Just talked with Mr. Blackmon

[Utah Shooter]

So I am in for a set of .22 cal. dies and his BSSP. Hope to see them by the end of the week. Anything I should know for setup?

[DukeInFlorida]

Nice. But only use those dies on a real tight toleranced press. A loosey goosey reloading press, and you risk crashing metal into metal.

He'll supply you with operating instructions, or should.

Also, read up on how to make your swaged bullets even better:
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showpost.php?p=1728784&postcount=27

[Idaho Sharpshooter]

Blackmon's press is a neat one. About 20 years ago I got one, to finish shape cast boolits for my Miller Schuetzen rifle.
What is the going price for one these days?

Rich
Sua Sponte

[midnight]

The Walnut Hill is $449 and the Sea Girt is $275. Both are listed as "in stock"

Bob

[Lizard333]

The Walnut Hill is $449 and the Sea Girt is $275. Both are listed as "in stock"

Bob

Which may or may not be up to date. He tends to put more time into his dies than his website.

[Smokin7mm]

The Walnut Hill is $449 and the Sea Girt is $275. Both are listed as "in stock"

Bob

These are RCE presses not Blackmon's

Bret

[Reload3006]

the last flyer that I had has the BSSP press at $150 not to bad.

[TJF1]

They are still 150. They are a very good press.
I have 2 of them 1 set for core sit
and one for point form.
Terry

[midnight]

Another senior moment. Idaho asked about Larry Blackmon & I gave info on RCE presses. Richard's presses are good though.

Bob

[wcp4570]

Utah Shooter
It has been nearly a month since you started this post, I would be like to hearing more about Mr Blackmon's dies and what you think of them. I would like to get into making my own 22 bullets using fired rimfire brass. Thanks

wcp

[Idaho Sharpshooter]

what's his current url? I think I need a couple sets of swaging dies.

Rich
Sua Sponte

[Utah Shooter]

So when I had talked to him it seemed as though he had the dies ready to ship. He actually needed to make 2 more punches based off the type of projectiles that I wanted to make.

I am trying not to be pestering so had not attempted to get back in contact with him until the other day. Have not heard back from him as of yet. I knew it would take a bit to get them. I am still as anxious as I was when I posted this. Hopefully soon.

[M.A.D]

Apparently hes retiring from his job and going into dies full time.... I hope so, i started out on a Blackmon press and 22LR die set for my 222 when i was a kid... how 22 years have passed... The press still is fine and so are the dies... And from what i see, his prices have not gone up really in those 22 years...

[Kansas Caster]

Hello all

I have just joined and am interested in Mr. Blackmons dies and presses. Could someone please send me his flyer or a contact number for him? I apperciate the help and look forward to reading all the posts.

[DukeInFlorida]

Google is your friend

[Nix]

Any chance we could get a few pics of that new press and die set up? I'm a firearms dealer in Ontario, Canada, and while I have many years of experience with casting and reloading I'm very new to swaging. Trying to decide what to go with as far as a press, spoke with Dr. Blackmon today in the hopes of getting some more info however he was hard at work in the machine shop so he wasn't able to help me.

I haven't been able to find a single photo of the BSSP press anywhere online, which seems odd, nor any videos on YouTube. I'd be really interested to hear what users of the BSSP think of it, how it stacks up to other presses on the market like RCE and Corbin, and how the final product compares to well-cast/sized boolits.

[supe47]

I've been wondering the same thing. I've an order in for BT's set of dies (I patiently await delivery) and wonder how they compare to others. Pics please. And what does the BSSP stand for? Supe

[runfiverun]

i get blackmon super swage press. from the bssp.

[Utah Shooter]

Well unfortunately I have yet to receive the dies or press as of yet.

When I was talking with him it seemed that the dies were ready to go. I have had few interactions via email since then but still no word on when.

Sorry. I truely wished that I had them and could share some photo's or insight.

[supe47]

Retirement: While giving me more time at the range it also gives me more spare time......to wait for things on order. I can commiserate with you

[Nix]

Heh heh heh, yeah, self-employment is much the same. I work 12 or more hours a day but half of that is waiting on hold or following up with people via email.

I received a response from Dr. Blackmon late last night with his updated catalog; the BSSP press has gone up to $165, which still feels like a bargain to me considering the alternatives. The whole kit including press, lube, 3-die set for .223/.224 and the jacket-making die comes to about $600. Again, while not exactly pocket-change it's a far-cry from some of the alternatives.

I've gone ahead and ordered one, it was quoted as taking about 2-4 months to fill the order. When it shows up I'll likely throw some videos up on YouTube and some photos/descriptions up in here for other folks who are considering it to see.

Utah, if you get yours before me (and I sure hope you do based on how long you've been waiting already) I'd sure appreciate some feedback on it.

[Utah Shooter]

Heh heh heh, yeah, self-employment is much the same. I work 12 or more hours a day but half of that is waiting on hold or following up with people via email.

I received a response from Dr. Blackmon late last night with his updated catalog; the BSSP press has gone up to $165, which still feels like a bargain to me considering the alternatives. The whole kit including press, lube, 3-die set for .223/.224 and the jacket-making die comes to about $600. Again, while not exactly pocket-change it's a far-cry from some of the alternatives.

