school me on luber sizer
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BattleRife
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The most common machines are the Lyman and RCBS units. The dies for them are mutually compatible, which is nice. They are sometimes known as H&I sizing dies.
The original Lyman was the model 45. Improved first to the model 450, then the current model 4500.
The RCBS was the Lube-a-Matic, now the Lube-a-Matic 2.
The original Lyman was the model 45. Improved first to the model 450, then the current model 4500.
The RCBS was the Lube-a-Matic, now the Lube-a-Matic 2.
- Location
- Western Manitoba
I used to have an Lyman 450 lube-sizer, then I got a Star brand one. They were different process to set up and to use. Lyman 450 (and 45) is apparently like RCBS ones - need a bullet nose punch of correct shape for the bullet that you push through the sizing die - bullets in them go in base first into their sizing dies - the STAR goes through nose first, so typically need a flat base punch to push them through. I found in most of my rifles, was better to size about .001" or .002" bigger than nominal jacketed bullet size - so for a nominal .308" bullet - for sizing a cast bullet, about better to do .309" or .310" size. For those lube-sizer machines, also need tube or bulk lube to load into their reservoir - dispenses suitable amount of lube on the bullet once you get it set properly.
EDIT: - sizing diameter - one of those things I am not sure why I think that or why I think to be true - I do not recall actually testing various sizes on targets to find which shoots better - is possible that I just read to size bigger than jacketed and accepted that as being true.
I also have had multiple Lee push-through sizers - much less expensive than lube-sizer machines - if you can find or make them to your desired size - but cost similar to same size Lyman or RCBS die plus bullet punch - so you would lube the bullet with various Lee or other vendor products - leaves like a varnish coating on bullet - then mount the Lee push-through sizer on reloading press, install push punch in place of shell holder and push bullets through - nose first, like on the STAR - to get sized bullets or to seat gas checks.
I no longer own any bullet casting or sizing stuff - all got sold off last summer - was just too many hundreds dollars of things involved - and turns out I do not shoot so much of that to warrant the expense - is easier for me to just order a couple hundred at a time from "jet bullets" - they show up sized, lubed and gas checked - no more scrounging for wheel weights or pure lead, visits from "tinsel fairy", and so on - but I did find the entire casting / sizing process to be very interesting thing to learn to do - was apparently done for hundreds of years - so was lots that was known and lots that was forgotten - also much B.S. on Internet - is likely many hundred lubed and gas checked 200 grainer sized to .314" around here somewhere - for 303 British - I got too carried away having fun on that batch!!!
I have not done as large diameter as OP is considering - I did find some here that are sized .501" diameter - was from a Lee mould for 500 S&W (?) - would have gone through a Lee .501" sizer die - for a 50 caliber muzzle loader - so likely pure lead, not wheel weights - so had to be pressed down that barrel as a "conical" - I think Internet guy was IdahoRon who was a proponent of that arrangement - but I do not recall taking any game with that - as matter of fact, do not even recall firing any of them, when I had a .50 muzzle loader. Label says they weigh more or less 450 grains.
EDIT: - sizing diameter - one of those things I am not sure why I think that or why I think to be true - I do not recall actually testing various sizes on targets to find which shoots better - is possible that I just read to size bigger than jacketed and accepted that as being true.
I also have had multiple Lee push-through sizers - much less expensive than lube-sizer machines - if you can find or make them to your desired size - but cost similar to same size Lyman or RCBS die plus bullet punch - so you would lube the bullet with various Lee or other vendor products - leaves like a varnish coating on bullet - then mount the Lee push-through sizer on reloading press, install push punch in place of shell holder and push bullets through - nose first, like on the STAR - to get sized bullets or to seat gas checks.
I no longer own any bullet casting or sizing stuff - all got sold off last summer - was just too many hundreds dollars of things involved - and turns out I do not shoot so much of that to warrant the expense - is easier for me to just order a couple hundred at a time from "jet bullets" - they show up sized, lubed and gas checked - no more scrounging for wheel weights or pure lead, visits from "tinsel fairy", and so on - but I did find the entire casting / sizing process to be very interesting thing to learn to do - was apparently done for hundreds of years - so was lots that was known and lots that was forgotten - also much B.S. on Internet - is likely many hundred lubed and gas checked 200 grainer sized to .314" around here somewhere - for 303 British - I got too carried away having fun on that batch!!!
