Lyman 45 Suited for This Operation?

[PBSmith]

I have an old orange 45 that I'm considering for seating gaschecks, light sizing and lubing 30 caliber bullets.

Did all of these machines have a problem with locking the dies and top punch off center? If so, is there an easy fix?

Also, if my bullets are slightly undersize for the die, will I get grease plastered all over the side of the bullet and eccentric bullets even if the die is centered in the press?

Been using Lee push through dies up to now, thought I'd try the 45 for experimenting with different stick lubes.

Thanks.

[Beagle333]

Not all of them had the off center problem. You'll have to just test out your machine. I don't think any of mine are out of center. But if you already have the Lee push thru dies for the size you want, then it won't really matter about the die, it'll just be lubing the boolit as it passes and not resizing it (negates any chance of changing the center). You can have boolits that are .001" smaller and you won't notice. You can easily lube boolits that are .002" undersized if you don't get your lube hot and you keep the pressure on the nut low. It is a pretty forgiving machine. Since you won't be heavy sizing, you shouldn't have any trouble with the die wanting to come back out on you, even if it is newer die or even an RCBS die and has no groove. (but it's pretty easy to grind a dimple on one side if you really like/need that).

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

I don't think it's an original manufacturing issue, so depending on the exact specifics of the misalignment, it may be corrected.
A small amount of misalignment rarely effects pistol boolits, but can be troublesome with long skinny rifle boolits.

I've "shimmed" the Top punch mounting area to move the top punch 'slightly' to one side...using theperfessor's top punches makes this posible.

Also, if the die is the newer style with o-ring, they are slightly smaller in diameter, so when you tighten the setscrew, it can push the die to one side...I've shimmed them with alum foil tape.

But the first thing I'd do, is closely examine exactly what's happening, then try to counter measure the issue.

[gwpercle]

Don't "lock" the top punch. I stripped out the set screw and just started putting a dab of lube on the end of the punch (beeswax-lithium, sticky) and shoving it into the hole. It self centers now because it's not "locked" . I should have done that years ago....try it !
The punch stays in place until you remove it , it doesn't just fall out.
Gary

[PBSmith]

Thank you, gentlemen, for your good responses. Based on your reports, I believe I'll go ahead and order the dies/top punches and give it a whirl. Appreciate your input.