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Thread: What's the easiest way to get into making .224 bullets from 22lr cases?

  1. #1
    Boolit Master
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    What's the easiest way to get into making .224 bullets from 22lr cases?

    I know just about everybody who makes swaging dies has some sort of die set or die kit to make .224 jacketed bullets from 22lr cases. I've got a line on a great swage press so if I happen to need power, it will be no problem.

    But what do I need and who makes the most cost/wise efficient dies and widgets? I don't mind spending extra if it's actually better.

    I'm just horribly confused about what I actually need to sit down with a pile of spent 22lr cases and start spitting out finished .224 bullets.

    Also, are 22 WMR cases doable?
    [

  2. #2
    Boolit Buddy
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    I use BT Sniper equipment, he is on this site. I don't think you can make better quality boolits than his dies put out. Do a search for his reviews.

  3. #3
    Boolit Master
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    Larry Blackman makes a very high quality kit for a fraction of the price.
    http://bulletswagingsupply.com/

    You can derim 22wmr with one die then swage it down to make 224 bullets with another.

    Here's his price sheet.
    http://bulletswagingsupply.com/main-price-sheet.pdf
    Last edited by Super Sneaky Steve; 08-29-2020 at 07:24 PM. Reason: Added more info

  4. #4
    Boolit Grand Master
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    If I was younger, I would make the investment. I have always found good deals on .224 bullets so there was no incentive to get into swaging. But times are changing.

    You are wise to be looking at adding this capability.
    Don Verna


  5. #5
    Boolit Master pertnear's Avatar
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    The .22 WMR empties can be made into .243 bullet jackets.
    Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times.

  6. #6
    Boolit Buddy
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    I started in 2007 with the Corbin reloading press swage dies. Still have them and they have paid for themselves. I drilled a block of wood that rests on the the ejector rod and just lean my arm on it to eject either the seated core or finished bullet.

  7. #7
    Boolit Master

    rancher1913's Avatar
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    for 224 boolits you do not need a swag press, any good strong press like an rcbs rockchucker or even some lee presses work just fine, its only the larger calibers and longer bullets that need a swag press.

    btsniper has a btsimple set that will get you started for a modest amount, its what I started with, but be forewarned once you fall down this rabbit hole its gets addictive and expensive.
    if you are ever being chased by a taxidermist, don't play dead

  8. #8
    Boolit Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by rancher1913 View Post
    for 224 boolits you do not need a swag press, any good strong press like an rcbs rockchucker or even some lee presses work just fine, its only the larger calibers and longer bullets that need a swag press.
    Oh, I'm well aware that I don't need a swaging press to do the 22lr thing but I do need it for some other things I've been playing with. I've already snapped the handle off a very strong reloading press. I put a 3-foot black iron pipe over the handle for extra leverage and....snap. I won't go into what it I was doing as it it's long and boring. I went over to a friend of mine that has an old Corbin S press and it squeezed it like nothing....without any 3-foot black iron gas pipe. But I surely value your advice and insight.
    [

  9. #9
    Boolit Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Super Sneaky Steve View Post
    Larry Blackman makes a very high quality kit for a fraction of the price.
    http://bulletswagingsupply.com/

    You can derim 22wmr with one die then swage it down to make 224 bullets with another.

    Here's his price sheet.
    http://bulletswagingsupply.com/main-price-sheet.pdf
    Thanks man! This makes life easier!
    [

  10. #10
    Boolit Master
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    Is Larry Blackmon backed up a ton...like everyone else? I wrote him last week and no response as of yet.
    [

  11. #11
    Boolit Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by AbitNutz View Post
    Is Larry Blackmon backed up a ton...like everyone else? I wrote him last week and no response as of yet.
    I think he's more of a phone guy than an email guy.
    Phone 318-387-3266 Cell 318-372-1634

    Sometimes he misses some of my emails too. Try giving him a call.

    This channel made a series of videos on his press and dies.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-vQpwgiHbA
    Last edited by Super Sneaky Steve; 09-02-2020 at 04:09 PM. Reason: Added more info

  12. #12
    Boolit Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Super Sneaky Steve View Post
    I think he's more of a phone guy than an email guy.
    Phone 318-387-3266 Cell 318-372-1634

    Sometimes he misses some of my emails too. Try giving him a call.

    This channel made a series of videos on his press and dies.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-vQpwgiHbA
    Thanks, I'll give him a call.
    [

  13. #13
    Boolit Buddy jixxerbill's Avatar
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    Can’t go wrong with Dr. Blackmon.
    Very nice guy and will help you any way he can.
    As was stated he will generally answer his phone if not leave a message he will call you back.
    I got a few more things from him a couple months ago and he sent them straight out. So he wasn’t backed up then.
    PMI pistol range USMC 85-89

    im looking for these contender pistol barrels--> 6tcu,.30herrett

    barrels i have-->.221 fireball,7-30 waters,7tcu,.357 herrett,.44 mag,6.5tcu

    There's only 2 people in this world i trust, one of them is me the other one's not you...

  14. #14
    Boolit Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by jixxerbill View Post
    Can’t go wrong with Dr. Blackmon.
    Very nice guy and will help you any way he can.
    As was stated he will generally answer his phone if not leave a message he will call you back.
    I got a few more things from him a couple months ago and he sent them straight out. So he wasn’t backed up then.
    This would be my option. Of course I have already purchased his setup.
    "Consequently we move away from other shooters to remain focused on our passion, as our ideas are quickly dismissed or misunderstood by others. Sharing does not come easily for swagers, not because they are necessarily selfish, but because they have been whittling away in their only little world for so long, that being able to relate to others what they understand is no simple task."

    ​Mentor



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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