Swaging for 45 acp Target Bullets

[ernierod]

I am thinking of getting into 45acp swaging bullets. Would be swaging 185-200gr,lead swc target bullets to start.Which press,RCE or Corbin,is of higher quality(or features)  Does  swaging HP  SWC target bullets require additional specialty equipment  over regular SWC  dies?? Name 1 swaging book to purchase that would cover most info for a beginner in swaging (but not reloading). Any further info you swaging guru's send my way will be appreciated.Thanks.Erod

[talon]

Both the 'S' press that Corbin Co makes, and the Walnut Hill press that RCE makes are quality presses and for all practical purposes are the same.( The 'S' press can not handle 50cal bullets thou, and the Walnut hill can) However, the Walnut Hill dies, which can NOT be used on the Corbin series II or 'S' press, are stronger. This is not relevant in making LSWC bullets, but if you intend to eventually make jacketed bullets up to 50 cal BMG, go with the Walnut Hill brand. The press and dies are less expensive to boot ! The book you want is Corbin's Handbook #8. While it may be on Corbins web site for free downloading, you will need the hardcopy because it has the necessary pictures. By the way, when you order your .45ACP dies, I would suggest you get a Base Guard  punch. You won't have to lubricate your bullets if they have Base Guards. The Base Guards themselves can be had from Corbin's Company for about the same price as Gas Checks.

[ernierod]

I was interested in swaging ONLY LSWC for target shooting with a 45acp.I hope I can get a head shape similar to a H&G 68 or H&G 130 from Corbin or RCE. I would then knurl or groove them and add lube.Diameter would be .452.Corbin has a TC shape which looks like it might do.Any further info would be appreciated. Erod

[talon]

ernierod, As both Companies produce die sets to order, I'm sure that if you emailed or called them they would be able to meet your needs. While I'm not familiar with the H&G nose forms you mention, one  limit to LSWC dies is that the punches can not have feather thin edges. That is to say, technical limitations require those style die nose punches produce a slight shoulder on the bullet's nose. If the H&G bullets you mention have no shoulders on the ogive, then you will have to consider at 2 die set ( at twice the price) which can. Before you order your dies I suggest you order Corbin's  Handbook #8 and read those parts that speak to LSWC dies ( and base guards). I'm sure the Handbook is on stock, but die sets can take up to 8 months to make due to back log orders.
http://rceco.com/MN.asp?pg=default
http://www.corbins.com/corbin.htm

[iiranger]

ch4d.com has a set of dies to swage bullets of these description. Cheaper. Faster delivery? Suit you? Good question.

Or you can try ebay for a large assortment. Hollywood (of Hollywood) Engineering offers similar products. Some complain about the service, loudly. There is an ebay store called "The Shooter's Shack" that has more dies of this nature, custom made and reasonable and available.

Richard C. (rceco.com) has just started die sets for reloading press. I think what you want is included, but you have to decide.

#3). The above dies are threaded for reloading presses. As I understand things, this is slightly slower because the specific presses --"S" and Walnut Hill-- have an ejection feature. But both "S" and Walnut Hill presses can use dies for the reloading press.

#4). If you are serious about match grade bullets, I would 2nd the suggestion about "base guard." Rolling grooves or knurling and adding lube, takes time and messy, and adds unpredictable weight. A base guard, which dates from the 1950s with the zinc ring, is more precise, less time consuming and cuts way down on cleaning time... but you have to be happy. LUCK.

[denny b]

I have been using corbin dies and presses for the past twenty nine years and they are of high quality, My specialty is designing 45 target bullets.. I have been working with Bob Marvel for the past two years designing a 45 hollow point, and have the final design in the works.. You can get any nose and base punch you can imagine swaging your own bullets...