Obsolete top punches

[DanishTripod]

I'm just getting started in bullet casting which places me at the stage of "I've purchased a couple of molds," and am now going to acquire the rest of what is needed.

My problem is that the older molds I have (A Saeco and a Lyman) are no longer listed in their catalogs and thus I have no idea what top punches should be used for them.

Is there a list of obsolete molds somewhere that list top punch numbers or will I have to have them custom made. Can a make do punch be made by any other means.

I plan on purchasing either the Lyman or the RCBS sizer as Saeco punches are made for those but not the other way around.

I have friends who use the old Star sizers which of course don't require a top punch but the idea of trying to hunt down sizing dies for a obsolete sizer holds no appeal at all. The Lee setup holds no appeal either.

Can a flat punch be made that will allow bullet sizing backwards (using a soft lube such as SPG or Alox).

[Maven]

"Can a flat punch be made that will allow bullet sizing backwards (using a soft lube such as SPG or Alox)?"

DT, A nail of the appropriate diameter or a bolt with the hex head rounded off will suffice. As for the obsolete top punches, get the closest Lyman or RCBS punches that fit the CB's you wish to size and modify them: Take the CB, smear grease on the nose and insert it base first, i.e., normally into the sizing die. Fill the new, but "inappropriate" punch with 5 min. epoxy and bring it down firmly on the CB. Let it sit overnight, then clean off the excess epoxy. You've now got a custom fitted nose punch.

[williamwaco]

See Lyman Cast Bullet manual No 4 - Appendix A for a list of Lyman top punches for Lee and Saeco molds.

See:

http://ps-2.kev009.com:8081/ohlandl/310/Lyman_Mold_Reference.html


for obsolete molds top punches.




.

[starreloader]

DanishTripod, why would you consider the Star Sizer as an "old obsolete sizer" ?.. The Star Sizer and the sizing dies are still currently made and available from Magma Engineering... There is also "lathesmith" a member on this forum that makes sizing dies for the Star... For many of us on this site the Star Sizer is the best there is... I have 2 of them and wouldn't consider mine obsolete and they are both 35+ years old...

[imashooter2]

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=112298

I have no relationship to theperfessor except as a satisfied customer.

[462]

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=112298

I have no relationship to theperfessor except as a satisfied customer.

Same here.

[Ziptar]

I was having a heck of a time finding a top punch that wouldn't leave rings on the Lee 452-255-RF. I tried several, the Lyman 649 is the only one that finally did it. In the process I made myself a flat top punch that works great in the Lyman 45.

I got a 6MM bolt from the hardware store with the longest unthreaded section of shank they had.

I filed the head smooth then ran it over 400 grit emery cloth. I cut the shank long enough so it was even with the top of the hole in the casting on the sizer when the head was just barely touching the bottom. Then I filed a notch in the shank so the set screw would hold it in place but not tight it just sort of hangs off it. That gives it some wiggle so it will float until it contacts the top of the bullet and then set flush on it at the same time the bolt head also pushes up flat against the casting

http://www.ziptar.com/bullet_casting/homemade_flat_top_punch.jpg


It works well considering it cost $0.19 and took 20 minutes to make. I am sizing base first but, I don't see why it wouldn't work nose first too.

[Valley Forge]

I am really happy with the conformal nose punches that "theperfessor" makes and I like dealing with him. As the guys above said, I suggest you check his post http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=112298

[Recluse]

Order you some "generic" top punches from theperfessor and then make your own customized top punch.

Here's how:

Making your own custom top punches (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=116445&highlight=top+punch)

:coffee: