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Post by z1r on Oct 4, 2023 16:52:22 GMT -5
Hi all,
I've cast a lot of bullets over the years and used a Lyman 450 for them all. I had the luxury of living near Joel Penny and could always rely on him to cast & size anything I wasn't set up for. Sadly, he's gone and, as I've acquired more revolvers, the need for more sizers has arisen, even for those I'm already set up for.
Looking for feedback as to what others use and in specific the NOE Sizers and Lee.
I'm currently in the Market for a sizer for the .41 Mag but need some for my newer and different sized .44's and .45's. Just wanted to get some feedback from those I "know" as to pros & cons, what works and what doesn't.
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Post by contender on Oct 5, 2023 9:25:24 GMT -5
Decades ago,, I tried a few Lee push through sizing dies. Then I graduated to a Lyman 450 and kept one or two for a long time. I purchased a Saeco at an estate auction very cheaply,, and found it to be very nice.
But once I tried a Star push through sizer,, I knew I had to have one. I've never regretted getting mine. Now that I powdercoat 99.9% of my lead,, the Saeco is most often for bullets that take a gas check. (I like that type for seating checks.) My Lyamns are gone,, and aren't missed. Nothing wrong with them,, I just prefer the Star now.
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Post by bushog on Oct 5, 2023 10:19:21 GMT -5
I've got a Star and use exclusively Lee push through now that I powder coat everything...
Should sell the star...
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Post by z1r on Oct 5, 2023 10:22:14 GMT -5
Thanks. I haven't tried powder coating anything I cast yet but plan to at some point. I always liked my Lyman for seating gas checks. The push through sizers always concerned me with regards to seating gas checks since they're nose first. Though, that may not be a real life issue as much as one in my head since I have no first hand experience. As I've gotten more savvy about shooting cast I realize that I need far more sizers that I previously thought. I have no issues with my 450 but H&I dies aren't always offered in the size I need and, if I take up PC'ing, the push through sizers seem to make more sense.
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Post by bushog on Oct 5, 2023 12:54:06 GMT -5
Thanks. I haven't tried powder coating anything I cast yet but plan to at some point. I always liked my Lyman for seating gas checks. The push through sizers always concerned me with regards to seating gas checks since they're nose first. Though, that may not be a real life issue as much as one in my head since I have no first hand experience. As I've gotten more savvy about shooting cast I realize that I need far more sizers that I previously thought. I have no issues with my 450 but H&I dies aren't always offered in the size I need and, if I take up PC'ing, the push through sizers seem to make more sense. I've sized plenty of bullets with the Lee sizers going base first. In fact, Veral told me to always size them that way.... NOE makes a really cool push through sizer system too. The kicker is that they make a shell holder adapter that will accept a top punch. |
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Post by z1r on Oct 5, 2023 13:25:55 GMT -5
Thanks. I haven't tried powder coating anything I cast yet but plan to at some point. I always liked my Lyman for seating gas checks. The push through sizers always concerned me with regards to seating gas checks since they're nose first. Though, that may not be a real life issue as much as one in my head since I have no first hand experience. As I've gotten more savvy about shooting cast I realize that I need far more sizers that I previously thought. I have no issues with my 450 but H&I dies aren't always offered in the size I need and, if I take up PC'ing, the push through sizers seem to make more sense. I've sized plenty of bullets with the Lee sizers going base first. In fact, Veral told me to always size them that way.... NOE makes a really cool push through sizer system too. The kicker is that they make a shell holder adapter that will accept a top punch. Thanks, I saw the NOE setup and was intrigued. Do you PC your bullets or lube them? |
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Post by bushog on Oct 5, 2023 13:30:08 GMT -5
I've sized plenty of bullets with the Lee sizers going base first. In fact, Veral told me to always size them that way.... NOE makes a really cool push through sizer system too. The kicker is that they make a shell holder adapter that will accept a top punch. Thanks, I saw the NOE setup and was intrigued. Do you PC your bullets or lube them? PC….. That’s why I keep the Star in case I ever need to size something lubed |
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Post by 41freak on Oct 5, 2023 14:55:05 GMT -5
I would suggest looking at the NOE MOLDS bullet sizing system, especially if you need several sizes per caliber.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Oct 5, 2023 20:37:09 GMT -5
Lee ones are great for my powder coated bullets. I have no complaints about them. I agree the NOE models look very nice.
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Post by iwsbull on Oct 5, 2023 21:13:05 GMT -5
I have the Lee and the NOE and really like the NOE the best and I pc everything. It’s nice to just order a new size for I believe $8.00 the last time I bought one.
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edk
.375 Atomic
Posts: 1,162
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Post by edk on Oct 6, 2023 19:38:58 GMT -5
The NOE sizing system is good. Have been using it for years. Presently lapping a size bushing up a few tenths. Note that nose size bushings exist as well.
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Post by z1r on Oct 6, 2023 21:51:55 GMT -5
The NOE sizing system is good. Have been using it for years. Presently lapping a size bushing up a few tenths. Note that nose size bushings exist as well. I noted the nose size bushings. What exactly do they do? |
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edk
.375 Atomic
Posts: 1,162
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Post by edk on Oct 6, 2023 22:02:09 GMT -5
With revolver bullets, we size to the throats. So say for example if we are sizing for a 44 mag and the barrel grooves are .429” we might want to push an entire bullet through a .430” bushing provided the throat will allow it to pass.
On the other hand, let’s say we have a 375 cal. rifle bullet. The grooves are .375” and we are able to size .376” allowing the bullet to enter the throat. Now, while the bullet's bearing bands may enter the throat, the nose itself may be obstructed by the lands. In 375 cal. the lands will typically run .366”. From the nose downward a nose bushing can size the bullet so it can slip fit over the lands.
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Post by z1r on Oct 6, 2023 22:16:40 GMT -5
Great explanation. I was thinking strictly in terms of revolver bullets. Tunnel vision. Thanks!
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Post by bigbore5 on Oct 7, 2023 4:07:32 GMT -5
I'm pretty much the opposite here.
I lubed on a 45 for years growing up because that's what my Uncle had. Once I bought my own, it's a Lyman 450.
I didn't jump straight into the powder coating when it first started. After a while of hearing everyone seeming to swear it's the best thing since the bikini, I gave it a try. I've gone back to traditional sizing and lube for several reasons.
Most all powder coats contain silicates. Silicates are harder than barrel metals and will accelerate wear. To what degree the acceleration will occur will depend on how course the particular silicates are in the powder you use.
I also noticed a small increase in group sizes from the rest and a little change in poi vs poa. Neither were significant.
I use LBT soft blue lube, size to +.0005" of throat diameter (Fermin corrects the throats on all my guns), and use as soft an alloy as I can that retains accuracy without leading.
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