Needed a .685: bullet sizer

[Steve Blancard]

I have .69 cal rifle that needs a .685" diameter minie. But the minies I have all measured .690". I could have ordered a sizing die, but that would probably take weeks to get here. and I'm not patient when I want to shoot

I've never made a bullet sizer before, but I figured I'd give it a shot. I cut a chunk on 7/8" round stock and went to work on it in the lathe. After boring it to .6835", it was polished with 400 and 600 grit sandpaper and oil. Then a final polish with Mother's metal polish. That took it to .685". A pusher was needed, so a piece of steel scrap was turned to an easy slip fit.

Over to the arbor press to try it out. The bullet goes in nose first, with the pusher against the base. To my surprise, it worked great. The minies came out at .685", a nice close slip fit in the bore. Its not fancy like a store bought sizer, but it gets the job done

 

[nkbj]

That's purely lovely.
Had to buy the .695" sizer for mine.

 

[hawkeye2]

A slight taper helps alignment and makes sizing a little easier. It doesn't take much but a gentle taper seems to work better than a fast one.

 

[bisleyjohn]

Made mine a similar way using brass as the sizer, steel tube for a support. Threaded some aluminium to fit my single stage press, threaded bar rounded off for a pusher. Dip lubed the bullets first.

 

[Eterry]

My gunsmith friend made sizers for many bullets, including his son's .177 pellet rifle. He says the crows started making a detour around his house after that.
Good job.