How to use the Blackmon core bleading die?
Willy Snyder
PO Box 2732
Pocatello, ID 83206
How to use the Blackmon core bleading die?
Both Larry Blackman Rock Chucker conversion and Larry Blackman's own.
Hmm i havent used the blackmon press, only his rcbs 2 conversion. Iirc i might have used my rce 22 core swage to create the core blanks for the 6.5 jackets. Let me go look at his dies.
Yep, thats what i did. I used my rce core swage to make the cores for my 6.5 bullets.
Last edited by DsGrouse; 06-22-2026 at 04:52 PM.
Cut the cores to about 5gr heavy. Lube them, I use RCBS case lube II. It washes off easily. Then swag the core adjusting the punch till you get consistent weight. I allways compress the core twice.
QUIS CUSTODIET IPSOS CUSTODES?
I use lanolin, but do the same two compressions. I usually cut mine 2 to 3 grains heavy
My core cutters will consistently cut cores within 1-2 grains. As long as cut core is a little over desired finished core weight, it should work fine. You just have to make the best of the cutter you have. Like others have said, compressing twice is good practice for super consistent cores, cleaning all lube off before seating is important, and you can use you 224 cores for other calibers sometimes.
BSS dies bleed holes in the core swage die work just like Corbins and RCE dies. They have multiple bleed holes in the side of the die, so the bleed nibs are sheared off when the sized core is ejected from the dies. Some CH, Hollywood Gun Shop and other dies bleed lead through the tip of the point form die, and the nibs have to be cut off by hand from finished bullet.
Remember, almost all core bleed dies are meant to bleed pure lead, and may or may not work with wheel weight lead or other alloys (probably won't work consistently if not pure lead). Custom dies can be made to bleed some harder alloys, but they require larger bleed holes then may not work with pure lead or on smaller presses like the Blackmon press. Dave Corbin explains this in detail in his books and his old web site files. I always swage pure lead in my core bleed dies, regardless of die maker.
Last edited by rolltide999; 06-22-2026 at 06:11 PM.
I am in need of a core swage die for .22 cal. I emailed Larry Blackmon and he mentioned he could do .214 I asked for pricing and haven't heard back yet. I have Corbin S Press, a Blackmon press and a C&H Swagomatic. If any has one on knows where I could get one it would be great.
Have you thought about a core mold? 22 cal die sets come up quite a bit. Mostly as a set. 22 core molds I see on the regular by themselves.
I would try a core mold if one comes up. Eventually I want to x punch the core to have an airgun slug that has good expansion. I tested by just cutting an x in the core with a utility blade before swaging and it works good,
I actually have 3 custom made 22 ish core molds, 1 with 11 cores and 1 oops, and 2 custom made adjustable length in the vicinity of 1 1/2" or so. Just haven't been casting much since my " pure lead is dirty and not in ingots, and have collected quite of lot lead rope which could have a bench mark length once I get FN brass processed.
Last edited by just bill; 07-17-2026 at 03:33 PM.
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