Saeco Lubri-Sizer: C&R Gun Shop Makes Custom Sizer Dies

[Rick]

Stemming from an ongoing project, I spoke with Robert Warrick, owner of C&R Gunship since 1979.

A pleasant conversation with a very nice man about guns, hunting, etc ensued.

The bottom line is he told me he will make any size Saeco Lubri-Sizer sizer die, complete with internal plunger rod, for about $75, shipped (to US destinations). Given that the OEM sizer dies are sold at Midway and elsewhere for about $45 plus shipping, a little less than $30 for a custom size die is a pretty good deal.

I have not seen any of Rob Warrick's work; he was recommended to me by Redding. As he's managed to make a good living as a gunsmith since 1979 and was recommended by Redding, I assume he knows his business.

Anyways, the contact info:
C&R Gunship
444 Niagara Avenue NE Albuquerque
NM 87107
Phone: 505-345-1773​

BTW, he mentioned he's 80 years old now. While he sounded sharper than a lot of people I have to deal with every day, I wouldn't wait another ten years to order a sizer die from him.

 

[buckbrush]

thanks for the info.

 

[jethunter]

There is a guy on Cast Boolit forum who makes custom dies as well. Dealt with him several times and will again.

 

[canuck4570]

I have a Saeco lube sizer and I found it impossible to lube and put gas check on my .458 cast bullets

have you had the same problem

even with my 30 caliber bullet its the same

if you tell me its good only with pistol bullet well I am selling

 

[freire]

There is a guy on Cast Boolit forum who makes custom dies as well. Dealt with him several times and will again.

I will second jethunter, if you need to get in touch with this fella pm me i will give you his contact, he does excellent work.

 

[Rick]

I have a Saeco lube sizer and I found it impossible to lube and put gas check on my .458 cast bullets
have you had the same problem
even with my 30 caliber bullet its the same
if you tell me its good only with pistol bullet well I am selling

Sorry for the delay... I headed down to Montana for a few weeks, ended up staying about half a year or so on a project, and finally got back a couple of weeks ago.

I don't cast for handguns (except the family .455 Webley because it does so well with that RCBS clone of the skirted military ball round). Just .30 - .35 caliber rifles.

Without more details I can't really say what the source of your problems is. I've had my Saeco for something approaching 40 years, I think. I can't even remember when I got it - it was after my Lyman broke.

I never had a problem back when I used lube, mostly Gray's #24 which isn't a hard lube. I've never used any of the really, really hard lubes so I don't know if the Saeco's have problem with that unless you also use a heater as some do with hard lubes.

Having discovered powder coating, I cleaned my Saeco of all traces of lube and I doubt it will ever see lube again. Powder coating changed my life! (okay, maybe not quite that dramatic).

What is the problem with seating GCs?

One thing I did find when I got access to a set of pin gauges that some of my Saeco sizer dies were way out i.e. a .314" pinned at .3155" - and I bet it's just slightly bigger than that, given how the pin feels sliding through the sizer. I had some headaches before I finally started actually measuring the results, instead of assuming the results.

 

[slug]

I used the Saecos without problems.
Over the years I had accumulated about six of them.
I thought they were better than the Lyman and RCBS.
They weren't as well known and could be had quite reasonably.

I haven't lube a bullet since since I started powder coating.

I have found that in .45 cal rifles, many gas check shanks were a hair too small for the check to get a good bite.