Custom swage dies from .204 --> .500

[BT Sniper]

I am having a great time working on perfecting my skills and finalizing designs for new BT Sniper custom swage dies in practially any caliber. I do plan on offering the most popular calibers as a standard product but would like to get an idea of what you guys may be looking for. I am still in the final stages of testing and R&D but I have been getting a lot of intrest from all of you with a lot of PMs. Thought we might just bring it out in an open thread.

My goal is to provide quality set of dies that will work in standard reloading press (with possible threaded ram upgrade) and allow us to use commonly avialble scrap brass cases for jackets as well as commercial jackets.

The use of brass jackets is of course a bit out of the norm and can present some challenges but as you can see the results can be very good. I have not found a piece of brass yet that can't be turned into a great bullet with proper sizing dies.

The one challenge I am finding in reguard to making and offering custom dies is the base punchs. Making a base punch to fit a typical shell holder is labor intensive for me. Making a base punch from a threaded bolt to fit a threaded ram is not. I can see why corbin makes his dies to utilize only his press. Of course that means more cost to us and more profit for him. I don't want to require a "BT" press to make bullets from my dies but I am leaning towards only offering threaded base punches. I am also in the process of offering a simple threaded ram adapter for the Lee Classic Cast press. This press has proven capible of swage any bullet I through at it and any of the "broken" part pics we have seen is a simple fail safe to protect the more expensive dies. All of the broken parts I have seen is less then $10 and that certainly is better then a broken die. With the savings in the cost of this press and less labor to charge on my end to make the base punches I could say the savings would easily cover teh cost of the press if you don't allready have one. It will also allow us to have a dedicated swage press yet it is still a simple switch to convert back to reloading. Less then a minute, unscrew and replace ram top, that simple and good to go.

So what calibers are you interested in? The more intrest I see in a piticular caliber the sooner it may be avialble.

For my standard offerings I plan to have avialble,

308 in a good riffle bullet design for bullets from 110-240 grains
40 cal one step die
44 cal one step
475 one step
.451 complete set
possibly a .338 .458 and maybe even a .375

There is of course alot of other potential calibers to chose from. Let's hear what you guys are interested in and what questions you may have I can reply to here.

Thanks for all your support, good shooting and Swage On!

BT

[ReloaderFred]

BT,

I just purchased a dozen of the push through punches for Lee bullet sizing dies in various calibers for $2.50 each. They are formed long, so you could make them just about any shape you wanted, and the portion that goes in the shellholder is already made for you, which seems to me to be the labor intensive part. I don't know what steel they're made from, and if they can be tempered, but my bet is they can, once they're formed.

I found this to be a much cheaper alternative to the base punches sold by C-H4D. It's something you might look into.

Here is the link: http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1297534835.5694=/html/catalog/lubesize.html

Just click on the "Serv. parts" link for each caliber.

Hope this helps.

Fred

[redneck rampage]

I have used the Lee punches for swaging. I find the .224 punches to be soft. and if you don't push to hard on the .400 punches they do good. But for $2.50 it is not a bad deal to use for light work.

[bohica2xo]

Lee sizing die punches are made from the cheapest stuff they can buy. There is not much carbon, or any other alloying elements in the material.

Even if you went to the trouble of case hardening them, you still have a core that is about as strong as good aluminum.

Then there is the shellholder force issue. That design was never made to hold up to swaging pressures. The top of the ram will deform where the punch hits it eventually.

Just go with the threaded punch, like every other swage die company does.

B.

[BT Sniper]

Yep. I have tried the Lee punches. They will work for a little while but they start to ware out and eventualy break, this is after they bump the side of the dies a few times as the base bends before they break. Not bad for what they where designed for but for swaging I couldn't expect to sell them. I'll have some pics up soon of what I have in mind.

Till then I am open to sugestions and requests for future swage dies.

BT

[NoZombies]

I would think the shellholder style punches would be fairly easy compared to producing the dies?

I'd be interested in sets ranging from .204 on up myself. And smaller if/when you figure that out.

[rugerglocker]

.357 and .355

I want to use junk .223 or 30 carbines for jackets.

Might need a separate die to size the jackets down.

Oh and obviously .224 from .22lr casings.;-)

[BwBrown]

You've got me pretty well set for my handguns.

I'd looking forward to being able to assemble bullets for my 308 and 257 rifles.

