Reloading EverythingMCD ProductsRotoMetals2Repackbox
Lee PrecisionMidSouth Shooters SupplyTitan ReloadingInline Fabrication

Donate Now Goal amount for this year: 6500 USD, Received: 4170 USD (64%)
Our Annual server fund drive is going on now! This donation drive helps fund Cast Boolits for an entire year, and helps support our 2nd amendment rights! You can donate by Paypal by clicking the DONATE button. Or by Cash / Check / MO to the address below:

Willy Snyder
PO Box 2732
Pocatello, ID 83206


Results 1 to 5 of 5

Thread: Older Hornady micrometer seating die caliber id?

  1. #1
    Boolit Mold
    Join Date
    Sep 2019
    Location
    Central Texas
    Posts
    22

    Older Hornady micrometer seating die caliber id?

    So I picked up some reloading gear at a garage sale recently, cool old square metal powder cans, manuals from the 70's etc.
    Among these things is this remarkably unmarked seating die. As best I can tell it's a Hornady micrometer seating die but no markings at all, on anything (except numbers on the dial of course). Looks complete but figuring out the caliber is challenging.

    My micrometer tells me the seating stem outside diameter = 6.12mm or .241 in
    The inside diameter of the sleeve where the neck goes in = roughly 7.05mm or .277 in
    A possible clue is the shell holder that was in the press with the die (assuming they were correct) is a RCBS #4 so maybe a magnum cartridge? But smallish neck?

    Before trial end erroring thru my collection of various brass I thought I would consult the wisdom of the castboolits board for any tips or hints as to what I've got.
    Picture to show details & both ends of the sleeve.
    Thank you all in advance for your help.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	20240608_201424.jpg 
Views:	1 
Size:	28.8 KB 
ID:	327311
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	20240608_201235.jpg 
Views:	2 
Size:	32.2 KB 
ID:	327312
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	20240608_201315.jpg 
Views:	0 
Size:	19.9 KB 
ID:	327313
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	20240608_201307.jpg 
Views:	0 
Size:	18.7 KB 
ID:	327314

  2. #2
    Boolit Mold
    Join Date
    Sep 2019
    Location
    Central Texas
    Posts
    22
    Update:
    I grabbed a 243 Win cartridge I had handy and it fits the sleeve pretty well:
    6.16mm bullet diameter
    7.10mm ish neck outside diameter

    This rules out the shell holder though, rim is a bit too small for the #4 holder.

    Not being familiar with these dies I'm not sure how much tolerance to expect.
    Is the sleeve meant to contact the shoulder?
    Are they made to use in a range of cartridges?
    Thanks again in advance for any insights.

  3. #3
    Boolit Master
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    Middle of the Mitten
    Posts
    1,591
    I have numerous sliding "guides" and seating stems..for various cartridge diameters..308 for instance is the one sliding Sleeve, that has a couple seating stems for various boolit profiles. yet the same setup is used for whatever 30 Cl, I am loading. Never gave problems when die is adjusted properly.. Tho some sleeves do incorporate a Crimp shoulder..it is Much like using 44 mag in a 44 Special die!!! If the shoulder is contacted...you have mis-adjusted...

  4. #4
    Boolit Mold
    Join Date
    Sep 2019
    Location
    Central Texas
    Posts
    22
    Thank you race for your reply, certainly helps me understand this guy better. Mag vs Special makes sense to me. I do like the idea of a multi-caliber die with interchangeable sleeves.
    I'll just have to try it out and see what I get. Pretty cool to accidently be introduced to something new and learn a bit.

  5. #5
    Boolit Master
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    Middle of the Mitten
    Posts
    1,591
    Quote Originally Posted by stripper clip View Post
    Thank you race for your reply, certainly helps me understand this guy better. Mag vs Special makes sense to me. I do like the idea of a multi-caliber die with interchangeable sleeves.
    I'll just have to try it out and see what I get. Pretty cool to accidently be introduced to something new and learn a bit.
    I have a "bench mounted holder" with various "sleeves", some even for different length necks! A couple "bodies" and yer all set for Multiple Cartridges. By all means...try it some, me thinks you will like it..tho I sometimes use a Factory Crimp on certain loadings...Nuther operation...but....
    Good Luck

    Edit; BTW too much neck expansion inhibits the sleeve from coming over neck like it is intended to (as a Guide), but, M-die does Not seem to be any problem.
    Last edited by racepres; 06-10-2024 at 09:09 AM.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
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