I don't recommend that you try this !

[MBTcustom]

GP100man

Like matches and gas......a VERY dangerous combination.

( I don't think I want to try this twice, the odds aren't in my favor )

Ben

Boy you got that right. I can't hardly believe it came out so perfectly!
Whew!
Id rather be lucky than good any day of the week eh Ben?
Congratulations, on a successful modification. What I take from this is that you have a very steady hand with anything wearing a pistol grip. LOL!

[Ben]

Tim,

I've removed a few g/c shanks.
I'd never done it in this manner before.

I went super slow, with my cutter speed down low.
It did come out very well, but that doesn't mean much.
I'm not certain I could do it twice, that is the reason that
I've begged people not to try it.

Ben

[Ben]

Tim,

I've removed a few g/c shanks.
I'd never done it in this manner before.

I went super slow, keeping my cutter speed rpm down low.
This one came out very well, but that doesn't mean much.
I'm not certain I could do it twice, that is the reason that
I've begged people not to try it.

It is a little like hitting the lottery. Great, but can you do it twice ?

Ben

[williamwaco]

I have done the same thing with a 23/64 drill bit. (.35937 )
Actually worked out to about .361

[Ben]

I did three cavities from a Lee Group buy version. Interestingly the PB does good work even in the 357 Max if not pushed overly hard. I used a machinist vise and 25/64" drill bit IIRC. The best part is a sizer die can take some of the ugly off if you are less talented than Ben.

I just checked that ( 25/64" drill bit diameter ) .....UUmmm, something isn't right ?

25/64

=

.3906

[MT Gianni]

I just checked that ( 25/64" drill bit diameter ) .....UUmmm, something isn't right ?

25/64

=

.3906

It might be my memory or my fingers. Try 23/64 for 0.35975".

[Ben]

Looks like I need one of those 23/64 bits.
You think that Lowe's would have one ?

Ben

[williamwaco]

Looks like I need one of those 23/64 bits.
You think that Lowe's would have one ?

Ben

Got mine at HF.

[Ben]

I found a 23/64 drill bit at my local hardware store this afternoon. The next time I take out a g/c shank from a .35 cal. mold, I'll be using this bit.

Ben

[rintinglen]

A dremel tool & I are a fairly dangerous combination !!!

^^What he said, IN SPADES!!!

If you use the drill, grind it much shorter to minimize run-out, unless you have a mill. a lathe, or a very good drill press.

I am speaking from experience....(darned Harbor Freight Chinese cheapie Drill press, ashnag hilfop @*&%$#@)

[Echo]

Why not use a 'T' letter drill? According to my chart, they are .358 in diameter, maybe available @ Ace, but would definitely be available @ an industrial supply. Would probably drill out to .359, maybe, but correctable on sizing.
I used a 21/64 drill to take out the GC shank on an 8mm Lee mould, and worked fine. My shaky tremors prevent me from getting too ambitious with a Dremel...

[ShooterAZ]

A most inventive bunch.

[retread]

You can buy screw machine bits which are shorter than jobbers bit and consequently more stable. MSC stocks them.

[GP100man]

I did a lee 2 holer 158rnfp mold with the 23/64 bit in a chuck & turned it by hand , first 1 was perfect but second hole came out a little large 360+ but size out fine . I think on my 6 banger I`ll send it to someone with better tools & nerves !!





=

[oldlincoln]

A letter size "T" chucking reamer is .358" in diameter and most are cut with a starting bevel. On a square drill press align your mold block by letting the reamer taper "find it". Don't hold the blocks in a vise, the reamer will cut straight with them " floating" but be sure to clamp the blocks together. Turn the chuck by hand, you are removing such a small amount of metal, you don't need to do this under power.
The Lee 309-230-5R can be fixed up to hold checks better and straighter with this method using a 9/32" reamer.
You will like the finish the reamer leaves better than the drill and it will be round.
Easy Peasy!

[smoked turkey]

Very nice work Ben. I believe your boolits are going to perform very well for you. They look good. Your original post generated a very interesting thread with lots of good info. Thanks for your willingness to put your skills to work and then share the results with us.

[1989toddm]

Very good info. Thanks Ben!

[Adam10mm]

Looks great. Missouri Bullet has their 185gr WFN pugnose bullet I inspired them to make. Looks almost exactly like your bullet. They fly fine for me.

[Artful]

A letter size "T" chucking reamer is .358" in diameter and most are cut with a starting bevel. On a square drill press align your mold block by letting the reamer taper "find it". Don't hold the blocks in a vise, the reamer will cut straight with them " floating" but be sure to clamp the blocks together. Turn the chuck by hand, you are removing such a small amount of metal, you don't need to do this under power.
The Lee 309-230-5R can be fixed up to hold checks better and straighter with this method using a 9/32" reamer.
You will like the finish the reamer leaves better than the drill and it will be round.
Easy Peasy!

Thanks for sharing this - now to the tool supply store.

[TXGunNut]

Good job, Ben. My hand is steady enough, I just don't have the patience. I have a decent drill press and a good eye but my moulds deserve better than me and I'm not afraid to admit it and give the job to a good machinist.