[Iron Sight]

Although I don't cast at this time does it make sense to have a cast bullet re-sizer around? I am thinking about approximately 475 (.45 auto) cast bullets I bought that 2 out of 5 are are not usable with chambering problems due to being 2 - 3 thousands oversize.

[ants]

New lube-sizer is a little over a hundred dollars, with die and top punch about a hundred and a half total.
Used lube-sizer is about half that, if you find one. They are often on ebay, but usually go for about a hundred.
Lee sizing die (for tumble lube) is about 10 bucks, fits in any standard 7/8-14 single stage press. Tumble lube can be a bit messy, but it works. If you size bullets that have already been lubed, you may have to lube them again. It often knocks the lube out of the ring.

I guess you need to decide how valuable those bullets are. Maybe you can borrow a sizing setup from someone?

[CBS220]

A cast bullet sizer can be had for less than 20 bucks.

Use the Lee Sizer dies. They come in most all popular sizes and graduations of 0.001 around those sizes.

Simply coat your bullet in liquid lube and push it through- it will fix up those bullets for you in a hurry.

[lee n. field]

I bought that 2 out of 5 are are not usable with chambering problems due to being 2 - 3 thousands oversize.

Makes me think maybe they weren't sized to begin with.

A Lee sizer is cheap and trivially easy to use. I'd say get one.

This be what you'd be looking for (http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=116429&t=11082005) (or the same thing in .451).

[Griz44]

I use the Lee sizer in .452 for my cast loads. Just be sure you get a snug fit to prevent leading.

[dagger dog]

With the Lee sizer and a tube of their liquid Alox lube, you can size and lube those rejects, then still get the use out of the bullets and have fun doing it. All can be had for les than 30$ All you need for a luber is a small disposable plastic container. Then you'll have the rig if you start casting.

[NuJudge]

Lee makes a Factory Crimp Die which makes sure the entire cartridge is smaller than maximum size after assembly. I believe it best not to use oversize components, but using the FCD to crimp also makes sure the problem you are having does not occur.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=716704

[Walkalong]

Get the Lee sizer and size the bullets properly. Don't try to mash the whole reload into shape with the Lee FCD die.

[Griz44]

The Lee cheapo "C" press can be had for 24 bucks new at Midway and includes the new Lee reloading manual for free. It's no Hercules, but works great for bullet sizing. Add the sizer kit (die and lube included) and for less than 40 bucks you have a complete dedicated resizing station! How's that for Red Economy?

[cracked butt]

The lee sizer is not only cheap, but it sizes bullets in a more concentric fashion than a lubrisizer.

[freakshow10mm]

Did you buy .454" bullets intended for the .45 Colt or .454 Casull?

[jmorris]

So I could size bullets concurrent with casting them I built the machine below. The bullets fall down the clear tube from the same collator I use on my reloading press bullet feeder (so they are base down). The gear motor on the left constantly rotates the white UHMW part that has a pocket machined into it, thus flipping the bullet nose down. The gear motor at the bottom runs another piece of UHMW (with an appropriately sized hole) back and forth, like a child’s gumball machine. This carries the bullet from the tube to the size die. In the photo you can see the feeder is all the way in, the limit switch at the bottom is triggering the solenoids (the blue part in the back) running the pneumatic ram down and back. The bullet falls out the bottom into the basket at the very bottom of the photo. It’s kind of Rube Goldberg but it works like a champ and all you have to do is fill the bullet feeder.


http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=77457&d=1209562956

[Iron Sight]

"Did you buy .454" bullets intended for the .45 Colt or .454 Casull?"

Box says .452 45-230-RN

[Griz44]

Mr. Morris, I cannot help but admire your Southern engineering skills. That much machinery is WAY out of need, (but not want) of most of us here. Where are you located? This would make an interesting day trip.....

[Iron Sight]

Thank you everyone for your recommendations. I ordered a Lee .452 lube and size kit this AM.

Sounds like fun!

[cracked butt]

JMorris must be an engineer. Only an engineer could dream up something that cool- and build it.:cool:

[CBS220]

That's a good buy. I'm sure you'll be happy with it.

Don't worry about the extra lube you put on it- it won't hurt a thing, and odds are it might even help more.

I used to use a lubrisizer, but now I don't see the point. Lee Liquid Alox is much quicker and I see no real gains or losses in accuracy or reliability either way, except excessive lube can gum up your dies.

[454PB]

.454 Casull uses .452" bullets, in fact many of the jacketed bullets are .451"