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Thread: Question about Lyman 45 lubrisizer

  1. #1
    Boolit Grand Master tazman's Avatar
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    Question about Lyman 45 lubrisizer

    I have a Lyman 45 lubrisizer I have had for decades but never used. I got it out and set it up to size a batch of 452374 boolits becuase I was having issues with the boolits not chambering due to a tight chamber and the tumble lube I was using.
    This method of sizing & lubing cleared up the issue nicely.
    The question I have concerns the bearing surface area on the sides of the boolits. It seems that the side of the boolit facing me gets sized farther up toward the nose than anywhere else on the boolit. It doesn't matter how I orient the boolit in the sizer before I pull the handle. This happens with other boolits sized in the same sizing die as well.
    I am wondering if the sizing die is out of alignment and if so how do I fix it?
    The die seems to fit tightly in the machine. I really don't want the boolits to be sized off center/out of alignment.

  2. #2
    Boolit Master

    Hickory's Avatar
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    I had a RCBS sizer/luber that was bored off center or was warped out of alignment to where the plunger that held the top punch forced the boolit off center in the sizing die. I called the company and sent it back and got a new one.
    This was back in the 70's.
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  3. #3
    Boolit Grand Master tazman's Avatar
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    I have another question. Assuming I need to get a different machine, which is better, Lyman 4500 or RCBS LAM2?

  4. #4
    Boolit Buddy mwells72774's Avatar
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    I've got a 4500 that does the same thing but mostly with 9mm or other RN projectiles. Even with the correct top punch it'll still do it so I just don't cast for 9

  5. #5
    Boolit Master


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    Try keeping the top punch screw loose you can keep the punch stuck in place with a little bullet lube. That may give enough play to align the punch and die, it has worked for me.

  6. #6
    Boolit Master

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    - TEST -
    Take one of your 452374 boolits and size it nose down with a flat nose punch (or something that will lay flat on the back of the boolit), if this sizes evenly all the way around then your punch and die are out of alignment.

    **You'll have to adjust the return screw to allow the 452374 boolits to enter the sizing die freely
    Scott

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  7. #7
    Boolit Grand Master tazman's Avatar
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    I have a Lee push through that I have been using and it sizes evenly all the way around.
    I will try loosening the top punch screw but the top punch seems too fit tightly.

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    From what you said, it sounds like the lubesizer isn't aligned perfectly.
    You should be able to see this mis-alignment, when you look closely at the Die opening, when you lower the top punch into the Die.
    If the lubesizer is mis-aligned, you have two options.
    One, is to use only a flat faced Top Punch.
    Two, is to reduce the mounting shank of the top punch, then 'shim' it into alignment while installing it into the lubesizer.
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  9. #9
    Boolit Master pjames32's Avatar
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    Try loosen the sizing die nut then run the tightened top punch into the die. Tighten nut while the top punch is in the die. This "might" align the sizing die. If not, melt the excess lube out of the sizing die space, then put the die in. You are not aligned.
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  10. #10
    Boolit Grand Master tazman's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by pjames32 View Post
    Try loosen the sizing die nut then run the tightened top punch into the die. Tighten nut while the top punch is in the die. This "might" align the sizing die. If not, melt the excess lube out of the sizing die space, then put the die in. You are not aligned.
    There is no nut on the Lyman 45, only a set screw.

  11. #11
    Boolit Master

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    Back out the set screw.
    Respectfully,
    Tom Myers
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  12. #12
    Boolit Grand Master tazman's Avatar
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    I will try backing out the set screw and loosening the top punch tomorrow. I just got home from a 2 and 1/2 hour trip getting and unloading some furniture for SWMBO and I am tired.

  13. #13
    Boolit Master
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    Could there be a bit of hardened lube in the hole that the die goes into holding it off center?

  14. #14
    Boolit Grand Master

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    The set screw can definitely move it enough to do that if it's too tight. I almost always use a flat top punch too. It's rare for me to need one with a nose shape, but I don't do rifle boolits on my 45.
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    This was an issue they fixed with the 450.
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  16. #16
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    My #45 worked great for many years. I now use a #4500 w/heater because I use CR lube. The set screw is the only thing holding the H&I die in place so can not loosen too much. Use a flat to seat the H&I die in place, then set the screw. Worked for me.
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  17. #17
    Boolit Master pjames32's Avatar
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    Sorry Tazman, I was thinking 450!
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  18. #18
    Boolit Grand Master tazman's Avatar
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    I tried loosening the set screw that holds the die in place and loosening the thumbscrew that holds the top punch and letting the combination self align. It worked.
    This stopped the off center sizing. The problem now is, the sizing die won't stay in place because the set screw isn't tight enough to hold it. If I tighten the set screw enough to hold it, the off center sizing comes back. Bummer.
    It looks like I may be in the market for a new sizer.

  19. #19
    Boolit Buddy mwells72774's Avatar
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    I wonder if there's some lube built up around the top of the sizer and or in the cup section of the nut

  20. #20
    Boolit Master
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    Try placing a thin shim on the back side of the die if possible before tightening the screw.

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