Bob

[63 Shiloh]

.357 and .355

I want to use junk .223 or 30 carbines for jackets.

Might need a separate die to size the jackets down.

Oh and obviously .224 from .22lr casings.;-)

+1 on the pistol calibres

Mke

[KTN]

BT Sniper,

How about this idea for making base punch. This is .45 cal punch for my pushthrough sizer. Lot easier to make it fit .308 shellholder. Just one groove, threaded hole and screw :D.


Kaj

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o277/kainiin/IMG_3348.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o277/kainiin/IMG_3350.jpg

[hunter2]

Want one for making 375 from 357, 38, and 223 brass, heavy for cal.. Also 357and 30 cal.. How much and where do I send it. thanks

[ReloaderFred]

KTN,

I like that idea. It's similar to what Corbin does with their nose punches used in reloading presses.

Fred

[buck1]

I am still intrested in getting .452 HP ,.308 spitzer, and .458 HP as funds permit.
I am set up on a RCBS RC press (swage only) with the ejector. The threaded base punch for me would mean the expence of a new ram and then having it threaded.:sad:
I have already purchesed a herters press and shellholder adapters for future boolits.
I do think KTN has a good idea.
FWIW...Buck

[BwBrown]

BT Sniper,

How about this idea for making base punch. This is .45 cal punch for my pushthrough sizer. Lot easier to make it fit .308 shellholder. Just one groove, threaded hole and screw :D.


Kaj

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o277/kainiin/IMG_3348.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o277/kainiin/IMG_3350.jpg


BT, you have a knack at unique approaches! Economy of time and material, ending up with very workable tools/dies. Keep up the good work!

Countersink the screw head and it will slip right into any universal shellholder slot.
Bob

[BT Sniper]

I'll see what I can come up with for shell holder style base punches. Shouldn't be to difficult. I'll plan to offer both threaded and shell holder style.

Continue with the requests. Even a pic of the bullet you are looking to make will help me to make you a better set of dies for you. Anything is possible.

BT

[hunter2]

bump to the top

[b2riesel]

My needs are .40 one step, .45 ACP from .40, and .223 from .22lr. After making my own ram in about 15 minutes and threading it to 1/2-20...I think you should just go with threaded punches and use the saved time and energy to concentrate on the dies :)

I'm sure someone can offer threaded replacement rams really cheap for those that need them.

[richbug]

I guess the first question is are you marketing to folks for novelty or frugality?



For frugality:

I would think .224" and .243" from fired 22lr and 22mag/17hmr would be a sensible place to start.

Is this your thought?

Derimming dies

Pinch Die to trim cases

Core seat

Finish die

IMHO, The finish die is the only one that would take considerable skill to make. A major part of that would be getting your reamers made.

[BT Sniper]

Don't forget the core swage die. As far as the marketing I am still working on it.

I am only trying to get an idea of what everyone may be most interested in. Certainly there is a lack of ability for current manufactures to keep up with swage die demands and I hope to step up and offer quality dies as well to meet this demand.

We all know swaging pistol bullets can be quite easy and affordable. This is where I plan to start with the 40s, 44s and 475s in a one step version. The number of people shooting the 45 makes the 45 cal swage die set a smart choice too. There is no reason why I shouldn't be able to offer any caliber set of dies so don't think I will limit myself to just a few.

Now for riffle calibers my starting point may be the 308. The 223 from 22lr I don't have much experience with yet but I do plan to see what I can come up with.

I get a lot of PMs requesting different caliber dies all the time. I'm just bringing some thoughts out in the open forum see what everyone is most interested in.

BT

[CWME]

I agree with the others that have already said .224 from LR cases.

[MIBULLETS]

I agree with richbug on calibers.

My thoughts on the threaded punches. First let me say I agree that this design is definatly stronger and the better design.If you are trying to get swaging into the hands of the common guy, you need to stick with the reloading press and the shell holder style punches. If you continue down the road of specialization you will eliminate many customers because they don't want to change or buy more stuff to accomidate your designs. If people wanted a design that could only use dies designed for specific presses (or rams in this case), they could just buy Corbin or Blackmon stuff. The use of the unmodified reloading press is what I see that is so appealing to readers here. Get into swaging for the least expenditure. I thought KTN's punch idea was an excellent solution.

