Another "what is this die" thread!

[Anonym]

Ok, just received a package today from a "mystery die" auction. This die came with a Forster Tap-o-Cap (Auto-Cap variety), but they seem unrelated.

I don't think that the internals are complete as there is a gap in the assembly that allows the plug and bushing to slide around. The OD on these components are also smaller than the ID of the die body.

http://i632.photobucket.com/albums/uu49/Anonym_photos/Mobile%20Uploads/20150311_211448_zpsvmdj5vhz.jpg (http://s632.photobucket.com/user/Anonym_photos/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150311_211448_zpsvmdj5vhz.jpg.html)
http://i632.photobucket.com/albums/uu49/Anonym_photos/Mobile%20Uploads/20150311_211424_zpsby47kbra.jpg (http://s632.photobucket.com/user/Anonym_photos/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150311_211424_zpsby47kbra.jpg.html)
http://i632.photobucket.com/albums/uu49/Anonym_photos/Mobile%20Uploads/20150311_211526_zpswbnuufwv.jpg (http://s632.photobucket.com/user/Anonym_photos/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150311_211526_zpswbnuufwv.jpg.html)

The bushing and the plug share an OD, and the threaded cap and the bushing share an ID, which is exactly the OD of a 38 Spc case (for reference). One face of the plug is domed and seems to match the bevel on the threaded cap. The inside cavity of the die is a blind hole with enough internal threads for the cap.

http://i632.photobucket.com/albums/uu49/Anonym_photos/Mobile%20Uploads/20150311_211540_zpshd4jlsir.jpg (http://s632.photobucket.com/user/Anonym_photos/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150311_211540_zpshd4jlsir.jpg.html)
http://i632.photobucket.com/albums/uu49/Anonym_photos/Mobile%20Uploads/20150311_211526_zpswbnuufwv.jpg (http://s632.photobucket.com/user/Anonym_photos/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150311_211526_zpswbnuufwv.jpg.html)
http://i632.photobucket.com/albums/uu49/Anonym_photos/Mobile%20Uploads/20150311_211603_zpsslgxwy9x.jpg (http://s632.photobucket.com/user/Anonym_photos/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150311_211603_zpsslgxwy9x.jpg.html)

The entire die assembly (except lock ring) is steel. This is very similar to a push-through sizer die I recently purchased that used an interchangeable bushing for the sizing component. It also uses a similar bushing and threaded cap assembly, but they are different sizes and threads (not interchangeable).

http://i632.photobucket.com/albums/uu49/Anonym_photos/20150223_224346_zpshybcokwp.jpg (http://s632.photobucket.com/user/Anonym_photos/media/20150223_224346_zpshybcokwp.jpg.html)

And here is the prize that this mystery die came with:

http://i632.photobucket.com/albums/uu49/Anonym_photos/Mobile%20Uploads/20150311_211639_zpspg86llve.jpg (http://s632.photobucket.com/user/Anonym_photos/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150311_211639_zpspg86llve.jpg.html)

Anyone have any ideas on what this die is and who might have made it? I do think it might share a common ancestor with the push-through sizer. Neither have any identifying marks on them.

[IllinoisCoyoteHunter]

First one looks like a punch holder of some type. The rounded part makes the punch "float" or pivot a bit even when tightened down (so if punch and die alignment is off a bit it will move a bit). Just my thoughts. Not sure about the second setup you got there LOL.

[roysha]

First one looks like a punch holder of some type. The rounded part makes the punch "float" or pivot a bit even when tightened down (so if punch and die alignment is off a bit it will move a bit). Just my thoughts. Not sure about the second setup you got there LOL.

I agree. It looks exactly like the punch holder on my old Corbin "S" press.

[Anonym]

You guys are the cat's butt... no offense intended!

ICH, you have a PM. ;)

[MT Chambers]

Lee factory crimp die that does not crimp.

[Anonym]

I think the first two nailed it. Looks like it's a floating punch holder for swaging operations on a standard 7/8-14 press.

[troyboy]

It is a blank crimp die

[IllinoisCoyoteHunter]

Not a blank crimp die, but this : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMs3HeAo9EI

[Anonym]

Well, I did play around with the Tap-o-Cap this morning. Picked up a few packages of German caps and it reliably touched off my 50 caliber sidelock without any issues. I was using a 17 HMR case to punch the caps out and placed 3, red paper out, in the formed caps and had no problems. I shot FFg and made sure to settle the powder down in the drum well before loading the patched ball. I think this is going to work just fine for most of my shooting, and save my production caps for hunting...

[Anonym]

Oh yeah, and ICH, I inverted that RCBS ram prime body you sent me in the top of my Big Max and slipped the shell holder and punch in pointed down. Then I could thread the Tap-o-Cap die into the ram and punch out the aluminum the right way. After a couple, just slide the punch out and dump the formed caps into a cup. Pretty slick set up! Just wish punching out those paper caps and seating them went faster!

[IllinoisCoyoteHunter]

That's great news!