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Thread: Getting into Swaging

  1. #1
    Boolit Bub
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    Getting into Swaging

    Hi:


    What is the least expensive way to get started in swaging.
    Presss, dies,lead and anything else l might need.

    Thanks, Terrytm
    Last edited by terrytm; 01-02-2021 at 08:57 PM.

  2. #2
    Boolit Bub
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    Getting into Swaging

    Hi:
    What is the expensive way to get into Swaging.
    Who makes the best equipment or are they all about the same.
    Terrytm

  3. #3
    Boolit Man
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    What is your objective would be my question.

  4. #4
    Boolit Master
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    Dave Corbin in Oregon has (imho) the best tools, dies, and presses to get you started in the bullet swaging game. The customer service there is top shelf also.

  5. #5
    Boolit Master pertnear's Avatar
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    I don't know, but I hear a lot of good things about the dies from BTSniper who sells here on this forum. I bought my dies & press from RCE & have been very pleased. I'm not sure, but I hear RCE (Corbin's brother) is out of business now.
    Last edited by pertnear; 01-02-2021 at 09:29 PM.
    Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times.

  6. #6
    Boolit Master pertnear's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by terrytm View Post
    Hi:


    What is the least expensive way to get started in swaging.
    Presss, dies,lead and anything else l might need.

    Thanks, Terrytm
    Sorry, no LEAST Expensive way to get into swaging. It's an expensive hobby but very rewarding. For most people, to get set-up properly cost more than a lifetime of buying commercial bullets.
    Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times.

  7. #7
    Banned
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    The “least” one to get currently is Dr.Larry Blackmon from Bullet Swaging Supply. The most expensive is probably from Dave Corbin. The only difference between them is the position of how the press is operated. Blackmon’s press is operated horizontally while Corbin’s are operated vertically. Not sure if that helps but I find I like the horizontal presses better because I can just drop it in and “flick” the finished metal off into the bin behind the press. Faster in my opinion, as I can grab another core and lube it with my fingers as the other is ejected. You won’t get any “cheaper” than Blackmon’s pricewise.

  8. #8
    Boolit Buddy

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    To get into swaging the most cheapest way would be to look at a guy on Youtube, his name is "mannyCA" you can use scrap brass and regular reloading dies

  9. #9
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    BT Sniper's Avatar
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    40 cal bullets from 9mm brass! By far cheapest and easiest bullet to make. Can be done with one swage die on any decent reloading press.




    BT
    BTX Star Crimp Die
    Back in stock with new low price!
    Click link below!
    http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...Star-Crimp-Die


    also check in and say hello on my new face book page!
    https://www.facebook.com/BTSniper-153949954674572/

  10. #10
    Boolit Buddy
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    ^now if I just liked or owned a 40!
    9 or 45 is what I need to make
    Along w .224, 243,308

  11. #11
    Boolit Bub
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    Quote Originally Posted by Darth-Vaj View Post
    The “least” one to get currently is Dr.Larry Blackmon from Bullet Swaging Supply. The most expensive is probably from Dave Corbin. The only difference between them is the position of how the press is operated. Blackmon’s press is operated horizontally while Corbin’s are operated vertically. Not sure if that helps but I find I like the horizontal presses better because I can just drop it in and “flick” the finished metal off into the bin behind the press. Faster in my opinion, as I can grab another core and lube it with my fingers as the other is ejected. You won’t get any “cheaper” than Blackmon’s pricewise.
    I use Larry Blackmon dies to make 30 cal. match bullets that I shoot in benchrest I have 7 og. and 8 og. point up dies core seater and core squirt dies from Larry unless you are plaining on making lots of bullets or have a lot of free cash just buy bullets quality jackets from Burger ( J-4 ) are not cheep and you must buy a minimum of last I herd 50,000 at $200 a thousand that's a big chunk of change I'm not trying to scare you away from this just want you to get a idea of the cost to make your own
    Ron

  12. #12
    Boolit Grand Master
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    I looked at it years ago and there is no cheap way....at least for me. I needed about 1-2000 .224 bullets a year.

    .224 Hornady 55 gr SP bullets were $420/6000 delivered and I bought them. It seemed the investment in equipment and time was not worth it.

    Now, in hindsight, I may have been foolish. The ability to be self sufficient has become more important.

    I will look at it again. The issue to address under normal supply conditions is....do I shoot enough to justify the investment....and if I do, do I want to spend the time?
    Don Verna


  13. #13
    Boolit Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by terrytm View Post
    Hi:


    What is the least expensive way to get started in swaging.
    Presss, dies,lead and anything else l might need.

    Thanks, Terrytm
    Swaging what? Bullets? What type of bullets?
    Words are weapons sharper than knives - INXS

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    The tongue is mightier than the blade - Euripides

  14. #14
    Boolit Master


    Ickisrulz's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by terrytm View Post
    Hi:


    What is the least expensive way to get started in swaging.
    Presss, dies,lead and anything else l might need.

    Thanks, Terrytm
    CH4d makes two die sets to swage 45, 44, 357 bullets. They haven't been listed on their website for some time. But the last time I asked about them they are available. You'll need at least a Rock Chucker press. I think this is the least expensive way to try swaging and see if you like it.

  15. #15
    Boolit Buddy John in WYO's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by BT Sniper View Post
    40 cal bullets from 9mm brass! By far cheapest and easiest bullet to make. Can be done with one swage die on any decent reloading press.





    BT
    I can just imagine the effect on the Coroner at an autopsy when he pulls one of those bullets out of a body; the Investigator, too.

    “He was shot with a .40.”

    “No, it’s a nine!”

    ( A little retired homicide cop humor. Sorry.)

  16. #16
    Boolit Bub
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    BT,
    Do you have a link to specifics for this round? I am intrigued. I have a lot of once-fired 9mm brass.
    Eric

  17. #17
    May Liberty Increase!
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    Quote Originally Posted by Sleeping Dog View Post
    BT,
    Do you have a link to specifics for this round? I am intrigued. I have a lot of once-fired 9mm brass.
    Eric
    I ain't BTS, but I'll save you some waiting:

    http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...-one-step-dies

    http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...far-and-cheap!

    Enjoy!

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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