I am making a set of .223 swaging dies to use with 22lr case's with plans to also make a set of .243 dies. I do have some experience with casting but this will be the first time swaging bullets. I do have a Herter's 308 swaging die and am using that as a pattern.
I started with a piece of 7/8" drill rod and threaded it to 7/8"-14 and then drilled and tapped the top to 5/8-14 like the Herter's die. I then drilled and reamed to .223. I will be polishing the bore and will be ordering some bore laps from McMaster Carr. When this is done the bore might be to large and if so I will make this into a .243 and start over with the .223.
I have a question for those who have had experience swaging bullets. When you swage the bullet does it have some spring back after swaging, ie do you use a .224 die for a .223 bullet? And if you do have some spring back how much would you expect?
I know that this is going to be a learning experience and will be slow going as I have time to work on the lathe. I have also started a thread on a machinist forum that I follow. http://www.machinistweb.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4686
Thanks in advance for any advice and thoughts.