Need the tools to a Lyman 450

[hogstad7]

I bought some used casting equipment today.
Lyman 450 in what appears to be good condition.
1 die and top-punch.
Lyman #452374 mold + handles.
RCBS handles.
Lyman ladle.

Paid $80. I think it was a bargain, but the 450 misses the tools.
I need the ratchet and the diewrench.
Where can I buy these, with reasonable shipping? I live in Norway, so shipping overseas can get really expensive some times.

81484

[Green Frog]

The ratchet is the same one sold by Chapman™ in their multi-bit screwdriver sets. It might be cheaper in your situation to make those purchases as one. I can't remember my SAE to metric conversions right now, but I have carefully used a box end wrench of the proper size to turn the die nut when I needed to change dies. The original die wrench is a sort of chintzy little sheet steel item anyway. Oh yeah, that was a reasonable price for your purchase. ;)

Froggie

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

For the ratchet, I just use a 1/4" socket and ratchet, but there is also right-angle ratcheting screwdrivers that work great also, There must be something in norway like that ?

For the die nut retention wrench, the perfessor's nut driver is the cat's meow !
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?136891-New-Product-Retention-Nut-Driver-for-Lubers

[hogstad7]

I had the same thoughts about a regular ratchet and 1/4" socket, but I don't have one spare. So I have to buy some tools either way.

[dragonrider]

For the die retention nut go here.

http://www.castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?p=1507607#post1507607

[alamogunr]

+1 on theperfessors nut driver. Getting the retention nut started correctly gave me fits until I got his driver. Works like a charm and I don't have to worry about cross threading those VERY fine threads.

I had just about decided to dedicate the 450 to one size die to avoid having to exchange it with another size.

[Mk42gunner]

For years I used the screwdriver handle from my Brownell's Magna-tip bit set to apply pressure on my RCBS Lubamatic. Any ¼" bit driver will work. The die retaining nut on the 450 is 7/8". If you are careful to start the threads straight, one of the stubby wrenches about four inches long works well; it doesn't take a lot of torque.

Robert

[hogstad7]

I have emailed "theperfessor" about dienut driver. I will use the regular ratchet and 1/4" bit for the pressurescrew. But I think the piston in the reservoir is stuck in the bottom. It is clockwise to raise the piston? Any easy way to fix?

[Mk42gunner]

Yes clockwise rotation to raise the piston, I just checked mine to make sure.

I am not familiar enough with the 450 to know if there is enough room for the piston to come off the threads at the bottom or not, and the one that I have that still has all its parts is about one third full of Orange Magic right now.

Robert

[hogstad7]

Thanks. It was not stuck. I had not clamped it to the table, so the screw went out the bottom. :groner:
Clamped it to the table and got the piston out. It has some old unknown lube in the reservoir. What is the easiest way to get it out?
This is my first lubesizer, so I got many silly questions :lol:

[Mk42gunner]

I boiled one with dishsoap in the water once. ONCE.

The next one I cleaned, I took the sizing die, nut and lube piston out of and used a propane torch to gently heat the crusty old black lube. It worked so well that is the way I will do it from now on. An electric heat gun should work as well.

Robert

[hogstad7]

I have a heatgun, so I will try that method. Do you have any lube recommendations for .357 and .44mag?

[bob208]

I use a craftsman 1/4 " drive ratchet and a socket. as for the die wrench I use a 6" adjustable.
for lube I always used the graphite-beeswax. never had a leading problem and you don't have to heat it to get it to work.

[alamogunr]

I have a heatgun, so I will try that method. Do you have any lube recommendations for .357 and .44mag?

I use the standard NRA 50/50 beeswax-Alox formula. Mostly because I obtained a lifetime supply of Alox 350 when Alox 2138F was discontinued. For most loads, I don't think lube will make a whole lot of difference unless you are loading to the max. Some may disagree.

[NineInchNails]

hogstad7 you can find original replacement parts on Lyman's website (http://www.lymanproducts.com/store/page151.html).

[Iowa Fox]

Lyman still sells the die nut wrench