Opening a sizing die

[NHlever]

I would like to open the .258 sizing die I have to .259, and was wondering if those that have done this had any trouble with the additional clearance around the rod the bullet rests on?

[largom]

You will find that the push rod is several thousands smaller than the die opening on your Lee die. Opening the die up another .001 will not have any ill effect on the push rod performance. However, if you need to size the bullet down several thousands it is best to do it in stages rather than all at once.
Larry

[NHlever]

Actually, I am trying to size to near "as cast" diameter since I'm thinking my Marlin 25-20 may prefer a slightly larger boollit. I should have mentioned that the die is a Lyman, but it's nice to know that the push rod will function if smaller than the die. I was concerned about lube mess.

[mtgrs737]

If the factory does not make the larger die, then I'd ask Buckshot to make me one. I would keep the smaller die as is. Opening up the die may cause the lube to leak around the pin.

[sundog]

Go to castpics, research and data, Honing a Sixe Die. Actually it's quite easy and takes only a few minutes. Gaining .001 is no problem.

[dubber123]

I have honed quite a few. If not going much over .001", I haven't had a lube leakage problem. I did take a spare .457" all the way to .460+", that one leaked. I swapped the rods with my .459" die, and now both work just fine.

[NHlever]

Thanks for all the information everyone. I think I'm going to give it a try.