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Thread: which top punch?

  1. #1
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    which top punch?

    Hello friends,

    I am going to try lubing my bullets in an RCBS Lube-a-matic. I have ordered a .360" sizing die.

    Can you fellas tell me which top punch I need for a NOE 360-180-WFN? I have searched and searched and I have found several lists that cross reference mold numbers with top punch numbers and I can't find the NOE molds anywhere.

    I have even found a Lyman #344 that is listed as a flat punch but no one has any for sale.

    Thanks in advance for your time,


    Steve in N CA

  2. #2
    Boolit Master
    Ed_Shot's Avatar
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    Since your boolit is a WFN, one easy option is to cut a 1/4" hex head bolt and use the bolt head as flat-nosed top punch in your Lub-a-matic. Works as good as any flat-nosed top punch and the price is right.

    Another option, if you have a spare top punch you don't mind turning into a flat top punch, just fill the top punch cavity with epoxy.
    Last edited by Ed_Shot; 02-25-2018 at 10:34 PM.

  3. #3
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    BrassMagnet's Avatar
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    First off, NOE will sell you a top punch to go with that mould.

    Second, a #429 top punch from Lyman or RCBS will work.

    Third, I just happen to have one of those! Do try NOE first.

  4. #4
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    Thank you guys, that was a lot of help.

    I will try the NOE site and maybe the bolt also. Nothing wrong with cheap in my opinion.

    Thanks again.

  5. #5
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    BrassMagnet's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by sghart3578 View Post
    Thank you guys, that was a lot of help.

    I will try the NOE site and maybe the bolt also. Nothing wrong with cheap in my opinion.

    Thanks again.
    NOE first. Me second. Save the bolt for emergencies.

  6. #6
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    Wayne Smith's Avatar
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    My most used top punch is a brass 1/4" bolt cut off and the head smoothed. I have two of them, one narrow for .30 and smaller, one sized for 40/45.
    Wayne the Shrink

    There is no 'right' that requires me to work for you or you to work for me!

  7. #7
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    gwpercle's Avatar
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    If you ever come across a RCBS 30 cal top punch, of any profile and you want a flat profile , just fill the nose cavity with JB Weld, let set and file , sand it dead flat and Ta-Dah you got a flat one.
    I don't have any metal working tools but I got JB Weld !
    Gary
    Certified Cajun
    Proud Member of The Basket of Deplorables
    " Let's Go Brandon !"

  8. #8
    Boolit Master
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    Get a large (45 cal) wad cutter top punch. Fill with epoxy and then use a grease up boolit to form the epoxy to fit you boolit. Works great and saves buying a bunch of top punchs.

  9. #9
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    I like to get the right diameter top punch clean thoroughly
    lightly lube the tip of your bullet.
    fill the tip of the punch with hot melt glue and stick the tip of the boolit in the glue
    remove the boolit and carve the excess glue to match the diameter of the top punch..

    Using a bolt and some grinding (grind the bolt head or bolt to the right diameter)
    In theory, you could make a perfect fit, any size configuration top punch you wanted -- for cheap

    If I remember correctly, there is someone out there that sells top punch blanks in different calibers you can use to convert.

  10. #10
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    BrassMagnet's Avatar
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    Did you get one from NOE?
    Should I pack and mail this one or put it away?

  11. #11
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    Thank you guys for all of the help.

    I did order a flat punch and it works great. I am going to order a top punch for a 311299 mold and a few others this summer.

    I am in the process of changing my rifle loads from BLL to Carnauba Blue.

    Thanks again, you guys are always helpful and very generous with your knowledge and possessions.


    Steve in N CA

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Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check