Bullet sizing for the FA 475L

[Odin]

I acquired a Freedom Arms M83 chambered in 475L a while back and need to get to loading for it. What diameter should I be sizing my bullets for this new gun? I currently size to .476 with a Lee push-through setup for my BFR, but am wondering if this is too fat for the FA.

Any tips or tricks for reloading a FA would be greatly appreciated.

[Fowler]

I have found for my FA 475/480 I need to size to .475”, .476” might work but the .477” or .478” that is seems most Ruger conversions require don’t seem as happy for sure.

[gjn]

I size to .475 or .476 depending on the bullet design. Best to load one round first and use the cylinder as a go/no go gauge to make sure the round chambers properly. FA’s are tight and .001 can make a difference between chambering or not.

[x101airborne]

Loading for my 454 Casull, my bullets have to be .452; absolutely no larger or they wont chamber. FA's are that tight.

[Odin]

Thank you, gentlemen. It looks like I'll be on the hunt for a .475 sizing die. I'd prefer a Lee push-through, but I think their custom service is still down. And while I do have an old Lyman 450 tucked away under my bench, a quick search shows only .476 dies available for it.

[Fowler]

Aug 23, 2021 20:38:16 GMT -5 Odin said:

Thank you, gentlemen. It looks like I'll be on the hunt for a .475 sizing die. I'd prefer a Lee push-through, but I think their custom service is still down. And while I do have an old Lyman 450 tucked away under my bench, a quick search shows only .476 dies available for it.

I’d sure try one at .476” and see if it will chamber with your bullet, if it will it saves you a lot of headache and you pretty much always want the largest bullet you can chamber anyways. You’re close enough to try at least.

[wheelguns]

I will be glad to send you a bullet sized to .476”, however, it didn’t work on a fellow member’s freedom arms 475 linebaugh. I personally don’t own one, and a custom sizing die is about your only option. Maybe the member will chime in.

[x101airborne]

Call NOE Bullet Molds and he will make you a push through die system. I have one and while the original purchase is a bit spendy, all you buy after that is the size bushings (inserts). Very precise and round.

[wheelguns]

Noe doesn’t currently offer a .475” bushing.

[x101airborne]

He will custom cut anything you want if you call him on the phone. He has cut several customs for me and they are not even stamped with the diameter. If nothing else, get the next tighter one and lap it out.
He does take some time for custom orders, so dont be surprised. Still, I have never waited more than about a month and a half for a custom cut sizer. Of course, I have bought several molds, sizers, checks, etc. from him and he knows me by name. Dont know if that matters.

[rickiesrevenge]

I made my sizer at .4755"

[Snyd]

Don't forget to account for "spring back" of your alloy. For my FA454 and my alloy (WD WW or 1/1 -WW/Lino I run them through a .451 sizer die and they springback to .452.

[rleprechaun]

I have a 475L, it is a Reeder custom. I purchased a RCBS .476 sizer and it worked perfectly.

[rleprechaun]

I have a 475L, it is a Reeder custom. I purchased a RCBS .476 sizer and it worked perfectly.

[gregs]

RCBS 476 die for a FA works well, no problema yet.