Help with NOE sizer

[BJK]

I tried to do a search for this info on the site and found nothing. That couldn't be but that's what I found.

I tried to put GC on my NOE bullets using a LEE sizer which pushes the bullets through nose first. I think it will be much easier as NOE does it, base first. The problem? I must be an idiot. Can someone hold my hand and tell me (links would be better) what I need to buy. Yes, I know some of what I need will be out of stock, but I hope I can put it on backorder.

If it helps, I'm using Hi-Tek coating. FWIW, not really on subject, I've fired a bunch of these bullets so far w/o GC and checked the barrel and I see no leading.

Here's my mould but it shows 2 different type top punches, SAECO and Lyman, I have RCBS. Clearly I'm missing something, or I'm an idiot.
https://noebulletmolds.com/site/product-category/308-311/tl310-225-rn-ce3/

[FredBuddy]

BJK:
I use both types of boolit sizers, LEE & NOE.

The NOE system, once you get the 'bushing
push thru size die' kit, offers many more diameter
choices at less cost than the LEE.

To size base first, the NOE kit does indeed let
you use your RCBS top punch.

The instructions I have clearly show the set up
for either method, plus the nose sizing (with
a separate bushing).

Hope this helps.

[FredBuddy]

BJK:

I think I see the problem. The mould says use Saeco#
or Lyman# top punch but doesn't mention RCBS#.
The 'kit' instructions say you can use Lyman/RCBS.
Hopefully your RCBS is very close to your boolits
contour.

[cwlongshot]

Yea, Folks say ta can do that... Some use a tap tap tap to get the check on. But IMHO there are far far better ways. As you have seen you cannot get the check seated when there isnt enough resistance. So how in the world can this be right!?!?

The NOE kit gives ya a an anvil and a adaptor to accept top punch pushers. Gas checks are seated solidly true and proper EVERY TIME! No worries. Same tool accepts dies that will size bullets too!!

Its a extra step, but its the right way.

CW

[GregLaROCHE]

I’ve had great success with my NOE sizer. When I bought mine, I don’t think they were offering the kit. I just bought the pieces individually. I’ve seated gas checks with mine without any problems using the bottom/base punch.
The best advice I can give is to order a range of inserts. They’re not expensive and you will be glad you did. Be sure to put some sort of lubricant on the boolits before running them through the sizer, even if they are PCed.

[BJK]

When I wrote RCBS, I meant RCBS press. I don't know nothin' about SAECO or Lyman. :-) I do remember seeing SAECO when I was a child, long time ago.

Still don't know what I need to buy for parts to order to get sizing NOE up and running which is what I was asking for. I saw their sizing kits, but there are options there and no explanations. I guess one needs to know what one wants to buy before even showing up on their site. Heck there is an oversize .30 sizer kit and a standard, and no explanation regarding either.

I did find an easier way to get the GCs on, maybe it's "the" way. I just put some GCs on the bench cup up. Then pressed the bullet base onto the GC. They stayed in place for the sizing crimping. They were actually already sized, I just ran them through to crimp the GC. It worked.

Would it be easier to put the GCs in place before coating makes the base larger? Then coat and size again? Or would that be a no-no?

I don't even know if I need a GC, but I get a lot less lead shaving when seating the bullet with a GC in place.

[oley55]

BJK,

I hear the frustration. I often find it difficult to finger out what is needed and then find them on the NOE site, but they are there. I just spent 10 minutes finding the top punch holder you need for sizing n seating GC's bottom up. I'm gonna get me a couple extras the next time I order something for those additional/other operations on a sister press.

https://noebulletmolds.com/site/shop/sizing-tools/bushing-push-through-size-die/die-body-replacement-parts/top-punch-holder/

This little beauty will hold any RCBS/Lyman/NOE top punch and will push your bullets through both the Lee and NOE sizers.

[BJK]

Thanks Oley55. You'll still read the frustration in my writing. It's not aimed at you or anyone here.

