Sizing dies troubles

[TexanFW]

I'm having trouble locating a sizing die, I can use for my 54 caliber Minie balls. if anyone knows where to find some, it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[TFoley]

Welcome to the forum!

Well, you've asked an interesting question there that's going to be pretty hard to answer. Davide Pedersoli make one -

Cod. 036U514540 - .540/.538

But it is not exactly an economy item these days, even supposing you can find one in the USA.

What size are your bullets now, and what size do they need to be? Assuming that you want them to be around 2 thou smaller.

What gun do you have? Details are everything here y'know. :hmm:

tac

 

[Greyfeather]

Contact Tennessee Bullet molds. http://oldfoxtraders.com/TnMolds/accessories.htm

 

[hawkeye2]

Five pages of them here, push through style and he has the type for a Lubrisizer too. Decent person to deal with.
https://www.northeasttradeco.com/o...H-SIZING-DIES/c/22315045/offset=0&sort=normal
https://www.northeasttradeco.com/online-store/!/SIZING-DIES/c/22095488/offset=0&sort=normal

 

[ZUG]

I'm having trouble locating a sizing die, I can use for my 54 caliber Minie balls. if anyone knows where to find some, it would be greatly appreciated.

I made one out of nylon and it works fine for me. Female die sizes the O.D. and the male rod rounds out the skirt. Also I run the Minie through the die after I lube them.

 

[TexanFW]

How did you go about making that? currently I don't own a press and I'd like to try to use something I could find around the house.

 

[TexanFW]

I own a 54 caliber Hawken rifle my minie balls are supposed to be 54cal. But they are way too tight and until I find some calipers I don't know what exact sizing are needed yet.

 

[mooman76]

Harbor Freight sells inexpensive calipers that work well. They usually have them on sale too.

 

[ZUG]

I have a lathe and other tools so for me it is not a problem to make what I need. Also as Moonman76 said get yourself a digital caliper - the ones Harbor Freight sell are good for the "average Joe" and at $17.99 you can't go wrong -- I have two of them and use them 90% of the time for my measurements instead of my good Starrett vernier caliperss. Just replace the batteries when the readings go "wierd"

 

[rdstrain49]

Are you using a size lube press, if so what brand?

Also, Buff' Arms has 'em. http://www.buffaloarms.com/401_cal...S_and_Lyman_sizing_dies_pr-4180.aspx?CAT=4180

 

[fleener]

I have 2 sizing dies from them, and I would not hesitate to buy another.

Fleener

 

[ZUG]

I have 2 sizing dies from them, and I would not hesitate to buy another.

Fleener

Not a bad price for those sizing dies. I have made my own for my Lyman and Phellps sizer but it is a LOT of work and if I counted up my labot & time it would be about $100.

 

[Stumpkiller]

I use my barrel.

Muzzleloaders ARE a sizing die. ;-)

 

[TFoley]

:applause:

tac

 

[BrownBear]

My problem with bore sizing is that often the guns I've known wanted minies and other conicals slightly under bore size. Ain't gonna happen sizing at the muzzle.

I size them for several friends, all using my RCBS Lubrisizer and the appropriate sizing die. Come to think if it, one bud borrowed my Lubrisizer a year of so back, and I think he still has it..... Must Fix! :thumbsup:

 

[ZUG]

My problem with bore sizing is that often the guns I've known wanted minies and other conicals slightly under bore size. Ain't gonna happen sizing at the muzzle.

I size them for several friends, all using my RCBS Lubrisizer and the appropriate sizing die. Come to think if it, one bud borrowed my Lubrisizer a year of so back, and I think he still has it..... Must Fix! :thumbsup:

Plus 1 Brown Bear and you better get that stuff back before he "forgets you loaned" it to him :thumbsup:

 

[coloradoclyde]

I like the handle you made for your tin can..... :thumbsup:

 

[ZUG]

Thanks -- necessity is the mother of invention as they say :thumbsup: .