Based on many recommendations here, I just received a nice package from Al at NOE, and this should cover all of my bullet sizing needs. One problem though, the top punch adapter that he provides works only with Lyman/RCBS type top punches, and he has nothing that will adapt to the threaded SAECO top punches. I did call him and he was a bit surprised and said that he could probably make something, but he was 6-8 weeks out on production and I did not want to wait that long.
From my reading here, it appears that when using these dies for sizing, if I am going to seat gas checks I should be pushing the bullet up into the die base first, hence the needed top punch.
So, with all of that said, I have three SAECO molds that I need a Lyman/RCBS top punch recommendation for. They are mold numbers 454, 354 and 305.
Any advice?
Also, I see numerous articles about making custom top punches using JB Weld and some type of release agent. Easily done, but to those of you who have done that, can you recommend a base/blank top punch on which to build? Maybe the answer to all of this is simply buy a few wide open punches and make up a few custom ones.
Thank you.