lapping a lee sizer?

[samwithacolt]

Apologies if this is in the wrong place.
I need a sizer for 9.3/.368" boolits.
I like the lee push through but they don't make
that size. If I buy a .358 pistol sizer, can I
lap it out that much? Can I use the .358 pusher
with a .368 hole in the sizer?
Ideas?

[375RUGER]

Can be done. I've opened one .018" and another .016".
Use a split wooden dowel, hardwood is best. I cut 3/4" strips of 120 grit wet/dry sandpaper to start with when opening a die .010"+. Length depends on size of dowel, I trim to a good snug fit in the die. I use a cordless drill, wrap the sandpaper around, wet it and spin in drill, keep it moving in and out like honing a cylinder. I check progress by sizing a boolit. When close use 300-400 grit then 500-600 to finish the last little bit off. Check size often when get down to the last .002"

[samwithacolt]

Cool, thanks. The bottom part still pushes the
boolit just the same with no support or excess
clearance problems?

[Tatume]

I recommend you contact "Buckshot" on these forums. He makes these dies and the pushers, and does very good work for reasonable prices. He's a good guy to deal with. Just PM Buckshot.

[Shiloh]

I opened mine up like stated, but started with 329 enery. Then moved up to finer grits to polish when I got close. Finished with 800# then flits to mirror the inside. I onlu opened up .003.


Shiloh

[375RUGER]

Cool, thanks. The bottom part still pushes the
boolit just the same with no support or excess
clearance problems?
Yes. I've had no problems. I couldn't pass up a screaming deal on some dies once with the intent that I would have to custom hone them.
I second the fact that Buckshot is great to deal with.

[Taylor]

Anyone ever use a brake hone for this?

[oldfart1956]

Anyone ever use a brake hone for this? Yes! Not one that small but for a .44 (.431 to .432) Lee sizeing die. Look for the smallest brake hone you can find. Mine was for sub-compact cars ( I don't actually know why..) but it was a 1/2 inch hone. Brownells sells the same hone. Pinch the hone stones together and look for anything that touches to keep it from going smaller. The holder legs touch so file a smidge off them. Also, take the square edge off the stones and reduce the thickness of the stones a bit. (like they'll do as they wear) I used an old file. By the time I got done this thing will fit in the cylinder throats of my Ruger .44 mag.! Just a hint... if you do that...put an empty unsized case in the hole you're honing to protect the rest of the chamber. Audie...the oldfart..