"Control Bullet" makes easy set up for point form die

[BT Sniper]

Don't know why I didn't think of this before. I will now be including in all my riffle caliber die sets a control bullet made from solid brass and smaller then bullet diameter that will allow you guys to quickly and easily set up yout point form die to the precise perfect position in whatever press you use.

This one pictured happens to be the exact size needed to set up a 30 cal die to make perfect 176 grain 30 cal bullets from 5.7x28 brass in my dies.

One simply places teh control bullet in the die and with the ram at the top of the stroke then screws the die into the press till it comes to a stop. You set the lock ring and you are good to go! Done! Easy! Perfect no matter what press you use!

More later

BT

[Utah Shooter]

Making it easier never hurt anyone. I think this is a fantastic idea!

[sprinkintime]

BT, but you will need a control bullet for every size you use, as 147gr vs 176grs.

Sprink

[runfiverun]

it would be simpler to add the set up bullet and a separate stem for lesser weights.
you'd have to add a little money for the punch but ultimate repeatability is worth it.
right now i have to do a 20 minute complete re-set if i change weights [and do a couple of trial and error runs]
it would be nice to just be able to throw in a different stem and leave the die in the same place.

[nhrifle]

Good idea, same reason I have a dummy cartridge in my die boxes.

Here's another idea for you -- ever think of turning a solid bullet like that one for your 400 BTS Mag?

[BT Sniper]

Thanks guys for the coments and input.

I figure I will provide the "control bullet" for the most typical bullet that will be made in the die, ie. 176 grain in the 30 cal from 5.7 or 55 grain in the 22 cal etc. and if teh customer takes good notes they will be able to use the contol bullet as a starting point then adjust teh die a specific degree of turn for their various bullet weights. Example the 176 grain 30 cal, if somone wanted to make 150 grain bullets it would be control bullet + 1/2 turn in on the die or for a 200 grain bullet it is back out 1/4 turn. I think if the swager is good they should keep detailed notes about the bullets they make and teh control bullet should allow for a set starting point, just like the "zero stops" on the high end long range scopes when we dial up and down the elevation turrets.

Anyting is possible, from varrious size control bullets to specific length base punches for each bullet weight leaving the die in the same spot, heck.... for those with my threaded base punches it would be possible to add precision washers/spacers under the shoulder of the base punch for different weight bullets, anythign is possible. I wanted to start with the simple control bullet to get the first time swager up and running faster and more precise then the tryle and error method we are all fimliar with. This Control bullet will help a lot for those that need it the most.

Of course I welcome all ideas and input

Good shooting and Swage On!

BT

[DukeInFlorida]

I like the idea a LOT!

I also keep "set up" rounds in my reloading die boxes, to assist me in setting up the bullet seating for the various bullets I seat in each caliber.

The idea of using a brass set up sample for the point forming will help a LOT!

[Smokin7mm]

The only time you would need a different control bullet would be if you were using a different jacket (case) length. At least if you are making open tip bullets. With and open tip bullet you can go from a almost max filled (tip completly filled) to an open cavity in the tip to within reason. For my RCE equipment I have several top punch dies that have the lock ring set for different bullets and weights based on the jacket being used.

BT, just a thought on the control bullet. You would not need to make the bullet full profile. All you would need would be about 1/2 the ogive of the point as it could index off of that (similar to a cartridge shoulder in a bottleneck case on a headspace gauge). This would also avoid the potential of someone mistaking the bullet gauge for a bullet and reloading and shooting their gauge downrange.

Bret

[nhrifle]

Oops!!!

[BT Sniper]

True, it doesn't have to be full profile. It could be a simple 15 degree or so pointed piece of brass or the partial nose profile. The position of the ejection pin is adjustable in my dies and the full profile will aid in this setting as well. Either way it should help with initial set up for the first time swager as well as the advanced.

Thanks

BT

[scarry scarney]

As they say on the Guinness beer commercial, "Brilliant!"

[fredj338]

While not perfect for every bullet swager, a great idea as at least a starting point. It should get you good bullets in two or three passes.

[Willbird]

BT I wonder if you could just order what you need from these guys here ??

http://site.cuttingedgebullets.com/

I mean I am all for making things, do it myself a lot of the time, but they sell really nice version of what you are talking about for a couple bucks each. Which is a lot for a bullet, but not so much for a setup tool . My guess is they are using swiss turn machines.

[BT Sniper]

I'll look into it, Thanks

BT

[MIBULLETS]

BT I wonder if you could just order what you need from these guys here ??

http://site.cuttingedgebullets.com/

I mean I am all for making things, do it myself a lot of the time, but they sell really nice version of what you are talking about for a couple bucks each. Which is a lot for a bullet, but not so much for a setup tool . My guess is they are using swiss turn machines.

Might work, but would probably be much better if it was made in your die, or at least a die made with the same reamer.

[Reload3006]

Might work, but would probably be much better if it was made in your die, or at least a die made with the same reamer.

+1 i fully agree

[BT Sniper]

For the time being I will simply turn the control bullet from a solid piece of brass. I allready have the nose profile cutting tools that match my dies. The control bullet doesn't even need to look like a bullet. It could simply be a piece of brass with a pointed straight taper to the nose.

Just to be clear we should never attempt to swage as solid piece of copper or brass in any BTSniper swage dies These control bullets are "under sized" so no damage can be done to the die if used correctly.

It will be perfect

BT

[Willbird]

For the time being I will simply turn the control bullet from a solid piece of brass. I allready have the nose profile cutting tools that match my dies. The control bullet doesn't even need to look like a bullet. It could simply be a piece of brass with a pointed straight taper to the nose.

Just to be clear we should never attempt to swage as solid piece of copper or brass in any BTSniper swage dies These control bullets are "under sized" so no damage can be done to the die if used correctly.

It will be perfect

BT

Well my point was they make a lot of those little things to a blueprint .... economy of scale and all that stuff . I make lots of things myself but not socket head cap screws and other stuff others make cheaper . I'd love a photo tour of your shop some time BT . I tried your photobucket link and it asked me to log in ?

Bill

[BT Sniper]

Put together a control bullet for a customer to set up his 6.5mm point form die for perfect results. Here it is pictured next to the 142 grain 6.5mm match bullet made in BTSniper dies.



BT