top punch for Lee .358-158-RF too wide

[bosunmate]

I recently cast a bunch of boolits in the Lee 358-158-RF mold. I'm preparing to size them in my Lyman 4500. The cross-reference chart that I found
(https://www.castpics.net/subsite/TopPunches/Lee.html) said to use Lyman Top Punch, either #43 or #460. I obtained a #43 punch - but it doesn't slide into the .357 sizing die - it's too wide (.396). Therefore I can't push the bullet all the way into the die. If I flip the bullet over (nose first) to finish the other half of the bullet, it still won't do the job, because the bullet doesn't go quite halfway into the die, leaving me with a tiny band of unsized lead on the bullet. Does anyone know the correct top punch for the Lee 358-158-RF bullet? Thank you

[la5676]

I have sized (when I used to use that form of sizing/lubing) that shape of boolit, and I don't recall EVAH pushing the punch down into the sizing die. The two driving bands of the boolit should be past the sizing rings and lubing ports before you got that far. Hope some one can give you better advice, as I haven't experienced what you are.

[bosunmate]

Thank you - unfortunately the driving bands don't reach far enough into the die to be fully sized. The 2nd band gets half sized, then there's a little ridge where the sizing stopped, measuring .362. Also, the first part of the nose needs sizing (which I can see when I reverse the bullet and go nose first), and in that case, the little ridge on the 2nd band remains, since the bullet can't go far enough into the die.

[tazman]

Since it is a flat nose boolit, you can use the top punch for a wadcutter to do the job.

[Mk42gunner]

I use a one inch long section of ¼" rod for 99% of my boolits over a quarter inch diameter. It even works for RN with ACWW at 12.5 BHN, no damage to the meplat.

Robert

[afish4570]

I have been using RCBS #565. This fits into die and snug fit on bullet nose. Bullet must be placed into die with care so the nose punch doesn't mar the bullet nose. afish4570

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

I'd just make a flat one with a 1/4" bolt. Be sure to use one that isn't fully threaded.

[bosunmate]

Thanks guys - all good - I should be able to proceed with your suggestions - bosunmate

[rintinglen]

Use the #395, a 38 Wadcutter style, for this mold, or else a #429.

Or make your own from a 1/4" stove bolt.

[mtnman31]

This is one of my favorite bullets and most cast/shot that I own. As others have said, a flat faced punch is all you need. The diameter of my flat punch is .330" and the face of the punch is perfectly smooth, as in no depression for anything to fit into. I can use the punch with most any bullet that has a flat meplat.