What drill bit to use???

[waco]

I want to remove the gas check shank from my Lee 310gr 44 mold. Not really sure what drill to use. .437" seem a bit big. Next size Down is too small.
Any help is much appreciated. Thank you.

[DougGuy]

You may be much better off leaving that mold as is, and getting one of the improved copies of this classic design which has a plain base instead of a gas check.

Edit: AND better crimp grooves!

[waco]

Kinda thought so. I just emailed Tom at Accurate to see what he would suggest as a plain base version.
Thanks.

[longbow]

If you are bent on using a drill take a look at Ben's posts on removing gas check shanks from .30 cal moulds. He uses a 5/6" drill bit which is a bit oversize at 0.3125" but after sizing you would never know.

Don't forget metric ~ 11mm is 0.4331".

Actually a reamer would be a better choice but Ben does well with drill bits.

Lee has lots of moulds and I am sure they would sell you another if you mess it up. Not a big investment anyway.

Having said that, you will not regret getting an Accurate mould. They are terrific and Tom is great to deal with so that's the route I would suggest as well.

Longbow

[bangerjim]

Should be done on a milling machine with a boring head!

Best to just buy another mold and sell that one if you do not want it. I was about to order a 6 banger of that 310 weight from MidWay!!! PM me with details.

banger

[frnkeore]

Read post #25 of this thread:

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?282187-New-Lee-22-mold-NOT-the-Bator/page2

Frank

[leadhead]

I used a small bladed pocket knife to remove the bevel base from a lee mold...
It was quite easy. And if you go a little big, the sizing will take care of it.
Denny

[tryNto]

I did one in .454 for my .45 Colt Vaquero.
Used an Exacto knife and can't tell it was not that way from Lee.

[birddog]

I've went over to my buddy's shop and had him center the cavities and bore them out. Takes some set up time but what are friends for?
Charlie