to .501" and then hi tek coat and size again or apply one thin coat of hi tek, run through the sizer, and then repeat. I've heard that sizing before coating will reduce the adhesion of the hi tek coating. Have any of you guys had success sizing before coating?

I figure if I apply a thin coat of hi tek, they will be around .504". Is .003" too much to size at one time?

[molar]

I just tried to run a .503" as cast bullet through the .501" sizer and still had to beat it through with a rubber mallet.

[farmerjim]

Do not size before the first Hi-Tek coat.
It will not stick or pass the smash test if you do. If you put the proper amount of Hi-tek on the boolits you will not even get close to adding .001 to the diameter. PC will add .001 to .002. Some will size after the first coat and not the second, but I wait to after the second coat.

[243winxb]

I just tried to run a .503" as cast bullet through the .501" sizer and still had to beat it through with a rubber mallet. Must have lube to size or Hi tek . Cant size a "as cast" bullet. At least i cant in my Lyman 450.

[Tackleberry41]

I size after casting, then powder coat and size again. Never had any issues. I spray them with wd40 before sizing, then clean them off w acetone before PC.

[Blackwater]

Welcome to casting, Molar! These "little things" are the things that help us all learn how to do it better, more accurately and with good consistency. And we've all probably done it, and those who haven't are just waiting to experience something like you did. Good job of getting it worked out!

[molar]

Welcome to casting, Molar! These "little things" are the things that help us all learn how to do it better, more accurately and with good consistency. And we've all probably done it, and those who haven't are just waiting to experience something like you did. Good job of getting it worked out!

I haven't completely gotten the sizing issue worked out. After coating the new bullets, they come out at .5045". I still can't pass them through the size die with ease. I've got a intermediate sizer bushing coming from NOE. Hopefully, I can perform the sizing operation in two steps much easier.

I figured it would be silly to pay shipping for an $8 part, so of course I ordered a Ranch Dog .432" 265 RF mold. This hobby sure is expensive!

How would one go about slugging the cylinder throats on a revolver? I have some stick on wheel weights that are almost pure lead. If I use that to cast a bullet, do you think I could pound the bullet through the cylinder to slug it?

[243winxb]

Lyman FAQ
Q: What is the maximum amount a cast bullet can be sized?
A: We do not recommend sizing down more than .002" to .003" as this will cause severe deformity to the bullet, causing decreased accuracy. http://www.lymanproducts.com/lyman/faqs/bullet-casting.php

[molar]

Lyman FAQ http://www.lymanproducts.com/lyman/faqs/bullet-casting.php

Is this referring to the total amount of sizing or the amount that should be performed at each step.

I have a .504 bushing coming. I plan to run them through it and then on down to .501. You think the bullets will deform?

[243winxb]

Total, lead has to go some where. Deform, yes. Enough to worry about it, no. The guns forcing cone will align the bullet and barrel will size it.

[molar]

I again measured the base and it mic'd at .503-.5035". The middle band mic'd at .505, and the meplat measured .5065".

This isn't normal is it, for a bullet to be tapered like that?

[243winxb]

http://noebulletmolds.com/NV/product_info.php?cPath=43_136&products_id=1966 Drawing and measurements of the bullet i think your casting?? Looks like all are the same. No taper.