BTSniper Custom Tools and Dies

[nhrifle]

BT has a one step die that will serve your needs for the .40 cal. Here's the thread:

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...-far-and-cheap!

I am sure others will tell you, the LNL press probably isn't the best idea for swaging bullets as the pressure required will probably do a number on the die insert at the top of the press. I can recommend the Lee Classic Cast (not breech lock) as the best single stage I know of, I've had mine for several years and it has never let me down.

Specific answers about equipment depend upon what you want to do. Read through all the posts here and the rest of the forum, and use the search function. The answers are out there. If you can't find what you need, be as specific as you can in your questions regarding caliber, firearm, etc. Someone here knows and will be happy to help.

Welcome aboard!

[Del-Ray]

I'm casting more cores tonight at work. I'm going to have enough material for at least 1k bullets when my box shows up!

[DukeInFlorida]

You want to be sure to have BT Sniper sell you his REFINED version of the 9>.40 die set. It makes an exact copy of the XTP bullets, when used with BT Sniper's Universal star crimp tool. If you explain to him what you want, he'll set you up properly.

The lead cores that you need will require that you get somewhat set up for casting. Most of us are using Lee molds for making tumble lube flat nose bullets, which we use as the cores.

99% of the .40's I make are 165 grain in weight.

To get there, you use a 9mm case, and a 105 grain cast bullet (.380 auto sized Tumble Lube by Lee). That gives you 165 grains without any fuss. If you want 187/188 grains, then you can use 125 grain 9mm cast lead bullets from a mold, also by Lee.

The casting set up can be as simple as a Lee electric casting pot (about $50), and a hand dipper ($20). You can buy pure lead or range lead here, most of the time, for a buck a pound, delivered.

Everyone,

I'm new and extremely interested. I welcome anyone to offer advice here.

What all do I need to get started doing this?

I reload .40 S&W and have access to 9mm brass. I have some Hornady XTP bullets, and would like to copy them.

I reload with all Hornady equipment, Lock-N-Load single stage press

I have no casting tools except for a nice BBQ grill

I also shoot 6.8 SPC and .308 and reload for both, interested in bullet making for those, but secondary to the .40

please advise on a "basic" setup to get started, I see a pile of tools available, which ones do I need and which are nice to have? Terminology is a bit new to me, but I'm a quick learner. Many thanks

[nhrifle]

Thanks Duke, forgot to mention the refinements BT has made in his dies.

[DukeInFlorida]

Here's the best way to show you the current state of the art:

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...=1#post1317523

The back row........ bullet on the left is the older style.. The middle is a XTP factory bullet....... the two on the right are BT's refined version, an exact duplicate of the XTP shape.

[Bonz]

I am also confused on exactly what I need to purchase from his list ( just thought it was me, ha... )

I want a finished bullet that looks exactly like the one in that photo ( top row, second from the right ) that looks better than the "Federal Premium Personal Defense"

I only want to make .400 bullets out of 9mm cases and don't care about any other calibers ( unless I can do something similar with a .357, lol )

Question 1: What is a list and prices of the minimum I need to buy ?

BTSniper famous One Step Dies

$325

both incorperate elliptical ogive nose profile with .250 meplat, larger meplat is available
BTX (XTP)notch die and/or universal die with expanding/case prep mandrel and/or auto ejection system recomended for best results and optimum rate of production

Question 2: What optional things do i need to purchase from BTsniper and what exactly do they do ?

[DukeInFlorida]

Since BT is so busy, I will try to make it clear for you and anyone else.............
A) If you want the ones on the right in the back row:
Improved heavy duty CH-4d two die set

$395.00
Subject to CH-4d availbilty
.400
That's a small amount extra, but well worth it, in my opinion.


Additional Items:
B) BTX (xtp) Universal Multi Caliber Notch Die - This gives you the notched HP's
$150
See: http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...t-expander-die

C) Additional expanding/case prep mandrel - This is used with the BTX die, and allows for expanding the 9mm brass, and also seating the core.
$50
The mandrel is shown in this post: http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...=1#post1661652

D) Auto Ejection System for press 1" ram - This automatically ejects the swaged bullets from the dies on the upstroke of the press.
$125
See this video: http://s636.beta.photobucket.com/use...20390.mp4.html
What you get: http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/u...r/DSCF9623.jpg

[Bonz]

Definately want the short & fat (just like me) bullet. Photo caption states BTSniper custom notched is standing up and 2nd bullet from the right.



So the BTSniper famous One Step Dies for $325 creates the bullet in the photo that is front row right side and if I add the BTX (xtp) Universal Multi Caliber Notch Die for an additional $150, the bullet ends up like front row left side ?

How difficult would it be to create these bullets without the Auto Ejection System ? My current press is a Lyman T-Mag II turret head.

Just really trying to get it right the first time, sure that BTsniper would appreciate that also...

[DukeInFlorida]

no, you didn't read correctly.
the die set for the one on the right is MoRE money.....

