Saeco mould set screw size?

[Shuz]

I have a 25 100 Saeco mould that has lost the set screw that keeps the sprue plate screw in position.
What size is it.?

[fc60]

Greetings,

The moulds have varied over the years.

Best bet is to take the mould half to the hardware store and do a try and fit.

Most likely, it will be either a #10-32 or #10-24. This is where I would start.

Cheers,

Dave

[DocSavage]

If you're not in a rush call Saeco they'll send you replacent for free.

[alamogunr]

I had a SAECO mold out yesterday and loosened the set screw to make sure the sprue plate was loose enough to start heating. I'll go out to the shop later and check the size and post if someone else hasn't posted by then.

[Shuz]

If you're not in a rush call Saeco they'll send you replacent for free.

I tried contacting Redding and left a message on their site because there's no phone number shown. Still no answers !!

[MattOrgan]

Ray,

I’ll check and let you know

Matt

[alamogunr]

The SAECO mold I have been using the last couple of days is a 4 cavity, 230 gr rnd nose .45 ACP bullet. The set screw on this mold is a
#10-32. It is not a regular set set screw but is 1-1/8" long and the threaded portion is 1/4"long, slotted for a screwdriver on the unthreaded end.

Another SAECO mold has the handle screw same as above except the threaded portion is 1/2" long and the end is hex recess(Allen).

Hope this helps.

[Shuz]

New information! I may not have lost the set screw. I removed the sprue plate screw and shined a light in the set screw hole and could not see any light. So...something is in the set screw hole and I am unable to get any "fit" with an Allen wrench or small bladed screwdriver. Since this mould was purchased used, perhaps a previous owner placed a bit of metal in the hole and then put the set screw in place and the set screw was lost by me!?
My thought is that if I knew the size of the Allen set screw and it's thread designation, I could put it in and see if it would tighten against the sprue hold down screw. HELP!

[alamogunr]

I should have quit while I was ahead. All this started out about the set screw that secured the bolt holding the sprue plate. In my next to last post I switched over to the screw that held the handles. Getting old affects several things.

[Shuz]

alamogunr--I know whatcha mean! I turned 81 last month!:roll:

[alamogunr]

You've got me beat. I don't turn 80 until July. My wife keeps telling me she didn't count on me getting old.

[Shuz]

It's a good thing I have several 25 cal moulds to play with, cause I may never find out the size of the screw I need before I croak![smilie=1:

[alamogunr]

I'll look again after church tomorrow. If I can remember:lol:

[DocSavage]

IIRC there's a small brass plug in front of the set screw to keep the set screw from damaging the sprue plates screw threads.

[Alstep]

I just checked my SAECO mold set screw. Even double checked it with a thread gage & micks. 10-24
Make sure you have a little brass or copper plug between the set screw & sprew plate screw so you don't mess up the threads.

[Shuz]

Thanks folks .I bet the reason I can't see light thru the hole is because of the brass plug. I shall get a 10-24 Allen set screw and hope that solves the issue. Thanks to all who responded!

[Shuz]

All is well the 257 Saeco is running again!

[Shuz]

FWIW, I have received a message from Redding that says the set screw is a 10 x 32 x 3/8" and there is a brass plug in front so as not to damage the sprue plate screw threads.

[Gofaaast]

I called Redding Monday to purchase a set screw, brass plug, wave washer and the recessed handle screw. No retail sales the kind gentleman said, we’ll get it mailed out. He did say some of the California Saeco moulds were a different size than what’s used now so what I get may not work.

[alamogunr]

I just checked 2 of my SAECO molds. Both had 10-32 set screws securing the sprue plate screw. I wonder when they changed. I don't know if my molds are "California". If you don't get set screws that work, I've got a few 10-32 set screws w/brass tip that I use. Expensive if you buy several but I can send you one if you need it.

BTW I think I got them from McMaster-Carr.

[fc60]

Greetings,

Another thing to note, Redding uses "Flat Point" set screws, not Cup Point.

We could probably start a Bubba Thread on the various hardware used on moulds purchased second hand.

Cheers,

Dave

[alamogunr]

As long as this thread is on topic concerning SAECO molds, it seems that over time they have not necessarily used consistent set screw methods. I haven't checked all 8 of my SAECO molds but those I have checked have presented a couple of different approaches to securing the sprue plate screw.

I got one down today(SAECO #428, 240 gr truncated cone) to cast some for the S&W 696. This is a 4 cavity mold which has the sprue plate rotating on a screw in a tapped hole that also has the handle screws entering from the bottom side. The set screw for the sprue plate screw enters from the end and, although not overly long, goes thru a deep hole to get to the sprue plate screw.

I haven't used the SAECO molds a lot but will in the future. The above mentioned mold casts like a dream. On every fill one or more bullets just fall from the mold. Those that don't only require a light tap to fall out. I will try out the others and, if they cast this well, the next mold I order will probably be an iron mold from Accurate Molds. I love my brass and aluminum molds(Lee maybe a little less) but they don't cast like this SAECO did today.

EDIT; BTW the sprue plate screw is 10-32.