By no means am I saying what you need to do, just offering up an opinion of the way I see it and what I see the needs to be. My view is not always correct and I am sure you guys will let me know it.

[ReloaderFred]

MIBULLETS,

I think your view is exactly on point. Requiring a different ram will preclude many from giving it a try. Some presses aren't adaptable anyway. I know both of my Hollywood presses aren't, and they are what I use the most for swaging.

Hope this helps.

Fred

[Rusty W]

I'm interested in a one step die for the 44. I have 2 five gallon buckets of 40cal brass & if there's a way to turn them into something my Redhawk could eat I'm all in. I have various molds for 9mm and a couple different press'es that may work. I like cast boolits but what a hoot it'd be to shoot a 40 out of my 44.

[BT Sniper]

I will be sure to make my dies as user friendly as possible. Thanks for the imput guys keep it coming if you have somthing to share or suggest I will certainly listen.

BT

[camaro1st]

+1 on 223 and 243 out of 22lr

[ExcIsAc]

I agree with the others that have already said .224 from LR cases.

I would be interested in this as well.

[uncleskippy]

Since I have and really enjoy BT's 44 one-step die, the 308 and 357/38 is my next venture. Also jacket making dies for above would just "MAKE MY DAY'

Keep up the Great work.

[rockrat]

224 bullets, 375 and 458 would do for me. Possibly a .501 or .512" from 45 acp.

[bullseye shooter]

Quote:
Originally Posted by CWME View Post
I agree with the others that have already said .224 from LR cases.



I would be interested in this as well.


+1 here[smilie=s:

[jcunclejoe]

One more vote for .375
Joe

[nicholst55]

I need a set of dies to make .224" bullets from .22LR brass; .243" would also be nice, although I don't shoot any 6mm cartridges (yet). I do see a 6BR Norma in my future, though.

[CWME]

I need a set of dies to make .224" bullets from .22LR brass; .243" would also be nice, although I don't shoot any 6mm cartridges (yet). I do see a 6BR Norma in my future, though.

:hijack:
The 6BR has been the most accurate round I have ever fired. Load development was essentially non existant. I think I could seat a Sierra 107 on top of any reasonable powder charge and still be hard pressed to break 1/2" TEN shot groups at 100 yards.

Safe to say that you would be happy with a 6BR. Small powder charges, light recoil, great barrel wear, exceptional long range capabilities, etc etc I could go on and on.

[Hammer]

BT,

As a thought: It is possible to make a single swaging die for 9MM and then develop a bump die for .356 and .357 that would satisfy the pistol/revolver shooters in that class. It would save buying three sets from CH4D or other manufacturers....

Love your dies - you done good....
Ed

[BT Sniper]

Running a 9mm bullet into a .356 or .357 swage die to bump up the size would be a simple one step process and would not need the .357 core seat die to do so. This would obviously save $ as Myself and Ch will certainly offer just the swage die to do just this.

Thanks Ed. Good shooting!

As for the possibility of all the different calliber dies to offer. I am finding anythign is possible but just starting out I need to focus on a selcet few and then I will be able to add to my avialble inventory as sales and funds pick up to finance the development of future dies. This way I hope to keep delivery time to a minimum and quality at a premimum.

Certainly should be fun and exciting.

BT

[Storydude]

308,308,308,308,308,308,308,308,308,308,308,308,30 8,308,308,308,
308,308,308,308,308,308,308,308,308,308,308,308,30 8,308,308,308,
308,308,308,308,308,308,308


Did I say 308?

:bigsmyl2:[smilie=s:[smilie=l:

It fits soo well with my 30 caliber rifles.

[hardcase54]

I think storydude wants a 308.

[MIBULLETS]

Bt and Hammer,

You might be able to save even more if you make .357 bullets and reduce the others to .355-.356. I would think that a reducing die should in theory be cheaper to make.

[BT Sniper]

Bt and Hammer,

You might be able to save even more if you make .357 bullets and reduce the others to .355-.356. I would think that a reducing die should in theory be cheaper to make.


Possibly a good idea too!

308..... Yep I think that one should be a given. The 5.7x28 brass works great for a jacket.

BT

[algunjunkie]

I would have to agree with MIBullets about the draw dies taking a .357 to .355. It would be much easier with alot less pressure, matter of fact these types of dies already exist and are fairly cheap.

