Top Punches?

[Hellfire Huntsman]

Please help a newbie.  Are top punches interchangeable within the same caliber?  In other words, when using an RCBS Lubisizer for .45 calibers, can't I use any top punch?  It should just in a normal catridge with a customized head?

Hellfire Huntsman

[Don in PA]

Hellfire Huntsman
The top punch must match the shape of the bullet your loading. Each bullet has a specific top punch that is listed in the info about the bullet.
Don

[Lead pot]

Hellfire
I use my .40 caliber top punch in the .45 caliber in the RCBS press.If the ogive fits your bullet (like a round nose or spitzer)use it.
In my Star press you have to use the .40 with a .40 die,or .45 in the .45 die.Or you can use the .40 in the .45 die it you push the bullet ogive first through the die in the Star press if you use a flat punch.Lp.

[Hellfire Huntsman]

Thanks gents for your help.  I've got a steep learning curve ahead of me.

Hellfire Huntsman

[Coydog C.]

For “Custom” bullet molds a lot of the makers don’t make nose punches, so try this:

To make your existing nose punch into a custom one, buy some Devcon, plastic steel putty #10110call 1-800-933-8266 to find were to buy in your area or Brownell’s carries it. It mixes two parts like glass and it’s used for metal repair.

Take the nose punch and drill a little of the middle out. Coat the nose of the bullet with wax or some good release agent and put the bullet in the lube sizer part way down so it will be straight. I feed mine through the bottom, so as not to damage the nose/ogive. Mix the Devcon per the instructions. Now fill the drilled out nose punch with Devcon and install it into the lube-sizer and let down the arm to let the punch rest on the bullet nose and let dry as per instructions. Just make sure you coat any surface that you don't want bonded to the Devcon.



Good Luck,  Chuck

[Hellfire Huntsman]

Chuck - thanks for the information.  Once I get more established I'll definitely give your process a try.

Hellfire