What size sizer die do I get?

[mongo]

I just started casting 9mm using the Lee 120gr TC 6 cavity mold. I already cast for all my other pistols but hear 9mm is a tough one.. I slugged the boar on my S&W4659 and came up with .354 Im thinking I could use my .358 lee push threw sizer to size the ones that drop a little on the large size, Or should I get a .356 push threw die. I have read that if the boolit is to large it will lead like mad. If it is too small it will rattle down the barrel and key hole. I like to size all my bullets as that is one more variable I can control.Been to Midways site a couple times but need to ask the folks here that have reloaded 9mm and know what they are doing before ordering it. Thanks.. Tommy

[jblee10]

To large of a bullet should not lead the barrel. Upon firing it will just be swaged down to size. Slugged at .354 bore sounds really small. I shoot .358 in my 9mm and have no leading problem. I would load a dummy round with a .358 boolit and see if it will chamber. The size of your chamber my determine what size boolit you can use.

[ShooterAZ]

I don't own a 9mm, but if I did I would size to 357 or maybe even 358. You said you slugged the bore...please make sure you use a micrometer for this and not calipers. I think 354 is way too small. Boolits to small are the the ones that lead like crazy BTW.

[RobS]

If you have a .358 push through die already then try it first and go from there. My advice is to size as large as possible to chamber reliably in the 9mm which for many firearms is .358-.357

[fcvan]

I would pan or tumble lube some and shoot them as cast just to see how your gun likes them I did that until I got a sizer and found that my 9mm liked .358 boolits. I've been sizing all of my 9mm to .358 for 25 years. Recently, I sized some to .357 to try in a new barrel. They tumbled and patterned. Anyone want a .357 die for Lyman? Frank

[mongo]

Thanks for the help, Ill load some up after using the .358 die and see how they work, I did use a caliper to measure the slug. Tommy

[MtGun44]

Probably a bit off on the measurement with the caliper, they are only +/-.001, but start with
.357 or 358 if you have it and see what happens. Probably will be fine.

Bill

[captaint]

IMO - you should use that .358 push thru you already have. That's what I size mine to. enjoy Mike

[mdi]

I too think .354" is kinda small. I'd try slugging a few more times and measure with mics if you can. Anyway, .358" should work only .004" larger than groove dia., give it a try.