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1coolcat
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Bullet lube question
Nov 5th, 2017 at 4:48am
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Hi guys,
So I started casting my own bullets (1st time) I gathered equipment from a family member who it old and doesn't shoot any more. He has very little suggestions for my question..
I have Lee bullet molds, and an old rcbs lube-a-matic..
Can I use the lube-a-matic with Lee bullet molds..I don't like the tumble lube method..
Thanks
  
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nuclearcricket
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Re: Bullet lube question
Reply #1 - Nov 5th, 2017 at 6:23am
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As long as your molds are for bullets with the standard lube groves then yes you can run then through your luber/sizer. Lee should be able to provide you with the proper nose punch. 
Some of the molds that lee offers are specific to tumble lube and I have never used any of those and don't know if they will hold much lube from a luber/sizer. 
Another option is to pan lube your bullets and then shoot them as cast. If your using low pressure loads such as black powder this will not cause any problems unless your bullets are grossly oversize. 
One last option that I can think of is to pan lube and then size them with the Lee push through sizing dies. The up side to using the push through die is that it pushes on the base of the bullet so any bullet of the same size can be sized regardless of the nose profile.
Sam
  
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Cat_Whisperer
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Re: Bullet lube question
Reply #2 - Nov 5th, 2017 at 8:06am
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Looking at the SAAMI drawings for grooved and tumble lube designs one finds out that the VOLUME of lube that they each can hold is about the same.  One in many small grooves the other in a few large grooves.

Therefore, and from experience, the lube-sizers work on both very well.
  

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nuclearcricket
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Re: Bullet lube question
Reply #3 - Nov 5th, 2017 at 9:31am
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Cool Cat, I didn't know that, never really looked at the prints for the TL bullets.
Sam
  
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John Boy
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Re: Bullet lube question
Reply #4 - Nov 5th, 2017 at 9:57am
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Quote:
Lee should be able to provide you with the proper nose punch.

Coolcat -  you only need one top punch for the lube/sizer to do all of your bullets from the various Lee molds - so pick one.
Then for each different bullet, fill the top punch with hot glue. Spit on the bullet nose and twist it in the glue in the top punch.  Cut the excess glue from the the edge of the punch and you have a perfect impression of the bullet - Done
  
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marlinguy
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Re: Bullet lube question
Reply #5 - Nov 5th, 2017 at 10:26am
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I've used my Lyman lubrisizer to lube Lee tumble lube bullets and they worked just fine. If the bullets need to be sized down much it will reduce the amount of lube, but still have more than liquid alox provides.
  

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Schuetzendave
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Re: Bullet lube question
Reply #6 - Nov 5th, 2017 at 1:38pm
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I have sized cast bullets from Lee molds in both a Lyman 450 and a RCBS Lubri-Sizer.

Works just fine if you buy the right diameter H&I die of the right diameter and find a suitable nose punch.

I buy a flat nose punch for a bullet of that diameter and then pour a epoxy over the bullet nose of a bullet with a release agent on it.

That way you can make your own nose punch with the right nose contour.
  
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JS47
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Re: Bullet lube question
Reply #7 - Nov 5th, 2017 at 10:34pm
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Welcome to the wonderful world of bullet casting. Lee molds are a great way to get started. After you get hooked you'll find that a good custom mold is a lot more satisfying and well worth the extra money. If your old RCBS lubri-sizer is old enough to use the ratchet handle, hang onto it. I like them a lot better than the new style. A friend bought one of the new ones and after some use, converted it to the old style.

JS
  
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1coolcat
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Re: Bullet lube question
Reply #8 - Nov 6th, 2017 at 1:45am
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Cat_Whisperer wrote on Nov 5th, 2017 at 8:06am:
Looking at the SAAMI drawings for grooved and tumble lube designs one finds out that the VOLUME of lube that they each can hold is about the same.  One in many small grooves the other in a few large grooves.

Therefore, and from experience, the lube-sizers work on both very well.

Thank you Cheesy
  
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1coolcat
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Re: Bullet lube question
Reply #9 - Nov 6th, 2017 at 1:55am
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JS47 wrote on Nov 5th, 2017 at 10:34pm:
Welcome to the wonderful world of bullet casting. Lee molds are a great way to get started. After you get hooked you'll find that a good custom mold is a lot more satisfying and well worth the extra money. If your old RCBS lubri-sizer is old enough to use the ratchet handle, hang onto it. I like them a lot better than the new style. A friend bought one of the new ones and after some use, converted it to the old style.

Yep it has the rachet handle ..it had surface rust after 12 yrs. of sitting in a basement but cleaned up good 

JS

  
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1coolcat
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Re: Bullet lube question
Reply #10 - Nov 6th, 2017 at 2:23am
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That's a good tip about how you guys make the top punches..

So I have a problem..when using the lube-a-matic I kept getting lube under the bottom of the bullet. How do I correct that issue, also what lube do you use for rifle bullets. 
I made the mistake of purchasing Lyman orange lube and I don't have a heater..
I need a lube I can use with out a heater.
  
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marlinguy
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Re: Bullet lube question
Reply #11 - Nov 6th, 2017 at 10:44am
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Lube under the bottom usually means the sizing die has too much clearance for the bullet. I get that when I'm trying to just lube and not size the bullet. Even .001" oversized die will allow lube to get under the bullet. I just wipe it off and every so often clean the die off the top.
  

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oneatatime
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Re: Bullet lube question
Reply #12 - Nov 6th, 2017 at 10:46am
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Too much pressure on the lube. Not keeping a little down on the bullet while adding pressure. Use just enough pressure on the lube to fill the grooves.
  
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Re: Bullet lube question
Reply #13 - Nov 6th, 2017 at 2:55pm
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Epoxy in the top punch is a great idea. I use epoxy putty, it's easier to handle. 
Try adjusting the stop of the luber slightly up & down for the lubing problem.
  
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art_ruggiero
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Re: Bullet lube question
Reply #14 - Nov 6th, 2017 at 4:57pm
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warm the lubersizer a little with a hair blower    art
  
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