Enlarging a Lee Sizing Die...

[41mag]

Ok I have read all about how to enlarge my molds, should/now that the need has risen.

My issue is with my Redhawk in 44 mag. I slugged the barrel the other day and no matter how I slice it, it measures .431". On top of this, both of the slugs which I used, simply fell through all of the chambers of my cylinder. Taking a caliper to them I got a measurement of .4325".

So in looking at the Lee sizing dies I see they only go up to .430", which I guess is about average for most 44 caliber guns. I however need one that is a bit bigger, if I am to believe that I need to fit the boolits to the mouth of the chambers.

At this point I only have a couple of molds for it, so the "Beagling" method or even polishing them out a bit isn't an issue. So far both of them are throwing right at .430" or just a half line below. I figure the "Beagling" method should work out just fine especially since I have plenty of the aluminum tape on hand.

What method however, would be the best way to open up a Lee sizing die? Can it be done using some grinding compound and boolits like I would a mold, or is there another better method?

( I realize there are other options like Star, Lyman, and RCBS, but I am operating on a tight budget here, and the Lee products are just about out of my price range.)

[tomme boy]

Wrap sand paper around a shaft and stick it in a drill and sand it til it is the right size. I wrap the rod until it fits in the die very tight. Keep checking by running a bullet threw the die. You can take it off, but not put it back on.

[Jim Flinchbaugh]

If you have an automotive machine shop (engine shop) close by, its a quick, simple job on a pin hone machine.

[mroliver77]

search option is our friend!
http://www.castpics.net/subsite2/HowTo/How%20to%20Hone%20a%20Size%20Die.pdf
J

[Wayne Smith]

Contact Buckshot via PM. Rick will make you one that sizes correctly to your alloy and you will be happy with a lot less work.

[Sonnypie]

I do 30 caliber.
Lee makes a .309, and a .311.
Why no tweener is beyond me.
So I took my .309 and honed it out to .3105 for my .3085 bore. .002" fhatt.

I just took a brass rod and slotted it with an xacto saw and put 240 aluminum oxide on it. Then 320, 400, 600.
The die body in my lathe chuck, and spin the rod/abrasive with a cordless drill.
Gently, gently. Size and measure. You'll reach the point that you treasure.

Anyway, that's how I got my tweener die.

You can do it without a lathe/chuck. But IMHO I think the double spin was a better way to get the polish on it.

[mdr8088]

Doesn't the mold drop them around .310? I thought that was why they didn't make a .310.

[Sonnypie]

Not mine.
My Lyman single drops .314 with RotoMetals Lyman #2 alloy. (311291 (http://www.lymanproducts.com/lyman/bullet-casting/mould-details-rifles.php?entryID=47%20-%2012KB%20-%2021%20Jul%202011))
My Lee drops at .312, same alloy. (C-309-120-R (http://leeprecision.com/xcart/MOLD-D-C-309-120-R.html))
I size everything for consistency.

Reality is often a far cry from advertised claims. ;)

[41mag]

Thanks folks, I appreciate the info. I have been a bit under the weather, well to be quite honest, VERY much so.

That said, I have the sizers on order and will hopefully get them in by the weekend or early next week. I plan on giving the tape a try this weekend, to see where I stand on the as cast diameter, compared to some I poured this past weekend.

I have to say, that even while seemingly drowning from an overflowing sinus infection, I did manage to pour up some of the prettiest 429640 HP's I have ever done, and from a brand spanking new, out of the box mold with only one good cleaning. To be honest, I was pretty impressed with my efforts, especially after my last attempt at pouring HP's.

The good news is, I slugged my Contender barrel and the standard .430 sizer will work just fine for it, just not for the revolver. So now I REALLY have a want, to get the sizer set up so I can adjust my boolits to fit and get some of them down range. At least I can use the HP's through the Contender. I am hoping to find a nice fat hog to give one a try on.

Thanks again.

[kweidner]

+1 on the slotted dowel sandpaper. dang those things are hard though. Same issue but with sbh. Took awhile but came out perfect.