Gunsmithing Modifying reloading dies

[dogmessiah]

This isn't quite gunsmithing, but I figured this is where the machinists hang out, and where I would get the most knowledgeable response.

I have a 6x45 on order from sinman. I think I have a way figured out to make my own dies, and just want a reality check from someone with more experience/knowledge.

My plan is to start with a set of Lee 223 dies, both the full length sizer, and the Lee collet die. For the Lee collet die I plan to take an extra collet sleeve ($4 from lee) which holds the mandrel and drill it out to with a letter C drill bit to a diameter of 0.242"-0.243". I can then shorten a 243 win mandrel ($4 from lee) to fit in the die body. The collet of the 223 die is just a shortened version of the 243 collet, but the spring portion of it is the same so it shouldn't need modification. By ordering a new mandrel and a new collet I should be able to easily convert my die from 6x45 to 223 and back.

For full length resizing I will order a lee RGB dies set for $15 and drill the full length resizer body out to the desired outside neck diameter (probably a letter I drill bit of 0.272") and drop in a 243 win mandrel. My thought here is that since the body and shoulder have the same diameter and taper I should be able to just drill out the neck.

Any thoughts on why this wouldn't work, or that this is sound logic are much appreciated. Of course after I get the barrel and complete the project I will post results.

 

[308MAUS3R]

Re: Modifying reloading dies

Why don't you just buy a die set? There are lots of good options available: Link to lots of die sets

Sizing dies are hardened and typically require carbide tooling. Also, you want precision in your dies and most drill bits are anything but. You would most likely need a carbide chucking reamer to ensure a uniform, clean hole, assuming you can get the proper size.

 

[dogmessiah]

Re: Modifying reloading dies

I had thought about buying dies, the reason I don't is because this thought popped into my mind, and I kind of want to run it down. I am currently taking a machine shop class at my school. At the end of it, I will have access a drill press and an end mill. This is as much a project for me to play with and learn a little along the way as much as anything else.

The second reason is because the cheap RCBS dies are small base dies, and the other ones are at least $65 and that is without the neck sizer. I should be able to do this for about $20 not counting the cost of the bit/reamer(I have never regretted buying a tool even if it made the project more expensive because I almost always have another use for it later).

From disassembling the dies, it looks like there is a thousands or two of slop built into the neck sizing die. I think I can make it accurately enough. The piece I am concerned about is the full length sizer.

Thanks for your input.

 

[308MAUS3R]

Re: Modifying reloading dies

Well, good luck to you then. Get your hands on a .2680" chucking reamer and go for it.

 

[thehouseproduct]

Re: Modifying reloading dies

Lee will do a custom collet die for $60.

 

[dogmessiah]

Re: Modifying reloading dies

I appreciate the info. I will let everyone know how it turns out in a couple of months.

 

[colchester]

Re: Modifying reloading dies

A 223 type s sizer with a 6mm bushing might do the job I personally would not attempt to drill/ ream a fl die

 

[Kells81]

Re: Modifying reloading dies

You could work the necks on your brass and seat with other dies.

Work the neck with as listed above a 223 with larger bushing. for seating you could go the hornady seater or RCBS comp seater and get the job done. If its a bolt action this would work for you.

 

[dogmessiah]

Re: Modifying reloading dies

The seating is not what I am worried about. It is getting the sizing done right. I may just go with the 223 neck die with a larger bushing, but I will probably order up the stuff to make the lee dies anyhow just to see if it will work.