Swaging with a RC.

[Adam10mm]

Do I need a solid ram for the RC press to do any swaging or will the slotted ram work?

I was going to order a set of CH4D #101 dies for 10mm soft point bullets.

[454PB]

I swage .22 caliber FLGC with my Rockchucker, and it's unaltered.

[redneckdan]

I've taken .460 boolits down to .432 in one pass with my RC and a lee die, I'm sure if it can handle that it can handle most anything.

[Adam10mm]

Good. I'll save my money and try it with the standard ram first.

[creekwalker]

Wise choice FS, I've read of other's welding the slot in the RC's ram closed to strengthen it, but as with the optional solid ram I've questioned the need for that. BTW have you shopped around for used swageing die's at any of your area gun shows yet? Also have you formed any connections with buyers who frequent estate auctions. The latter one is what I've started. I leave a card and my number with them and also make sure to buy them a coffee or soda so they'll remember me.

creekwalker

[Swagerman]

I've taken .460 boolits down to .432 in one pass with my RC and a lee die, I'm sure if it can handle that it can handle most anything.

==========================================

Redneckdan, did you have that Lee .432 die custom made by Lee, or did you open up one yourself.

I'm in the process of trying to have made a .432 swageing die.

Jim

[Adam10mm]

CW, there are only two gunshows up here. One small one in the spring and a decent one (for the area) in August. I never noticed any swaging dies. Pretty much it's forums, auction sites, or buy new. Not many people up here reload.

[Bullshop junior x2]

I swage .22 caliber FLGC with my Rockchucker, and it's unaltered.

Same here
I use my RC with a slotted ram, works fine, I dont swage My cores on it though.
I use Dads Walnut hill fer that.
Tony

[Bullshop Junior]

Well I got a slotted hollow ram on my RS3 (aluminum frame) and it works fine.
BIC/Daniel/BS Jr.

[truckjohn]

I got one of those fancy solid rams.... Didn't realize that "Solid" meant no hole for the shell holder......

Yeah, not real handy.

I think it will make a trip to work with me for a shellholder hole and a set screw hole too.

Thanks

John

[MightyThor]

It is my understanding that the Rockchucker is not really different from the old A2. I have no personal experience, so I will share my dad's story. He said that using the A2 he collapsed a ram extension while swaging a 45 cal jacketed bullet for a 45/70. The point being that the RCBS itself including the factory ram with slot took more force than a solid ram extension could handle. As I understand it the rockchucker is not much less than the old A2's, perhaps as good as.

[georgeld]

It's amazing the pressure a rod will take as long as it's pressed straight on.
I'd be more afraid of breaking the cast iron/alum press legs than anything.

I've got an old Herters 3C for when I start pushing heavy stuff.

[redneckdan]

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Redneckdan, did you have that Lee .432 die custom made by Lee, or did you open up one yourself.

I'm in the process of trying to have made a .432 swageing die.

Jim

I opened it up my self. Started with a .429, took .0025 with emery paper, dowel rod and drill press. Took the last .0005 with lead slugs and lapping compound.

[miestro_jerry]

I have taken 458 jacketed factory bullets and swaged them down to 451 to shoot in my Contender 45 Win Mag.

Jerry

[Swagerman]

You know, its my belief that just about any press with any structural strength can do bullet swaging...if one shortens the up stroke of the ram so the bullet when in the swaging die has a top out point to release the pressure.

Depending on the reloading press, you can try shortening the linkage bar from the handle toggle to the base of the ram. Usually 3/8 to a 1/2 inch is all that is required.

Or in the case of say a Lee Classic press, you can shorten the screw-off shell holder by about 3/8 of an inch...like I did mine. I can use industry standard nose punches, or custom Herter's shell holders that have my own nose punch inserted in the primer hole and fastened with a nut. The Herter's work better for me as the concentrically is greater and more sturdy in the shell holder.


Jim

[kawalekm]

Hi Freakshow
I'm using a regular rockchucker press to make 44 magnum bullets. It has the regular slotted ram. See the topic "Yay, it worked". You might want to try making 10mm bullets from empty 9mm cases. Right now I'm experimenting with 40S&W cases to make .44 bullets.
Michael

[Adam10mm]

I saw that. Looks great.