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Thread: Sizing Jacketed bullets?

  1. #1
    Boolit Master

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    Sizing Jacketed bullets?

    I picked up a box of 85 gr .32 cal XTP bullets last year with the intention of loading them for .32 ACP or perhaps 7.62X25. After getting them home, I realize they are actually .312. Not a safe size for jacketed in those calibers. Is there any reason I can't run these through a sizer and squeeze them down to .309? I tested a couple and it worked fine. Anyone with experience?

  2. #2
    Boolit Master
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    .003 diff isn’t much and you’ve already proven that it works. I’d say proceed and pay attention to the process.

  3. #3
    Boolit Master mehavey's Avatar
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    Do it all the time with 350 Legend. (358 --> 356)

    Run them through a Lee sizer with case lube.
    You'll likely have to have two sizers though
    (3-thou in one pass will stress things)
    Last edited by mehavey; 08-28-2022 at 12:11 AM.

  4. #4
    Boolit Master TurnipEaterDown's Avatar
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    I have sized 338 bullets for an 8x56 (0.330) before. I have also sized 44 down for 44-40 (probably not really necessary, but they are nominally 0.003 different).
    Takes some effort to get the 338 to 330, imperial sizing wax is a good thing, and there will be spring back of the jacket more than the lead, which can result in a loose core with the change.
    The swaging people here would know a lot more than me about this.

    I have from time to time thought about a progressive die set to get 44 bullets down to 416 for cheap plinkers, or deer loads in my little 416, but I then think why don't I just continue to cast 300s, and avoid the hassle, possible jacket separation, and point forming job...

  5. #5
    Boolit Master
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    For lube I would use swage lube, a 50/50 mix of pure lanolin and castor oil (it is what i use for all bullet swaging and case sizing). If you are only doing 100 use what you already have. Two passes through two different size dies may be easier then all in one pass.

  6. #6
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    I size .375" Speer 235s down to .369" for my 9.3x57.
    I use the NOE sizers and Imperial sizing lube.

  7. #7
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    keep in mind "spring back" and do good quality checks on each before you load them.
    if you are ever being chased by a taxidermist, don't play dead

  8. #8
    Boolit Master

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    The couple I tested I just ran them in my Lubrisizer. It has residual Carnauba Blue in the size die, and they slip right through.

    Just out of curiosity, what would .312 jacketed .32 bullets be used for? You would think they would note the diameter on the box. Could lead to a bad situation.

  9. #9
    Boolit Master



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    327 Federal Magnum is what I would shoot them in, if I shot J word boolits.

  10. #10
    Boolit Master MarkP's Avatar
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    I have shot them in my 30 Carbine Ruger Blackhawk

  11. #11
    Boolit Grand Master fredj338's Avatar
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    I have sized 44/300 down to 0.423" for a cheap practice bullet for my 404 jeffery. I use Imperial sizing wax or swage lube. I do it in 2 steps though, 0.427 then down to 0.423. They shoot quite well at 100y.
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  12. #12
    Boolit Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Hanzy4200 View Post
    The couple I tested I just ran them in my Lubrisizer. It has residual Carnauba Blue in the size die, and they slip right through.

    Just out of curiosity, what would .312 jacketed .32 bullets be used for? You would think they would note the diameter on the box. Could lead to a bad situation.
    .312 typically would work for 32-20 WCF

  13. #13
    Boolit Master Rapier's Avatar
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    When testing my Hawkeye guns on rams at 200, I ran 87g .264 bullets through a .257 die with a matching top punch. They would take a ram at 200 if i hit the ram in the horn.
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