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Thread: Star flat punch dimensions

  1. #1
    Boolit Bub
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    Star flat punch dimensions

    Hi everyone, I am running low on project money at the moment and I am in need of flat punches for my star sizers as the punches I have are for found nose/other profiles.

    I need the following punches 45 acp, 44 mag, 9 mm, 38 special.

    Can anyone please provide the dimensions of these punches so I can make them on my lathe?

    I have a universal floating die head to cut the 1/2-27 threads.

    Thanks for all your help

  2. #2
    Boolit Master



    Springfield's Avatar
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    Take a 9mm punch and grind the nose off it off until it is flat. Use it for everything. KISS method.

  3. #3
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    JonB_in_Glencoe's Avatar
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    I believe I once measured my 38 cal flat TP, and recall is measured .350"
    So, if you want to make a bunch of flat TPs, I'd say cut 'em .008" to .010" less than the sizer die Dia.
    Good Luck.
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    “If someone has a gun and is trying to kill you, it would be reasonable to shoot back with your own gun.”
    ― The Dalai Lama, Seattle Times, May 2001

  4. #4
    Boolit Buddy
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    JonB is correct. The bullet punch should be .010" smaller than the sizing die. Since you have the capability to make punches, I would not use a 9mm punch for 44 or45 bullets.

    If you want to make it easier size bullets nose first (upside down). That way you can make the bottom of the punch flat to fit against the bottom of the bullet.
    No need to make the punch fit the nose of the bullet.

    I assume you are using a Star Sizer since you mentioned threads. I guess it could be a Saeco. Be sure to make the punch long enough to push the upside down bullet down in the die far enough for the lube groove and the lub ports to be adjacent

  5. #5
    Boolit Bub
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    To clear things up

    I am using a star copy lube sizer

    I am in need of over all lengths for these punches
    And the length of the actual punch portion.

    I appreciate all who have replied

  6. #6
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    JonB_in_Glencoe's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by COUSIN DANIEL View Post
    To clear things up

    I am using a star copy lube sizer

    I am in need of over all lengths for these punches
    And the length of the actual punch portion.

    I appreciate all who have replied
    OAL = 1.550"
    Length of punch portion from end of threads, to tip is 0.800"

    I'd just make one and try it, since you have a copy of the Star, maybe you'll need a different length?
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    “If someone has a gun and is trying to kill you, it would be reasonable to shoot back with your own gun.”
    ― The Dalai Lama, Seattle Times, May 2001

  7. #7
    Boolit Master


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    I have three flat top punches. Two are for .38/9mm and one .45. All have a thread length of .800. I don't know thread dia. or pitch.
    The .45 has an OAL of 1.800" The punch is .448 in diameter and a length of.610. There is a recessed diameter between thread and punch. That diameter is .380 and a length of .390".
    The next I assume is for .38 special but I do not use it. Again thread length is .800. OAL is 1.460 The punch is .354" Diameter and.360" in length. The relief is .320" and a length of .320.
    I use this one for 9MM and .38 Special. The OAL is 1.650 The punch diameter is .351 and .450" in length. The relief is .320 in diameter and .400 in length. I would shorten the punch length to .430 as nearly all the thread is used to lube in the first set of lube holes in the die.
    No info on .40 or .44 mag.

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Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check