Lapping H&I die

[Mk42gunner]

How far can you hone out a Lyman type sizing die before you need to make a new center rod? I ask because I have a .258" sizing die that I might have to enlarge to about .260"; but I really don't want to extrude a tube of lube.


Robert

[RobS]

I've done a .454 to .4555 with no issues with lube squeezing by while using the machine. Lube does work it's way between the die and center rod if it sits, but that will happen with other dies as well. I didn't open it up quite as much as you are planning on, but close.

[462]

I took a .358" to .3595" and a .431" to .433". In my view, a little lube seepage is a small price to pay to get the correct size die. I have a factory stock .452" die that leaks more than the ones I've lapped. The leaky lube can be saved for the next time the reservoir needs refilling.

[Mk42gunner]

Okay, thanks Rob.

I have been wondering about this for a while. I don't even have constant pressure on my Lube a matic when I am lubing boolits, so it should work.

Even though your diameter increase was less than what I will potentially need, the area of your opening is a lot bigger. My back is hurting too much tonight for me to do the math, but a SWAG says somewhere around three times more area on yours.

Thanks

Robert

[Mk42gunner]

462,

I was typing my reply to RobS while you were typing, Thanks.


Robert

[462]

You are welcome.

[HamGunner]

I honed a .266 out to a .270 with little problem of the lube leaking out.

[1hole]

If you're having lube squeeze up from the top of the die back off on the lube pressure handle.