Yes, it's extremely frustrating. It's their website, they're doing the selling and it's like "who cares?" by them. Words cost nothing and a diagram of the parts required could also be shown. I put a bunch of stuff in my cart from the kit that actually isn't a kit but ala carte ordering. Maybe they'll still be there in the cart when my top punch is available, and maybe not. Who cares? But w/o the top punch I don't need the rest of it. I saw no way to backorder the top punch or I would have and paid for everything.

If I had know what to order when I bought my mould I would have back then.

I did find a video of their system on youtube that explained it. That's a sad state when one has to go there to find out what a company is selling.

[Wheelguns 1961]

When I bought my sizing die body, it came with a part that holds a top punch and fits in the press where your pushrod would mount. I think that is what you are talking about. This would enable you to size base first.

[gwpercle]

I was having a problem with what to order from NOE ... it was height of pandemic and I didn't want to call on the telephone .
I went to NOE Forums and found a place to ask a Question ... I explained what I had and what I wanted to accomplish and asked " what did I need to get to do it ?" In a day or two I had three or four replies , one from Al Nelson himself... I'm glad I asked because I was going to order the wrong thing . You might try posting a question or ... Call them on phone ... if no one home leave a message , and you phone # and get them to call ... a real person could probly talk you right through what's needed and how to do it . Al's a real nice guy and always glad to help his customers .
Gary

[oley55]

BJK, for what it's worth, they can hardly keep up with demand as is. A sophisticated web site won't help that at all. As mentioned their forum and the fellow on youtube who lives just down the road from NOE will get you most answers.

I'm not you, but I'd order everything I need that's available while it's available. You are likely to be in a situation where you will never be able to get everything you need in a single order. Something will always be unavailable at some time or another (during our current reloading supply and demand cycle).

As for a top punch you don't necessarily have to have THE exact top punch for your bullet. Just do some searching either on NOE or elsewhere and find a top punch that is close and then modify with some epoxy putty or even hot melt glue. Here is a thread where I am seeking information for doing just that.

https://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?431557-Lyman-RCBS-Type-Top-Punch-for-a-Lee-CTL310-158-2R

edit note: I have found that calling is best done first thing in the morning before Al heads out into the shop. 07:00-ish his time.

[GregLaROCHE]

I just looked at NOE’s site. You are right, it is not very straightforward about the sizers.

First you need the body and a bushing sleeve approximately the size of the boolit, larger for sure. It’s a tube. It guides the sized boolits up through the body. Those are the things in the photo laying down and one standing up. They show them for all different sizes, but you only need one for a given caliber. You then need the sizing bushing insert for the size you want to size to. Finally you need the push rod. I use à bottom push through and it works fine for seating gas checks. If you go for the nose push rod, you need to be sure it fits the shape of your boolit.

What is confusing is they don’t say if the bushing sleeve is included with the body. I hope it is. Here’s what they look like as replacement parts.

https://noebulletmolds.com/site/product-category/sizing-tools/bushing-push-through-size-die/die-body-replacement-parts/

I’ve heard that people call them and they sometimes answer. I never had any luck with emails. If you have any other questions feel free to send me a PM. I’m in way different time zone and may not answer until tomorrow.

Have you slugged your bore to know what size bushing insert you need?

[Walks]

RCBS and Lyman top/nose punches are interchangeable. They both will fit into either a Lyman 450/4500 or any RCBS Lube-Sizer.

I use My Lyman Lube-Sizer with gas check adapter to seat the gas checks before running them into a push thru sizer die.

[Wheelguns 1961]

The die body comes with the bushing sleeves. These go in the top of the die body. They also allow you to use a lee red container to catch the sized bullets. The die screws into the press from the bottom. The bushing inserts into the bottom, and is held in place with an allen screw. The only thing besides the die body that you will need is the correct bushing and the pushrod. If you have a lee pushrod, of the same size, these work fine.

[BJK]

Thanks guys. I guess I'll just need to leave a window open on my computer for my mould and update it every day to see if the top punch is available. Yeah I know about recent supply problems and how much these folks are working.

