Preferred .44 mag die set for loading cast (WFN/LFN)

[mcbain]

All,

I am going to be using a Lee hand loader press to load .44 mag cast using WFN/LFN profile bullets, and I am trying to determine the best die set.  In particular I am concerned with finding a seating die that will work with the flat nose bullets.

Also, will I run into any problems getting a good crimp using the Lee hand loader press?

leeprecision.com/breech-lock-hand-press.html

Thanks!

[JM]

I've used that press. It works well.

I seat & crimp in two separate steps instead of one.

If I recall correctly, the seating die has an insert that you can seat round nose, or flip it over for flat nose profiles.

If you want THE best set of dies, take a look at Redding, or RCBS.

[f3]

I have one of the Lee hand presses and use it a lot in the winter. Every Lee handgun seating die I have has worked poorly with flat nosed cast bullets. The seating plug has a rounded shape to it. My other revolver dies from Hornady, Dillon, RCBS give you two seater plug shape options and work better with flat nose cast bullets.

[bula]

It is simple enough to pull the seating plug out and cut or grind it flat. Mine all done so. My press and all of my dies are Lee. You may be able to get an extra from Lee and leave one as it came. 

[bradshaw]

As bula indicates, a flat seating plug works for a wide meplat which does not fit inside the “average” plug designed for a semi wadcutter. The flange may be ground or filed off the SWC plug. As the target is the final arbiter of accuracy, plenty of shooting at 100 yards and beyond proves the job may be done without a lathe. Just be careful.
David Bradshaw

[oddshooter]

Redding and RCBS are excellent, but pricey.

You get what you pay for.

[Deleted]

If you end up with a die set that only has a smaller diameter, or contoured seating punch you can simply fill the nose of the punch with epoxy and strike it flat. Then let it cure overnight before using.

I'm currently using Hornady dies without complaint, but I do feel that carbide sizing dies size the cases to too small of an outside diameter. In the past I have tried sizing cases with a gutted LEE Factory Crimp Die, plus I keep an old steel Hornady 44 sizing die around, and it helps quite a bit and isn't hard on brass. Gook luch finding one that isn't all scratched up inside. RCBS also offers "Cowboy" die sets that aren't as tight as normal production sizing dies.

[dhd]

For all my revolver loads I've switched to Hornady Cowboy style mainly for the larger diameter expander. Truth is the Lyman M style expander would probably suit just as well. Also, I don't cast anything but WFN/LFN bullets so I only use a flat seater plug for that reason.

I've owned a Lee hand press for 20 years but used it mainly to punch primers so I didn't get residue all over my reloading bench (BPCR cases tend to be dirty after firing).

[oddshooter]

My S&W 25-5 had large .454 cylinder throats. I bought some Hornady .454 bullets.

My Lyman M expander goes .450 with the factory stem. Lyman does not sell a larger diameter expander or stem.

I had to go to RCBS and get their free custom .454 stem to keep my brass from swaging down my cast .454 bullets to .450 during seating.


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