opening up a Lyman sizer die

[Pioneer2]

I just acquired a 1978 Marlin 1895 with micro-groove rifling.Sources say that they require .460-.461 dia bullets hard cast[wheel weights] to shoot well and prevent leading.I have a Lyman sizer die that is .459 Can I polish it internally to open it up or are they too hard a metal? What can I use to do this or do I need a machinist?

[Reload3006]

you can get the job done with a brake hone .. but then your punch will be loose I would think it would squirt lube all over the place. but maybe not.

[Pioneer2]

Would 2/1000" make that big a difference ?

[Reload3006]

dont know but i do know when the o rings break down in my 45 i squirt lube all over the place.

[huntnman]

I believe the punch makes little differance,the boolit seals the lube in the die

[Maven]

I just acquired a 1978 Marlin 1895 with micro-groove rifling.Sources say that they require .460-.461 dia bullets hard cast[wheel weights] to shoot well and prevent leading.I have a Lyman sizer die that is .459 Can I polish it internally to open it up or are they too hard a metal? What can I use to do this or do I need a machinist?

Pioneer 2, There's only one way to tell whether your Marlin 1895 will require a .458", .459", .460", or .461" cast boolit and that's by slugging its bore and throat. If it's smaller than your .459" die, you may not need to take additional steps. I.e., your target will tell you whether you need to enlarge the sizing die. If you need to lap it, there are several options. First, take a look at this: http://www.castpics.net/subsite2/HowTo/How%20to%20Hone%20a%20Size%20Die.pdf Second, you can send a PM to Buckshot, the author of that article, asking him to enlarge the die by a given amount: His workmanship is excellent and prices are quite attractive. Lastly, I have a Marlin #336 (Microgroove, ca. 1993) in .45-70 and use wheelweights + 1% Sn (not heat-treated or water dropped) and don't have any problems with leading or inaccuracy even with plain base CB's.

[MtGun44]

+1 on Maven's comments.

Bill