As for calibers, I would consider a .357, .452, .355 and a .308 (if the configeration is correct for my needs), and maybe a .400. I have a set from Corbins but I don't like the round tip so I don't make a lot of them, they shoot good, I just don't like how they look.

[Greg in va]

.223 and 6mm/.243 ..... would love to have these or how about for a 6.8 SPC ?

[mroliver77]

I am with storydude .308. Yep. I would buy them right now. I am covered by cast in the handgun calibers and most rifle. I have Corbin .22 dies but need something for jacketed .308.
I am wondering if we could make a shell holder type deal that is threaded to take the punch threads. You could always farm out some of these pieces if the market is there.
Jay

[nicholst55]

How about .257" rifle bullets from .22 Mag or 17 HMR brass? Corbin at least used to offer these, in addition to their .224/.243" from .22 LR brass.

[BT Sniper]

Just so happens I finshed up a set of .257 dies today. Will have pics soon. I was able to reduce and trim the 5.7 case for a jacket. I'll have to look at the 22 mag option. Didn't think of that one. I am going to look at using 1/4" copper tubbing too. Should be able to make a jacket using the core seat die. We'll see.

I'm sending my first batch of test dies off to heat treat next week. Should have them back by end of that same week, only a 3-4 day turn around. I will learn just how much they expand or contract so I will be able to order necessary reamers and what not. First offering may be simple 40, 44 or .475 pistol dies but the 308 is defentaly going to happen.

I'm getting there guys. Thanks for your patience and support. Quite a bit to learn and look into but I have allmost got it all figured out. Should be exciting and a lot of fun.

BT

[b2riesel]

I'm sending my first batch of test dies off to heat treat next week. Should have them back by end of that same week, only a 3-4 day turn around.

BT


Heh, I'm guessing you aren't using the same heat treat service that CH4D is using.

[buck1]

""I'm sending my first batch of test dies off to heat treat next week. Should have them back by end of that same week, only a 3-4 day turn around. I will learn just how much they expand or contract so I will be able to order necessary reamers and what not. First offering may be simple 40, 44 or .475 pistol dies but the 308 is defentaly going to happen. ""
-----------------------
.475! LOL!
I am going to try to use my Herters press for these with a shell plate adapter. I still need to work on a longer handle for it. I have also picked up 2K 45 acp brass but am waiting to anneal just in case theres a rock in the road...Buck

[miestro_jerry]

I am looking for a swage die to make .308 bullets with my Herters press. Is there anyone who can make one or has one to sell?

Jerry

[Wayne Smith]

Lack of available funds will slow me down in buying anything, but I will eventually want dies in .257, .308, .331 if possible, and .44. That's more than I can afford now. I can use dies for a reloading press or for an old Herters swage press, don't actually have that one on hand yet. Should be here in a few days.

[Apache]

Haven't posted much but swaging has gotten my attention lately. Seems relatively easy to do.

.375 and .458 for certain along with the usual pistol dies.

In my case, looking for a decent paper patch swage die for the 45/70 - 45/120 with a ogive like the money bullet that won't break the bank.


BTW, have you got any type of price list yet?

[BT Sniper]

I'll try to keep it as affordable as I can. A little more work then simply improving upon existing CH dies so probably a lilttle more then what I offer my CH improved dies for. SHould be well worth it with stronger steel and better designed bullets like a 40 cal bullet that will have a shorter nose ogive to allow use to load it in the 40 S&W without the mouth of the case above the curve of the nose of the bullet. Improvments like that and dies for bullets that CH does not offer like the 475 or 458 and such. I'm moving foward and things are looking very good. I am planning to offer first sets of custom BTSniper dies by end of next month if all goes to plan with continued work towards an ever expanding list of avialble calibers.

Don't know about easy, yes I suppose it is but I'm having to much fun to notice how hard or easy it is when a good looking JHP pops out the bottom of the die :)

Thanks

BT Sniper

[Wayne Smith]

Brian, it's a blessing when your work is so much fun you don't want to quit doing it. I'm miuch the same way in mine, I don't want to retire, I'm having way too much fun!

[no34570]

Ok,to suggest some?

45Cal Rifle-45/70 & 454 Casull(Rossi L/A)

44cal- 444 Marlin & 44mag

9.3 Cal- .366 for the 9.3x62

They are the most expensive bullets to buy for here in Australia,9.3 I have none of,too expensive,looking at getting some Bt dies one day,please ,please,please.

