Bullet Sizing ... maximum that can be achieved

[rmichael63]

Maybe a stupid question but I'll ask anyway. If i have a sizing die for .429 bullets, realistically what range of cast bullets can get sized to .429? Can .430 be sized to .429? Can .431?

[ryanmattes]

A couple thousandths aren't a problem at all. More than .002 or so should probably be done in steps, to avoid shearing off lead. I don't know what the limits are, but I'd imaging you can only go so far without physically removing lead.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

[AntiqueSledMan]

Hello rmichael63,

I sized some RCBS 45-300-FN from .458" to .452", the grease grooves were about 1/2 size after sizing.
I planned on using them in a sabot, so I wasn't to concerned.
If I wanted a lubed bullet, I might try sizing with bullet lubed first.

AntiqueSledMan.

[rmichael63]

Thanks guys ... I figured there has to be some wiggle room ... I picked up some cast .430 that i intend to powder coat, they need sized and my sizing die is .429 ....

[StuBach]

Thanks guys ... I figured there has to be some wiggle room ... I picked up some cast .430 that i intend to powder coat, they need sized and my sizing die is .429 ....

That will be no problem at all. I size all my 44s to .429 and most of my molds drop at .430-.432. With a .430 you likely can Pc than size no issue but you can always size, PC, Size if needed.

[GregLaROCHE]

The softer the lead the more you can size down with each pass. Grease grooves will start disappearing when you go too far.

[243winxb]

Sizing down more then .003" may hurt accuracy. From LYMAN FAQ.

[Catshooter]

If the lube grooves start disappearing, lube the boolit first, then size down as needed. The lube will preserve the grooves.


Cat

[fredj338]

Not sure why you would want 0.429 sizer but depending on alloy, going down 0.006" isnt that diff. I have sized down 0.459" bullet for 45-70 to 0.452" for 45colt.

[fredj338]

Thanks guys ... I figured there has to be some wiggle room ... I picked up some cast .430 that i intend to powder coat, they need sized and my sizing die is .429 ....
IMO, that is too small for best results with cast, coated or not. You really want 0.001" minimum over bore. So 0.430-0.431" works better in most revos.

[Rfeustel]

Hi - does bullet hardness suffer much from sizing that far? I think Lyman talks about it. Is it something to even worry about?

[mdi]

I've sized cast bullets as much as .005" with no major problems. But when you size a bullet you are not removing any metal, you're just moving it. If you push a bullet nose first into a die, the lead will move towards the base, into crimp grooves, lube grooves and appear as "flashing" on the base. The amount of lead moving into the grooves and base depends on how much the diameter is being reduced/swaged...

FWIW; in my 5, 44 Magnums .429" PCed seems to be too small. I get much better results (accuracy, no fouling) with my PCed bullets measuring .431"...