[BT Sniper]

Seems to be a bit of confusion.

Here is all one needs to make perfect 40 cal bullets from 9mm brass. I have two differnt dies to offer. On is a CH die the other is my custom die. My die costs a little more but both make exellent bullets and will last a life time.

You don't need an auto ejection to make these bullets, or the BTX (XTP) notch die, not even the universal die with case prep expanding mandrel. All one really needs is the ONE die. The universal die with mandrel is a very nice addition and well worth the lttle extra cost though.

Cost for my famous 40 cal one step dies are as follows.

$225 CH 40 cal one step die with my heavy duty improved internial parts

or

$325 Custom BTSniper 40 cal one step die, refered to as the "short & fat bullet" I like that


Optional equipment

$75 universal die with case prep/expanding mandrel to prep 9mm brass for 40 cal jackets (highly recomended)
$150 BTX multi caliber notch die (not necessary but makes perfect XTP copies)
$125 auto ejection system (again not necessary but this is one of those tools that you will wonder how you ever lived without)

$20 S&H

This covers all the possibilities for the tools and dies I have to offer for making great 40 cal bulelts form 9mm brass. Hope this made a bit of sence out of any confusion, should anyone need any further explanation please feel to let me know or send me a PM.

Also check out post # 132 of this thread for more pictures and details regarding both of these great dies.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...and-Dies/page7



Good shooting and Swage On!

Brian

[BT Sniper]

My custom BTSniper 40 cal one step die made that bullet pictured top row 2nd from the right at a cost of

$325 for the die (forms bullet)
$75 for the universal die with expanding mandrel (expands the 9mm and seats core)
$150 for the BTX (XTP) notch die (Makes the perfect 6 notches in top of jacket)
$20 S&H

$570 To your door.

Yes I too believe they look every bit as good or better then most facoty offerings and they shoot just as good if not better too! Best part is how easy they are to make and how little it costs for the material needed to make these perfect bullets. Anyone will be very happy with a purchase like this. Imigine shooting bullets better then factory for teh cost of 5 grains of powder and a 3 cent primer! That is cheaper then 22lr!

Please feel free to PM me regarding ordering instructions.

Thanks

Brian

[Bonz]

I'm sure that some will see this as a silly question because of the power of a 9mm round =but= do you make a die kit that would allow you to use a 9mm case to create a 9mm HP projectile for a 9mm ?

[BT Sniper]

I don't have any 9mm dies to offer yet. I have made .358 bullets from sized down 9mm brass. I always figured the amount of extra work and cost involved to make 9mm bullets vs. making 40 cal bullets it was almost cheaper to actually go out and just buy a 40 cal pistol. But I suppose that is not a good answer for BTSniper business of offering swage dies and I suppose there are those with very nice 9mm pistol they would like to make their own bullets for. I have had many others inquire about 9mm swage dies. I suppose I should look into it and get some custom reamers made.

Anything is possible and I'll be happy to supply you with anything and everything you need, just let me know.

You would be looking at

$495 for a Custom BTSniper 2 die 9mm set
$250 for two draw dies needed to reduce 9mm brass or one die ($125) to reduce cut 223 rem brass for jackets.

Actually the top of a cut off 223 makes a great .355 bullet with a mod to teh core seat die. Anything is possible.

Here is a cut 223rem case turned into a 30 cal and a .358 bullet. The .358 could have just as easily been a .355 bullet.



and here is a bunch of 145 grain .358 bullets made from sized down and trimed 9mm brass, again these could have just as easily been .355.

[fredj338]

Brian, I would think 380 cases would work for 9mm bullets, maybe even 32acp, but then cost would be an issue.

[DukeInFlorida]

My carry gun is chambered in 357 Sig.
That's a .40 case, necked down to 9mm bullet.

So, I'm shooting a LOT of 9mm bullets.

I'd really love to have a simple way to make 9mm. The issue always has been the raw material.
Copper tubing isn't an option for me. But, I have tons of brass from the range, and could make use of 5.56 brass, or perhaps even 5.7X28 (have a bucket full of that)...

Will watch for future progress on this subject.

[Del-Ray]

Hmmmm.....

I wonder what I would need to make some 50BMG projectiles.

Maybe turn 45 colt brass to .510, and a 500gr cast bullet for the core...

[Bonz]

Any progress on making a custom BTsniper die set to make 9mm hp bullets from brass cases ?

[tiger762]

Would like to make 45acp HP from 40S&W brass. I love the XTP look that the serrated nose punch creates. I have a CH4D 44cal swage die set that I've used 40S&W brass with. What all would I need, what is the total, and to whom do I send payment? Thanks!

[sinister4g63]

Hi BT, I too am interested in a 9mm set. I have been shooting it for 15+ years and am just down right comfortable with it. Anything you can do is greatly appreciated! Also a .223 kit wouldn't hurt either

[phil3333]

i would like to talk to you about a set of your dies,i know your busy i will send a pm just get back to me when you can
thanks
phil