Modifying lube sizer dies

[JFE]

Is it possible to increase diameter of RCBS/Lyman lubesizer dies using simple hand tools?

I'm looking increase the diameter of several dies I have by 0.001-0.003.

Ideas and advice appreciated.

Joe

[Mugs]

Yes it is. I've used a split dowel in a drill motor with fine emery cloth. Go slow, check often with a sized boolit. The larger you get over pin size the bigger chance of lube leakage. good luck.
Mugs

[shooter575]

I seem to recall a "stickie" on opening up Lee push through die also.Anyway a search should bring up all kinds of threads on it.

[Morgan Astorbilt]

If you don't want to have leakage problems, the "I" part, that controls the bullet depth and pushes it out, will have to be made larger. It blocks the lube holes under the bullet. I enlarge these H&I dies in my lathe, using a tool post grinder, and then turn a new "I" die.
Morgan

[JFE]

Thanks for the responses.

My first attempt will be on a .277 sizer to try to bring it up to .278. I'll try the split wooden dowel and see how that goes.

Joe

[dubber123]

Thanks for the responses.

My first attempt will be on a .277 sizer to try to bring it up to .278. I'll try the split wooden dowel and see how that goes.

Joe

One tip: some dies are VERY hard. I have honed quite a few, without much trouble, but I recently got a .458" that was hard as a rock!. I honed till I was sick of it, and gained .0005".

I gave up, heated it a dull red, and let it air cool. This annealed it, and it honed quite easily afterwards.

[Johnw...ski]

If you have a lathe core pins of any size can be made but if like most of us a lathe is not available try purchasing gage pins from a place like MSC Industrial Supply. They come in .001 increments and can be had on the .0002 + or - side.
I plan to try this out if I ever get around to making a .460 die.

John

[JFE]

I cut a length of 6mm wooden dowel, used a hacksaw to cut a 2.5 inch cut down the middle and then wrapped it tight with 220 grit emery. I used a hand drill and swapped the die body around several times during the process to try to hone it out evenly. It took some time but now have a 278 die that appears to be fairly true. Judging by the amount of time it took I figure the die must be fairly hard.

Thanks again for the input.