Yes I could save you guys some $ if all you wanted was the Swage die and no core seating die. This is all I have ever used for the 40 cal so far. The core seat die may be needed if you wanted to get fancy and make notched jackets but then it gets time consuming. My idea with this project was cheap, quick, and fun and that it is with just the swage die.
The Wheel Weight alloy will ware out the weak internial parts of the standard ch die. I did it, but I
KNOW with better parts and a bit of care wheel weight works great. Just
MAKE SURE you weight sort all your brass jackets and lead cores so as not to get a freak oversized one and I would not expect a refund from CH should you break one. But really by the time you have made so many bullets and should you for some reason brake it a $50 replacment doesn't seem that bad.
The Lee 20lb bottom pore lead pot is what I have too. It works great as far as I'm concerned. Many say it leaks from the spout but following the directions takes care of this. I would reccamend it. I to noticed the sale at midway for like $60. Think it is a good deal.
Really though guys for all of you considering this project you have seen after shipping the ch .400 101 series is a bit over $150, a great bargin considering any other choices really. But if all you need in a 40 cal bullet is what is pictured above lets save you some money and just buy the swage die. Then let me make you some better parts for it. I think it would certainly help out everyone in the process.
I have actually been considering doing just this and offering the improved CH 40 cal swage die all ready to go. I certainly don't think you guys would be disapointed. It would be easy to include a flat point and a couple different hollow point sizes to acomidate diferent weight and size cores.
By the way, this same one step process can be done for 44s from the 40 S&W too.
If you guys like send me a PM maybe somthing can be worked out.
Good shooting,
BT