Need a nose punch for Lee's 312-155-2r

[3006guns]

I just got a new Lee 312-155-2r mold to try in my SKS. Got around 100 boolits cast this afternoon as a "trial bunch", then sized/gas checked them to .311 in my Lachmiller lubesizer (same as the RCBS).

They look pretty good and will shoot as is, but the nose punch I'm using leaves a faint ring at the beginning of the ogive. Can anyone suggest a top punch that won't produce this mark? Lyman top punches will work also.

It's a very minor flaw, but it bugs me!

[Conditor22]

clean your existing punch completely. fill the tip with hot melt glue, press the lightly lubed tip of the boolit you'll be using into the hot glue. After the glue has cooled carve off the excess ---- now you have an economical-- nonmarking top punch.

[45-70 Chevroner]

Lyman top punch # 413. This is according to Lymans Cast Bullet handbook 4th. edition. I have used it on that same bullet but it has been so long ago I don't remember if it left a ring.

[gwpercle]

A small ball of epoxy putty in the nose punch will make a custom fit , will last for as long as you want it to and can still be removed ... it's just a step up from hot glue .
I tried hot glue but it didn't last very long . JB Weld Epoxy putty stays put and is not as soft .
Gary

[3006guns]

Thanks everyone!

[higgins]

Try that bullet sized appropriately in any 30 cal. rifles you have. It's a very versatile bullet.