Sizing lead bullets using the Lee sizing dies.

[Old Fart]

I was out this past weekend casting some 457 bullets for the 45-70. As I started resizing them I thought I'd take a few pictures along the way and share it here for anyone interested.

I have a Lyman resizer but I've found I like the Lee method better. Just my opinion.

Start off with you lead cast bullets and toss them in a plastic tub with some Alox lube.

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I usually thin my Alox with a little Mineral Spirits to encourage even coating.

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Put the lid back on and shake it around until the bullets are fairly covered.

I'll try and get a picture of the bullets in the tub after coating soon.

Then set them on a piece of wax paper and let dry.

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After they have dried pull them up and run them through the resizing die.

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Here's a picture of them popping out the top.

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When done resizing or when the container gets full just re-lube like above and put them back on the wax paper and let them dry.

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I usually let them dry overnight, although I have been able to load them quicker given the correct weather conditions for quick drying.

Here's a little creation I made to help push the last few bullets out of the resizing die.

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I just set it on top the push shaft and slide it thru to push out the last couple.

If it seems simple it is because it is. Lee has made a fortune off not over complicating stuff.

 

[Johnny]

Thanks for the how to. I have a lee sizer die set for 41 mag. Hopefully one day I will get to cast some stuff.

 

[Old Fart]

Casting is a relatively simple process also.
Just a heck of a lot more dangerous.

Lee has added a tumble lube mold to their lineup for the 41 mag. https://fsreloading.com/lee-precision-mold-dc-tl410-210-swc-90335.html

https://fsreloading.com/images/P/p-4521.jpg

 

[Calamity Jake]

Casting is a relatively simple process also.
Just a heck of a lot more dangerous.

Lee has added a tumble lube mold to their lineup for the 41 mag. https://fsreloading.com/lee-precision-mold-dc-tl410-210-swc-90335.html

https://fsreloading.com/images/P/p-4521.jpg

Not anymore dangerous than driving down the road every day, infact with just a little bit of caution it is safer.

 

[Johnny]

Casting is a relatively simple process also.
Just a heck of a lot more dangerous.

Lee has added a tumble lube mold to their lineup for the 41 mag. https://fsreloading.com/lee-precision-mold-dc-tl410-210-swc-90335.html

https://fsreloading.com/images/P/p-4521.jpg

I have been collecting molds and lead for a couple years now. I will get there in the next year.

 

[Old Fart]

Not anymore dangerous than driving down the road every day, infact with just a little bit of caution it is safer.

I was talking about in comparison to sizing. Which obviously casting involves molten lead at around 500 degree F and above.

 

[Pulp]

Do you shoot blackpowder under these bullets? I've always heard that Lee Liquid Alox and BP create an evil fouling in the gun.
I use the Lee sizers for .44-40, but lube with a BP compatible homemade lube.

 

[Calamity Jake]

LLA and holey black DO NOT mix!!!! nuf said

 

[Calamity Jake]

I like the lee push thru sizers but out of the 4-5 I have I had to lapp out 3 to get the sized marked on the die, the last a .452
sized to .4508 before I lapped it out.

 

[swampratt]

WOW! I mean for needing to lap the die that much.
All my lee sizers are exact on the money.
I did turn my .356 into a .357"
and my .452" is now .4525"
Just did that to fit my slugged barrels.

I also tumble lube but now use Johnson paste wax with Lee alox..makes less sticky bullets.

I also tried the 2x lubed and for my slow 45acp it is not needed or my under 1000 fps 357 mag it is not needed.
I pick up the bullets and size them dry...Not really i have hornady unique case lube or imperial sizing die wax on my fingers.

That speeds up my bullet making process.
But my fast 357 and 30-30 get 2x lubed...
Or 1x lubed + a 50/50 mix of wheel grease and candle wax.
That lube is the most accurate for my fast gas checked stuff. MY 170gr 30-30 in cast moves just under 2000fps

Nice pictures and write up Old Fart.
Nice looking bullets..what was the mix? and mold? looks like they filled out nicely