I have a 358477 mold and Lyman recommends a top punch for a Keith style SWC. My mold cast a rounder bullet. Has anyone figured out which top punch fits it or maybe someone can tell me how to make one.
Burch
I have a 358477 mold and Lyman recommends a top punch for a Keith style SWC. My mold cast a rounder bullet. Has anyone figured out which top punch fits it or maybe someone can tell me how to make one.
Burch
buzzard`s gotta eat, same as the worms
Josey Wales
Couple of discussions around on the topic, some use hot glue or jb weld as the leading methods to produce a custom top punch. Alternatively you can go after an existing punch with a file or Dremel to tune one to your needs.
I’ll check my older references in the am to see if there’s something different.
Last edited by metricmonkeywrench; 12-28-2020 at 10:32 PM.
I have the RCBS 38-150-SWC. I use a number 8 top punch for it. The 429 punch doesn't fit as well.
Also, in regards to top punches: I have two top punches marked 241 & 271. I believe they are Lyman old style top punches. Does anyone know what boolit molds they were designed for?
I think I am using top punch #429 with 358477, Dale
go on NOE and look for a top puch that resembles yours. They have most Lyman clones.
You can custom fit a top punch that is close with a small ball of epoxy putty .
Another option is a simple flat punch . Any boolit that has a flat spot , like SWC , can use a flat nose punch . Fill the nose cavity of one that doesn't fit with epoxy , putty or glue , let dry and sand dead flat ... it will work for any boolit with a flat spot on it ... and probably the best one to use .
Custom fitting saves you a LOT of time and trouble ...so many are supposed to fit ...but Don't !
Gary
Certified Cajun
Proud Member of The Basket of Deplorables
" Let's Go Brandon !"
I've used the #429 all My life (1954).
Used the same one since 1975 on #358429, #358477 & #358156.
Have a 4cav & 2cav for the 1st 2 and a Pair of 2cav for the last one.
Never left a mark on any of these bullets.
You never know until you try.
Some TP's are a bit rough, polish with a Dremel, or drip candle wax into the TP cavity and let harden (5min-freezer). That will shape a TP perfectly. Can last up to a 100 bullets if they don't take much sizing.
The #495 TP will work too, but guide it in a bit.
You can use just about any TP if it is not larger then the diameter being sized.
I HATE auto-correct
Happiness is a Warm GUN & more ammo to shoot in it.
My Experience and My Opinion, are just that, Mine.
SASS #375 Life
I use the 429 top punch for my Lyman 358477 double cavity mold. If it deforms the nose any, my 71 year old eyes can't see it.
There are several variations to many of Lymans molds. If the weight was similar the new cherry was accepted and stamped that. The 429 fits most. I think you're looking at a custom punch modified with foil or such.
[The Montana Gianni] Front sight and squeeze
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 |