Punch depth problem

[novalty]

Hoping someone can confirm my suspicion on how to correct? Sizing some Mihec 135gr. RNFN to .358 in my Star with Lathesmith Dies and top punch. I had set the depth and lock ring on the punch, and am getting lube in the groove, but the punch threads are starting to contact the die--which doesn't allow a full activation on the lube actuator. My suspicion is that I need to switch the row on the sizing die from the middle to the top, and then lowering the lock-ring on the punch.

[VHoward]

That's what I would do.

[novalty]

Thanks VHoward for the quick response. I'll see if I can clean up the die, and pop out the lead shot from the top holes, and plug up the middle.

[novalty]

Well pulled the die, cleaned off the lube, drilled out the lead shot slowly, and inserted the lead shot into the middle row exposing the top row. I measured the row spacing on the die, and appeared to be .125", so I took my calipers and measured from the top of the punch to the bottom of the lock nut (.450") and loosened the nut so the bottom was .575" from the bottom of the nut to the top of the punch. Tightened down the set screw, and reinstalled the die and punch. Looks good to me, was able to quickly put through 50 bullets with the air pressure set to about 35# with Kyle's air kit, and heater on low for Randy Rat's Tac1. The bullets measured exact to .358" with Lathesmith's die.

[VHoward]

Looks good to me.

[ReloaderFred]

That's a good looking bullet. I'll bet it would make a great .38 Super round.

Fred