WTB Top Punches

[Todd M]

Hello I am in need of Lyman 421, 649, RCBS 424. Thanks!
Todd

 

[Todd M]

Got them all on the way!

 

[Ian]

I think most of us hoard out top punches and sizing dies like they aren't going to make any more of them, so buying new or finding someone who flips a lot of estate-sale gear is about the only option on some of this stuff. That is, unless you own a lathe like some here do.

 

[Todd M]

Wasalmonslayer (Max) let me in on the secret that Accurate Molds sells a 3 punch set of flat nose top punches for $5 plus shipping. What a deal!

 

[Ian]

I got the big and little ones from when he only sold two sizes, they get used a good bit.

 

[Todd M]

I got the big and little ones from when he only sold two sizes, they get used a good bit.

Do you agree they will allow the boolit to align itself and size evenly?

 

[Ian]

They help if your machine is loosey-goosey. I use Lyman 45s exclusively now and alignment isn't too much of a problem unless the die retention screw has been over-tightened causing housing stretch and die misalignment to the ram head. If you're using a 450/4500/RCBS machine, let up a little way into the downstroke to let the top punch relax and re-position itself on the nose and relieve any linkage-induced sideways pressure.

 

[Todd M]

I use a Lyman 45, and I think it's in decent shape. Will see how they compare to the other punches I have coming.

 

[Ian]

Easy way to check your alignment is lower a top punch of the correct caliber for the die (so it will slip inside) down until it does just slip inside and look closely at the punch-to-die alignment from all angles. The tendency of the 45s is that the die gets pushed toward the reservoir as the set screw is tightened. Two of my four do this, stretched by previous owners. Not being a machinist, I simply cut strips of brass shim stock with scissors and shim the back side of the die. It's a pain to get the shims in there sometimes but it sure helps.

 

[Rick]

No doubt the set screw will move the die in any machine with room for it to move, most all will have because inserting and removing dies would be pretty tough without a bit of fudge factor. I use Star machines and never use the die set screw at all. The Star also has a lock nut for the punch that I never use, the punch free floats to self center in the die.

 

[freebullet]

I have an older star. Without the set screw lube squirts out the set screw hole. Yours dont?

 

[Rick]

Yes it would, the screw is in the machine but it is not against the die, it is a plug only. If yours still leaks a little lube without tightening it down try Teflon tape on it.

 

[freebullet]

Got it, thanks.

 

[Todd M]

Great tips, thanks!