A little advice please

[bronko220002]

I just purchased a like new Swing Lock sizing die in .45 cal and I'd like to ask for advice on what diameter to size the bullets. I will be likely using pure lead I bullets. I slugged the barrel and it measures .451". Should I size to that or go .0005"-.001" larger.

 

[edmehlig]

The only way to tell Clem is to size some at .0005 and some at .001 to see how they slide down the bore. I like my bullets to slide down the bbl with a slight resistance all the way down to ensure they don't move off the charge.

 

[Dave951]

What type of bullets are you planning on sizing?

 

[bronko220002]

That's the beauty of this sizer in that it can be adjusted for any bullet. I'm planning on using some pure lead I-bullets, some Hornady XTPs and Sierra 300 gr jacketed.

 

[HC]

The jacketed bullets that are not bonded will not hold on size, they will spring back after a few hours or few days.

 

[mnoland30]

Hankins Custom Rifles has a video demonstrating how to size the bullet to fit your barrel. Arrowhead also has a video where he runs the bullet through two or three times to limit bounce back. An .50 caliber wool wad or a vegetable wad are recommended by most shooters.