My .429 lead bullet sizer die was damaged. Since it is a Lyman there is only a year guarantee> I have decided to get a RCBS lead bullet sizing die for my 429415 gas check bullet. Can somebody tell me what to measure on my Ruger 44 cal Blackhawk to get the BEST die size 427-431? Thanks Marlin

Throats, or just save yourself some trouble and get a 431

marlin 55, Slug the throats as popenmann suggested. If it's a recently manufactured Ruger BH, I'd go with .432". I.e., either purchase a .431" die and have it opened to .432" or go over to the Cast Boolits board and under members, look up "Buckshot" and PM him. He can open up a die to .432" or make one that size for you (actually a bit cheaper) and his workmanship is second to none.

If the bullet is larger "as cast" than the cylinder throats (largest one) then size to that diameter if you need to. One or two thousands over won't hurt a thing. If the "as cast" bullet is smaller than the largest throat then get the sizer that matches the "as cast" diameter.

Larry Gibson

Thanks for the advise ,all of you. Marlin

Just curious how was your Lyman die damaged?

Joe

I am not sure of the sequence,+ but there was a crunching sound after trying to lower the unlubed bullet into the die, the retaining ring jumped out and caused a crack on the edge of the sizer die after I lowered the Ram of my Lyman 450.The crack is about 1mmx0.6mm It is ok for Lubing since it is on the edge. I had the lyman for 35 years and this is the first time that happened.It just happened. Regards Marlin

Bullets which are not so far oversized as cast may be shot unsized. Simply roll them around in some Lee Liquid Alox, let them dry, load them, and shoot them.

The only hang-up for this method is when the as cast diamter is large enuff to prevent a loaded round from chambering.

As-cast bullets shoot just fine, sometimes better than sized bullets do.

Generally speaking,the less sizing you do, the more accurate the load will be. All of the above advise re: revolver bullets is dead on. I would take it a step further (if the gun warrants it) and have a custom mould made to throw a bullet of the desired diameter out of the preferred alloy. That eliminates all variables attributed to the sizing operation. Then use the machine to lube only.

I somehow took a chunk out of the upper outside edge of a sizing die many years ago. It leaked a little lube after that so I brazed up the missing spot and filed off the surplus. It's still working fine.