Lonely Raven
03-02-2013, 06:51 PM
So I'm finally getting around to casting, lubing, and sizing some .45 ACP projectiles from my NOE .452 HP mould (I love this mould!)
I have a couple questions.
First, I'm pan lubing these; do I lube before sizing, or after? Some of the local old timers I've asked have been giving me mixed answers. Some say lube before running it through the sizer otherwise it gets stuck, and others say size then lube otherwise you gum up your sizing die. So which is it? I'm using a 50/50 wax I picked up here in the forums if it matters.
Second, and most importantly. I went to use the Lee sizing die I picked up a long time ago, went to push the first couple bullets through and they simply popped right out the other side. Close inspection shows I somehow got a .454 sizing die! I can't imagine why I would have bought a .454 and not a .452 or .451, so I'm guessing whatever shop I got these from accidentally sent me the wrong one and I just never noticed. So my question, should I be looking to replace this with a .451 or .452 sizing die? I tried slugging my barrel with one of the bullets I cast, and the measurements aren't very clear. The pistol I'm making these for is a Springfield XDm .45 Competition.
Anyone need a .454 sizer and wanna give up a .451 or .452? LOL
I appreciate your guidance. I was all excited to start loading my first cast bullets this weekend, and it looks like I'm stuck till I get the right sizer!
I have a couple questions.
First, I'm pan lubing these; do I lube before sizing, or after? Some of the local old timers I've asked have been giving me mixed answers. Some say lube before running it through the sizer otherwise it gets stuck, and others say size then lube otherwise you gum up your sizing die. So which is it? I'm using a 50/50 wax I picked up here in the forums if it matters.
Second, and most importantly. I went to use the Lee sizing die I picked up a long time ago, went to push the first couple bullets through and they simply popped right out the other side. Close inspection shows I somehow got a .454 sizing die! I can't imagine why I would have bought a .454 and not a .452 or .451, so I'm guessing whatever shop I got these from accidentally sent me the wrong one and I just never noticed. So my question, should I be looking to replace this with a .451 or .452 sizing die? I tried slugging my barrel with one of the bullets I cast, and the measurements aren't very clear. The pistol I'm making these for is a Springfield XDm .45 Competition.
Anyone need a .454 sizer and wanna give up a .451 or .452? LOL
I appreciate your guidance. I was all excited to start loading my first cast bullets this weekend, and it looks like I'm stuck till I get the right sizer!