Lyman .452 die vs Star .452 die

[Macinaw]

I have been using the Lyman 4500 .452 die for years. Have a new Star with .452 die. It seems that the Star die (Leathsmith-Chris Smith) has more markings on bullet as to be sized down more thant the Lyman .452 die. Is this really the case or am I just crazy? I guess the question is - does the Star die size more "down" than the Lyman die? Thanks for any help! Macinaw

[ANeat]

You lost me, size a bullety in each and see if they measure the same.

One thing with a Star sizer is if you run quite a few bullets thru it they get a little harder to size. Run a bullet thru it that has already been lubed and the next dozen or two go thru a lot easier.

[Macinaw]

The problem is I don't have calipers yet to measure. The bullets from the Star die show alot more shinney sides all the way up the bullet. That is what makes me think the Star die is sizing smaller than the Lyman die. Thanks for your help! Mac

[ANeat]

They should really be shiney all the way around. If the Lyman die has been used a lot it probably does size a little larger than a new .452 die.

The best thing to do if you cant measure them is see how they shoot

[Macinaw]

I think you are right! The Lyman die is well used. My son and I shoot 12,000 round a year in cowboy action shooting. Multiply that by five years; I think the Lyman die is history. Thanks for your help! Macinaw

[ANeat]

Nothing wrong with a fat bullet Mac, If the gun feeds it and it shoots well/doesent lead; then I would call it good. Heck I use a .453 die in my Star just to get a fatter bullet ;)

[crabo]

My Magna .358 and .359 dies actually size to .359 and .360. I had lathesmith make me a true .358

[44man]

Size dies also depend on alloy. It might have been made for a different alloy then you use. I have had to lap many to get the size I want.
I never go by what is marked on dies. You need a good micrometer, not a caliper.

[cajun shooter]

When you see the bullet more shiney as you put it; it means that it is being sized all around the bullet. This gives you a more concentric bullet that will be more accurate and it will make a better trip down your bore. To measure a sizing die you need pin guages to have an accurate reading. A die that reads 359 will size to 3585. Chris can fill you in with all the exacts but his dies are truer than others and that is why I only use his dies.

[Macinaw]

Thank You ! To everyone that replied. I have learned alot of helpfull info. Macinaw