Author Topic: Sizing Problems with LBT Moulds  (Read 1231 times)

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Offline Chinook

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Sizing Problems with LBT Moulds
« on: February 21, 2006, 08:00:48 AM »
I have been casting .45 Colt bullets with an LBT mould and have run into problems sizing them with a Star sizer.  Specifially, the mould is a .454-350gr. gas check design.  The bullets come out about .456 with wheel weights or slightly harder alloy.  The Star sizer die is .452 and it takes a great deal of pressure to run the bullet through it.  In fact, a couple have gotten stuck.  I had a conversation with the folks at Star who suggested I need another die, perhaps .454 diameter, and will have to size the bullets in two steps - first to .454 and then down to .452.  I don't mind purchasing the second die (although they aren't cheap) since .454 bullets may shoot better anyway out of my .45s.  However, I would like to know what others have experienced in sizing bullets - what is the realistic maximum diameter bullets can be reduced?  Star says .002-.003 depending on bullet hardness.

Thanks and regards,
Chinook

Offline Veral

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Sizing Problems with LBT Moulds
« Reply #1 on: February 26, 2006, 07:39:48 AM »
Because I use a very deep and tight alignment pin engagement, many people have problems getting LBT molds completely closed during the first couple hundred casts required for breakin of the tight pin fit.  Send me an email and I'll post you back a form letter with tell how to fix oversize bullet problems with LBT molds.  If that doesn't work, you can return the mold and I'll fix it, as I guarantee bullets will be at least the size asked for and not more than .0015 more than asked for.  If you'll notice, my catalog doesn't put a time limit on that guarantee, for good reason.  I want happy customers.

  If a sizer die is properly polished bullets will not stick, even if sized so severely that the lube grooves are wiped smooth.  Scroll down my forum to 'sizer die polishing' and you'll learn how to solve the rough die problem, with is common to all sizer die makers.

  The Star sizer does its work with a dry sizer and bullet, applying lube AFTER the sizing is done.  Therefore, a bit of lube prior to sizing will do wonders.  Most any spray lube fogged very lightly on a batch of bullets spread out on a towel, is adaquate.  Don't turn them,  Just fog one side.  But the easiest is to put a little Lee case sizing lube in your quench water, if you water quench, or dip air cooled bullets in the same.  Just enough to make the water look cloudy.  It helps the bullets look more shiny, and though the film is very thin and feels bone dry, they go into sizers with far less effort than dry bullets.  You'll also find Star sizer dies will much longer if bullets are prelubed this way.
Veral Smith