This is what I have in my cart. Anything I'm missing and need? I do have a LEE pushrod.

Top Punch Holder
001 Push Through Size Die Body
.309 Body Bushing (B309)
.310 Body Bushing (B310)

[oley55]

I had half a dozen odds n end items in my cart overnight (with the window open) and found it empty the next morning. May have been a fluke or just the way it is.....

[Wheelguns 1961]

The top punch holder came with my die body.

[BJK]

Clearly I'm going to have to discuss it with someone there or just not purchase from them. Their website leaves a great deal to be desired but I have no dog in this show, they do. Their "kit" picture shows lots of stuff with no explanations of what is included. I like the mould though! It works fine.

Thanks gents! I'll contact NOE or just not place an order and keep using the LEE sizer. I don't want to buy 2x what I need for parts, nor do I want to pay shipping 2x. I guess it's up to them since I will try to make contact. I don't expect them to sit by the phone waiting for my call.

[Burnt Fingers]

Thanks guys. I guess I'll just need to leave a window open on my computer for my mould and update it every day to see if the top punch is available. Yeah I know about recent supply problems and how much these folks are working.

This is what I have in my cart. Anything I'm missing and need? I do have a LEE pushrod.

Top Punch Holder
001 Push Through Size Die Body
.309 Body Bushing (B309)
.310 Body Bushing (B310)

If you don't have the correct size push rod you'll also need that.

[GregLaROCHE]

Don’t give up on the NOE sizer. They are great, especially when you start getting into more different calibers, as most of us do. I did buy one Lee sizer just to get the plastic boolit catcher/holder.

[Minerat]

Here's my mould but it shows 2 different type top punches, SAECO and Lyman, I have RCBS. Clearly I'm missing something, or I'm an idiot.

You are not a Idiot, so you are missing something.:-) The top punches you note are for your mould. There are 2 options for this top punch. One to work with a Seaco type sizer or one to use with a Lyman 450/RCBS LAM type sizer. This top punch will not work with a Lee push thru die as they feed nose first. If you buy this top pinch it will fit the nose profile of bullets cast from this mould.

On your list in post #15 you do not need the "top punch holder" it comes as part of the "001 Push Through Size Die Body" and since you say you have a push rod they you should be set.

I just seated 160 GC nose first on a 312115 bullet thru the NOE sizer this weekend with on problems. Just be sure to lube them good even if you have already PD them.

[gwpercle]

Call NOE early in the morning , start @ 6:30 AM . I heard Al leaves the office and goes into the shop at 7:00 AM ... catch him early .
Join the NOE Forum , ask questions and request help , leave your phone # and ask for someone to call you .
Don't give up just yet ... this pandemic has everything messed up .
Gary

[BJK]

Thanks. At the moment it's on hold, though if the website had been more informative I'd have dropped the hammer on it. I want to do more GCs the way I'm doing them. But that requires me to cast more boolits. I'm workin' on that. Lots stuff needs to happen first. Life isn't simple, I wish it was.

[29yrsreload]

"I don't even know if I need a GC, but I get a lot less lead shaving when seating the bullet with a GC in place."

I hate to point this out, but IF the above is true, THEN the case mouth is not sufficiently belled.

[GregLaROCHE]

NOE has a wide variety if case expanders that work well. They expand the case to two dimensions a little oversized so the boolit starts easy without shaving then necks down to tight fit you are looking fore. They are much better than Lee’s universal tapered sizers.

[BJK]

I never knew such a thing existed for bottle neck cartridges (300BLK). Thanks gents!

I'll need to do that in a separate operation I would assume. After decapping and sizing in the Dillon, expand the case mouth, then put it back in the rotation on the Dillon, skipping the sizing/decapping, and straight to powder charge. Maybe no GC at all.

[Hitnmiss]

NOE has a area on the forum for YouTube videos to step you through a lot of the items they build. You can do a search on YouTube for fullleadtaco as he does a lot of reviews for NOE.

[BJK]

Thanks!