Lee 6 cavity 452-200 swc

[Longone]

Because this mold has a bevel base design I was wondering if anyone has successfully removed the B.B. from the cavity’s? If so, would you mind sharing the tools ant technique used?
Not 100% sure if I will go the Lee route or order a mold from Accurate, I’m not looking forward to using my two RCBS molds to make a pile of these.

 

[Rick]

Lot's of people have had the BB removed, I've only done it once and had Erik do it for me. I actually noticed no difference in accuracy with or without the BB. Others here can describe how they did it themselves if that's what you prefer.

 

[Longone]

I was more looking to have a square base for sizing purposes. Still like lubing with conventional lube in the groove and the B.B. is just messy.

 

[Brad]

I removed the bevel base from my Lee 120 TC 9mm mould. Did it on the lathe. Wasn't a fast process.
Like Rick said, I don't think it makes a difference in accuracy.
I have had some very good results with the Lee 200 swc in my 1911. The bevel base actually makes seating a bit easier.

 

[Brad]

I was more looking to have a square base for sizing purposes. Still like lubing with conventional lube in the groove and the B.B. is just messy.

Ah, there is the rub.
Rick and I use a Star sizer, it doesn't care about bevel bases. The Lyman and RCBS can get a little messy with bevel bases.
I think some people have used a small donut of styrofoam meat tray under the bullets to help reduce that issue. The donut stays in the size die between bullets.

 

[fiver]

the meat tray washer is the common cure for that.
I got no idea how well it works since I also use one of the stars.
usually the one on the far left for 44 and 45 stuff.

if I were going to try this at home I would chuck up the nose of the bullet in my Makita and add lapping compound to the base area of a bullet and slowly squeeze the mold closed instead of trying to drill or cut the bevel away.

 

[Brad]

Since I got a 200 swc from MP moulds it is no longer an issue- thanks Rick.

Lots of ways to remove the bevel base. A .452 reamer is a drill press with the mould floating would work. Go slow and easy. Small miscues will be removed by sizing. Lots of WD40 as a cutting fluid and slow and easy with the reamer.

Always easier to remove more than to add it back.

 

[KeithB]

Agree w/Brad about using a reamer. Here is a link to a 0.452 reamer from Shars. Obviously you will want the HSS not carbide version.

http://www.shars.com/products/cutting/reamers?decimal_size=0.452

Some people use a twist drill and seem to do OK but I'm not going to try that.

 

[Ian]

I've had pretty good luck removing the BB on the Lee moulds using an Exacto knife. Now I just powder coat, standing on their bases, and the BB is actually a great benefit to how how well they shoot, had to replace a couple of moulds just to get the BB back.

 

[HHD WV]

I’ve tried bevel base and flat base and cannot tell any difference in accuracy. After I got my star lubrisizer, the RCBS Lam 2 won’t be used again. If the Star ever breaks, I’ll get another asap. Harles