I've gone ahead and ordered one, it was quoted as taking about 2-4 months to fill the order. When it shows up I'll likely throw some videos up on YouTube and some photos/descriptions up in here for other folks who are considering it to see.

Utah, if you get yours before me (and I sure hope you do based on how long you've been waiting already) I'd sure appreciate some feedback on it.

Did he really tell ypou 2-4 months. I finally heard back from him and he is now saying he cannot give me any time frame at all.

[Nix]

Yes, I forget when it was I spoke with him last, maybe a week ago? He had said 2-4 months and that he'd try for ASAP.

It's longer than I'd like, to be sure; but at the prices he's offering I can afford a little more patience than normal.

[Utah Shooter]

Ok so the press and the dies came in today. I am absolutely excited! Cannot wait to get some done this weekend.

[teddyblu]

UTAH Don't forget picture and progress, Highly interested in Blackmon setup.

Larry

[supe47]

Agreed. Pics, please.

Supe

[Utah Shooter]

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l194/shmoeee/Blackmon%20Dies/IMG_06541.jpg

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l194/shmoeee/Blackmon%20Dies/IMG_06551.jpg

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l194/shmoeee/Blackmon%20Dies/IMG_06561.jpg

This is one that I made messing around with the press not mounted. I still have yet to figure out where I am going to mount this.

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l194/shmoeee/Blackmon%20Dies/IMG_06571.jpg

[leadman]

That looks like a great start!

[supe47]

Verrrry interesting... and purdy, too. Love to see the operating instruction. Nice looking bullet. What's the ogive and point size? Store bought jackets only? Just off hand, do you have Movie Maker on your computer? (subtle hint. Worked for the pics)
Supe

[Nix]

Now I want mine... Talked to the good Dr two days ago and it's going to be a while yet...

I'd really like to see some pics/movies of what it looks like mounted and in operation, too. If you have time please do!

[Utah Shooter]

I will definately try. Oh and just a heads up. The jackets that are in the photo are RCE jackets. Hopefully get some made this weekend.

[Lizard333]

I will definately try. Oh and just a heads up. The jackets that are in the photo are RCE jackets. Hopefully get some made this weekend.

Your first person I know to try his jackets. I'm looking forward to hearing results.

[Utah Shooter]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03wZzVT8AGI&feature=youtu.be

[Reload3006]

Your first person I know to try his jackets. I'm looking forward to hearing results.

I bought 2000 of his 45 jackets they work great.

[supe47]

OK. So the die moves and the punch is stationary (adjustable). I was having a hard time figuring just how all the parts came together. I pictured it working the same way as a reloading press and it didn't quite jibe. Thank you. lesson learned. I'm waiting for my dies from BT Sniper and chomping at the bit. Can your dies be used with recycled 22 brass cut to the proper length or must you use only factory jackets?
Supe

[Utah Shooter]

These can be used with 22lr brass. They just require a different punch for the seating process because of the different diameter of the opening vs the copper jacket.

I am starting to really learn the difference in dies. Heck I sold off my Corbin R-Type dies to get these. They really are dies for making the most accurate of projectiles. @ 600 bucks for the whole setup you see in the photos (minus the copper jackets). You will not find a better setup in this price range. Larry Blackmon has been making these since the late 70's.

[supe47]

You're a lucky man. I was under the impression the Blackmon dies took years to get. I'll have to wait and see how the BT dies work. My first time swaging so it's ALL experimentation to me. Let us know how the procedure goes and how well they shoot. Thank you again for the learnin'.
Supe

[Nix]

Ah that was very helpful, thanks. Can't get over what a smooth machine it seems to be for the price. I was literally days from ordering a Corbin before I found out about Dr. Blackmon's products and seeing them in action just makes me even more excited to get mine and start swaging.

[Utah Shooter]

Oh I am definately excited. Now I just need to get some lead and I will be set.

[Utah Shooter]

OK so finally went to the range the other day and this is the best groups that I shot. I am confident that these can get much smaller. 33 degrees and up to 15 mph gusts.

52 gr FBHP 22lr
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l194/shmoeee/Blackmon%20Dies/20121212_214229.jpg

7 ea of my 65 gr FBHP Copper Jacketed Projectiles
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l194/shmoeee/Blackmon%20Dies/20121216_105732.jpg

The 52 gr projectiles at 100 yards!
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l194/shmoeee/Blackmon%20Dies/040_zpsdb5e6182.jpg

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l194/shmoeee/Blackmon%20Dies/042_zpsc3117117.jpg

65 gr projectiles at 100 yards!
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l194/shmoeee/Blackmon%20Dies/048_zpsc526c88e.jpg

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l194/shmoeee/Blackmon%20Dies/049_zps600ed823.jpg

[BT Sniper]

I agree, looks like you should be able to improve and bring that 4th and 5th shot back into the group with teh 52 grain bullets. Those where 22lr jackets correct?

I expect we shall see a postal shoot target soon :)

Good shooting and swage on!

BT

[warf73]

BT if I read his post correctly he is using copper jackets he bought with the die/press set up.
A very nice set up for sure Utah and great groups for the first time out.

[MIBULLETS]

Looking good Utah!

[Utah Shooter]

The first group was with Eley 22lr brass. The second was with RCE 22 cal jackets.