[truckjohn]

How about a 0.308 - 0.312 die so we can bump up cheap 308 into 7.62x39 bullets?

Thanks

[Dark Helmet]

How about a bump die to take say a Hornady SST or Amax 308 to .3105 ?

[MIBULLETS]

How about a bump die to take say a Hornady SST or Amax 308 to .3105 ?

I don't know if the plastic tips would stay in place or deform with the required pressure. Not that it would take a lot of pressure to bump the bullet up.

[BT Sniper]

Bump dies are a heck of an idea. Plastic tips should be fine.

I did get my test batch of dies back from heat treat. Sent them Monday and recieved them Friday. Only sent 12 dies, these where my learning curve dies. I found out what I needed to know about the reaction the dies would have to the heat treat process and will be able to move to next step now of making reamers and going into production.

Still about 4-6 weeks or so from official first offers but I'm making great progress and very pleased with the initial results.

I'll keep you all posted.

Thanks

BT Sniper

[no34570]

I'll keep you all posted.

Please do,I'm intrigued with this and want to make my own J-word bullets. ;)

[stubshaft]

224 and 6mm from Lr cases.

[RumDrunk]

+1 to .223 from 22LR brass. Maybe .308 down the road.

Has there been any mention/discussion of price?

[GrumpyFinn]

I'd be interested in .243, 44mag and if possible 357..... I think Storydude was interested in 308, not sure, but I seem to recall seeing or hearing something, somewhere.

[Alan in WI]

I would really be interested in a die for paper patch 45 caliber Sharps rifles. The diameter .442. Let me know when you get to that point and I will become a customer.

Alan

[BT Sniper]

I would really be interested in a die for paper patch 45 caliber Sharps rifles. The diameter .442. Let me know when you get to that point and I will become a customer.

Alan


Like I tell everyone else, anythign is possible and certainly a .442 die is posible. I am taking notes on everyone's requests and though it may be a while I am certainly interested in providing dies to anyone looking for one.

Thanks

BT

[midnight]

Since I shoot just about everything I'll be needing all dies in all calibers. Seriously, I'll sit on the sidelines until you decide what to make first and then jump in. I can use my brother's big Corbin press that we only have used for a 0.452 paper patch for the 577-450 Martini-Henry.

Bob

[falconpilot]

I shoot a .50bmg and would love to have something that fits my ammomaster press that I could take either .50 inch copper tubing or some 7mm cartridge and make some nice 650 grain bullets... In either hollowpoints or lead tips... Would certainly ease my bullet costs for plinking...

One problem is the die bodies are much larger than the standards... 1x1/2 by 12 thread...

Dennis

[CATS]

A low Price is huge for me. I would like to see pictures and a description of how each part is used. Expected life in number of rounds is ? .223/5.56 is the first set I would like to know about.
Thank you for your help!
CATS

[Doc_Stihl]

.458 and .375 would be on my list.

[uncowboy]

I am looking for a die to swage 45ACP brass into a heavy. 475 LARGE Flat Point projectil. I want to use it in my 480 Rugers and I want to be able to hunt with the bullet.
I would think to aniel the brass and drop in a heavy 300GR or so 44 cast bullet and run it through a FP swageing die would give you a 350 Gr FP jacketed round that would expand at higher velosities and not come apart. If you can do this send me info at uncowboy@comcast.net . Thanks and good luck. J.Michael

[BT Sniper]

I am looking for a die to swage 45ACP brass into a heavy. 475 LARGE Flat Point projectil. I want to use it in my 480 Rugers and I want to be able to hunt with the bullet.
I would think to aniel the brass and drop in a heavy 300GR or so 44 cast bullet and run it through a FP swageing die would give you a 350 Gr FP jacketed round that would expand at higher velosities and not come apart. If you can do this send me info at uncowboy@comcast.net . Thanks and good luck. J.Michael

YEP! I like the sounds of this too! Matter of fact I got a die I'm working on for this very same bullet you are talking about. The 45 ACP case is about 80 grains and then you add the 44 cal cast boolit to it in weights of 240 and 300 grains you get .475 bullets in weights about 325 and 385 grains that should be just about perfect for a .475 bullet.


BT