Hi All

I was just lucky enough to get a new RCBS .375 250Gr double cavity mould on Ebay for AU $46.00
plus P&P. I've just started to look into casting my own bullets, I've read a lot of material on the internet and am planning to buy the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook this weekend.

I have a question that I've been unable to find an answer to and that is What exactly does a top punch do?

Regards Jaeg

The top punch is used in the bullet sizer to push the bullet in. It is cut to match the shape of the bullet nose so that it does not deform it in the process. Mould makers generally specify a pattern number for the top punch, but some tolerance is allowable for "wrong" top punches.
If need be, you can use auto body putty or even sealing wax to fit a punch to a particular bullet.
Cheers from Darkest California,
Ross