Top/bottom punch material

[andyt53]

I'm in the process of making (attempting) swage dies for my BSSP press. I'm going for 40 cal, but if worse comes to worse, they will be repurposed for 45 cal. I'm working with O1 drill rod for the reamer and O1 tool steel for the die bodies.

What would be a good choice material for the top and bottom punches? I have a few feet of 41L40 along with the O1 drill rod and tool steel. I also have a bunch of stainless, aluminum and brass, but none of those would be good choices for punches haha. I did read somewhere that 41L40 quenched in oil made a good material for punches that wore well, but wanted to hear from the hive before I made them.

[andyt53]

andyt53,

All the punches I have turned have been from O1. Never bothered to heat treat any as I figured it is better to wear the punch than the die. These punches have stood up well as I haven't had to replace any yet.

PB

Good to know on the O1, thank you very much kind sir.

[midnight]

I use O1 also and do not heat treat. I do case harden the working end of the punch. No problems so far. Have not bent a punch yet, even .224.

Bob

[IllinoisCoyoteHunter]

I have had good luck with 1144 (stressproof). If machines extremely well and holds up under the pressure.

[andyt53]

More options, I love it! Thanks guys!

[Cane_man]

1144 works better for me than O1, its 2x stronger and easier to turn... McMaster sells it

[IllinoisCoyoteHunter]

I pretty much use speedy exclusively....except for 06. I get that locally.

[midnight]

I use Speedy also. Their prices are excellent. The fact that they are only 20 miles from my house makes it a no brainer.

Bob