What is a 'Top Punch'?

[KirkD]

Well, I'm sure anyone who asks this question immediately labels himself as a rank novice, and that is what I am. I've finally decided to actually start casting my own. I'm in the process of ordering a mould for my 38-40 (the RCBS Cowboy mould) and I'm wondering what a top punch is and what in tarnation do I use if for? Would a nail do?

[carpetman]

KirkD--On some sizers the bullet is pushed and if the punch(punch doing the pushing) didnt fit the shape of the nose,it would get deformed. A nail would work if you used the head of it as the punch on a flat nosed bullet. Usually when you think punch,you think of a tool that is struck. Top punches arent struck.

[KirkD]

Thanks, Carpetman.