Converted to a BP Compression Die

[Babbott213]

So I’ve been in need of a BP Compression die for when I load blank loads and when I want to slightly compress a BP load before seating a booliet. So I took a spare Lee Universal Decapping Die and converted it into a BP Compression Die. I took a 3/8” X 3” bolt and machined the hex head to just fit into a .45 Colt case. I used my drill press and a course metal file to do the work. Even smoothed out the head of the hex. Then I took a 3/8” hex nut and rounded it by using my bench grinder. Then I took my dremel with a cutting blade and placed a slot at the bottom of the bolt so a small flat head could turn it. Then I used super glue and fixed the rounded hex head nut onto the bolt in the position that I needed. On the Universal Die, I removed the adjustment nut and de-priming pin and tapped the universal die for the 3/8” bolt threads. Inserted the modified bolt and secured it with a jam nut on top of the Die. From what I can tell so far, I think it’s gonna work just fine. Progression photos are below.


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[rfd]

that'll work as is but it'd be a tad touchy for fine adjustments due to the jam nut. i'd drill and tap the die body for a set screw, then you'd get fine adjustments without the need for a jam nut. then at that point, basically you've have made what BACO sells for $40+ (lyman "M" die body plus a compression plug).

[country gent]

That should work fine. I make a new insert fir the expander dies to compress powder. I leave it float a little so it can self align its basically a slightly longer copy of the original with out the hole thru. The bullet seaters can be made into a compression die also wrap with several layers of masking tape around 1/2" taller and gill with JB weld epoxy, I mix steel filings or case trimming in with it to get more strength and hardness.

[John Boy]

Track of the Wolf has multiple sizes of compression plugs for 3 bucks that drop into the Lee Die. Total price $20.00

[Bad Ass Wallace]

I just use a nylon plug that fits into the seating die. Each plug es made for a specific boolit seating depth. No adjustments necessary.

[Babbott213]

that'll work as is but it'd be a tad touchy for fine adjustments due to the jam nut. i'd drill and tap the die body for a set screw, then you'd get fine adjustments without the need for a jam nut. then at that point, basically you've have made what BACO sells for $40+ (lyman "M" die body plus a compression plug).

I’ll take that into consideration as I get to using it more.


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[Babbott213]

Track of the Wolf has multiple sizes of compression plugs for 3 bucks that drop into the Lee Die. Total price $20.00

I think I got the Universal Die off eBay for $12 with free shipping and the bolt and nut was under a dollar and about a hours worth of my time. I think I’m ok with it for now for what I’m loading. Once I get to loading more for my 44-40 though, I’ll have to check into the Wolf plugs. Thanks!


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[Babbott213]

I just use a nylon plug that fits into the seating die. Each plug es made for a specific boolit seating depth. No adjustments necessary.

I’ll have to check into these. Who makes them plugs Bad *** Wallace?


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[Bad Ass Wallace]

I’ll have to check into these. Who makes them plugs Bad *** Wallace?

Made in my workshop!

[missionary5155]

Good morning
These are all good ideas. Made at home sings to my heart
Mike in LLama Land