Different homemade dies from 7/8 x 14 bolts ?
I finally got my small reloading/machine shed built, and my Grizzley lathe set up.
My first small project was a compression die for my 45-70 black powder reloads. I started with a grade
five 7/8 x 14 bolt. I could have used a grade 3, for there is not going to be any contact by the case to
the inner die wall.
I didn't see any reason for using round stock, and having to thread said stock.
After boring the proper size hole for the compression pin ( 1/2" nf bolt), then I drilled and polished the
proper size hole for the 45-70 case to fit up inside the die.
I threaded the top section of the die to accept the compression pin.
Everything worked out real well, for my first small project.
This post is mainly to ask the other members that make their own reloading tools and such.
QUESTION:
Do any of you use the already threaded bolts available to make your dies with? What grade of bolts do
you use, grade 3, 5 or 8?
I doubt that I will be making any sizing dies, except for a set of 45 acp shotshell sizer dies.
I did make a sizer die to size down 40 cases, to use a jackets for .410 boolits, on a drill press early last
year. I also used a grade 5 bolt for that, and polished it out real nice with 600 grit paper. It works very
well.
So, can anyone share any tips for their homemade projects and reloading tools on their lathes?
Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thank you fellas.
Jack