I have not done as large diameter as OP is considering - I did find some here that are sized .501" diameter - was from a Lee mould for 500 S&W (?) - would have gone through a Lee .501" sizer die - for a 50 caliber muzzle loader - so likely pure lead, not wheel weights - so had to be pressed down that barrel as a "conical" - I think Internet guy was IdahoRon who was a proponent of that arrangement - but I do not recall taking any game with that - as matter of fact, do not even recall firing any of them, when I had a .50 muzzle loader. Label says they weigh more or less 450 grains.
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BattleRife
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There's a guy by the handle OctaRon1 selling a Lyman machine on the EE right now. He doesn't say what model, but says it comes with heater, which suggests the latest model 4500.
The price is more than reasonable, especially considering it comes with 4 dies. Dies are over forty bucks apiece, if one or more of those is a size you need, it's a solid deal.
The price is more than reasonable, especially considering it comes with 4 dies. Dies are over forty bucks apiece, if one or more of those is a size you need, it's a solid deal.
You won't find much gear for .50 cal. bullets.
I have a sizer die on the way for my NOE system in .50.
If you're not going to be loading many, pan lubing with a cake cutter might do.
As well, sizing may not be required in your case. I've shot thousands of bullets as cast.
Back in the late eighties or early nineties, Al Miller wrote an article in Handloader magazine on shooting unsized, but lubed bullets in about a half dozen milsurp rifles. In every case, the best accuracy came with unsized bullets.
I have a sizer die on the way for my NOE system in .50.
If you're not going to be loading many, pan lubing with a cake cutter might do.
As well, sizing may not be required in your case. I've shot thousands of bullets as cast.
Back in the late eighties or early nineties, Al Miller wrote an article in Handloader magazine on shooting unsized, but lubed bullets in about a half dozen milsurp rifles. In every case, the best accuracy came with unsized bullets.
With the 50-95, the OP might want to use BP. If so, the proper lube is a must! If he's using smokeless, then you are correct!
I have used a variety of lube sizers. The lee sizers and tumble lube are pretty simple and works. They do make custom dies (or they did) for any size wanted. I havent tried them but NOE makes sizing dies on the same concept as lee and are priced reasonably. Lyman or RCBS lubesizers work well and accept each others dies. check out buffalo arms and or noe
fingers284
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- Location
- Alberta Cowboy Ranges
The "proper lube" for BP rounds can still be used with Powder coating as easily instaled grease cookies...no need to lube the grooves.
Lots of benefits to using PC slugs, the slugs stay dry and dont collect grit during handling is a big one, changing engagement dia. to fit any bore is another.
95% of my shooting these days are with old straight walled cartridges like the 50-95. Starting with 38-55, 40-60 Maynard, 40-65 Win., 40-70 Sharps Straight, 45-70, 45-90, 45-110 and 50-70. I Powder coat everything I shoot, and lube everything as well. I sometimes shoot BP, sometimes smokeless. I don't want to stock different lubed bullets. The lube I use is Paul Mathews' "Premium" lube that I make following his recipe. It's too soft to use as a lube cookie, although I have yet to try it with my lube ribbon extruder. I generally only use cookies with paper patched bullets......and I powder coat those as well!!!
fingers284
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Alberta Cowboy Ranges
Try mixing a little pure white flour with your soft mix. A few yrs ago I was trying to duplicate the SPG lube and used a # of different recipes but every one was "too hard or too soft" untill I mixed a little flour in with a soft runny batch. That stuff extruded wonderfully from my extruder (home built using a photo from a Paul Mathews publication)and last time I checked on that stuff about a yr ago it was still of the same consistency as store bought SPG.
Might be worth a try for your extruder.
Thanks for the tip Fingers!
fingers284
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Alberta Cowboy Ranges
I had the use for some BP lube yesterday so dug that concoction out of the cupboard and damn if it isnt still just as pliable as it was 3 yrs ago when i mixed it. there was a few ribbons of actual store bought SPG stored with it and you cant tell the difference.
found the mix recipe with it ---Equal parts of Bees wax & Olive oil & pure white flour...cant remember if I used a double boiler pot or just heated over a burner in one pan.
vagrantviking
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- High River, Alberta
Great info! Thanks for sharing.
My Lyman sits unused except the rare time I want to crimp gas checks. Experiment first with unsized bullet and just pour the molten lube around a bunch of bullets stood nose up in a pan and toss the whole mess in the freezer for a couple minutes. Then push the bullets out of the hard lube with your thumb.
Far quicker, shoots just as well
Far quicker, shoots just as well
No. The Star dies won't fit the Lyman and RCBS lubers.
The Saeco luber is probably the best for accuracy, but after Old Rodder introduced me to powder coating, I sold my half dozen Saecos.
I kept one Lyman, but it's been sitting in a plastic bread bag for the past 5 years.
