Sizer Question

[Jason30-30]

I have heard that sizing Down To a couple thousand can be a little hard on your sizer press. Let's say for example my mold cast .360 and I want to size down to .356 Or .357 is it really going to require ALOT of extra force? (using WW lead)

[dromia]

Four thou size down you could get away with. Me I'd give it a try and see how it felt on the sizer, it also depends on the robustness of the machine. I wouldn't try it on a Lyman 45 for instance.

Me, I do the sizing in 2 thou steps but then I have a good collection of sizers but I don't like to strain me or my machines.

For me the main issue with sizing down a lot is that the lube grooves can disappear if they are shallow and the lead can also smear.

Ideally you want cast as close to your required diameter as possible but then life isn't always that neat.

[stubshaft]

If you are using a Lee type push through die it is not a real big problem. If you are using a Lyman 450,4500 it can stress the handle pivot to the point of breakage.

[shotman]

the Lee size dies are much cheaper than a lube press. If your going to do many, would be best to buy or trade for a lee die to run them thru first

[Jason30-30]

Thanks for replying guys I was thinking of sizing Down .360 boolits to .357 for use in my 9mm but my old Lyman 45 sizer might not handle it.

[Hurricane]

If you lube the boolits before sizing they will be much easier to size. I use Lee Lquid Alox cut about 50/50 with mineral spirits or lighter fluid and the boolits size with almost no force. You do not have to wait till they are dry. You can size boolits still wet from the LLA.

[GRUMPA]

Another thing to remember as well, the longer it takes you to size those things AFTER casting them the harder they become from age hardening, best to size that much off as soon as your done casting.

[MT Chambers]

It would work ok on a Star if you resend a lubed one back thru ever once in a while, this is still very guick and no mess as you are lubing at the same time.