die mods in oz??

BATattack · Post by **BATattack** » Mon Oct 14, 2013 6:46 pm

Ive got a hornady full length die and id like to take the neck diameter out a few thou and was wondering if anyone has had it done in oz?

I know they can do them at the factory but im working on a bit of a time frame :-(

John23 · Post by **John23** » Mon Oct 14, 2013 6:58 pm

Im sure you could find a general machining shop that would do it.

I opened one up in order to make it a body bump die.
The die steel is HARD ! and was very slow to cut.

JH

Quick · Post by **Quick** » Mon Oct 14, 2013 7:31 pm

I wanted it done to my Forster die and the smith said it's too harderened steel to cut using normal Reamers.

flatlina · Post by **flatlina** » Tue Oct 15, 2013 8:32 am

I've done it using a piece of tube with a slit that you wrap wet n dry around. Put the tube in a drill press and use some lubricant. It takes time but it works.

Regards
john

PS this depends how much you want to take out.

BATattack · Post by **BATattack** » Tue Oct 15, 2013 5:07 pm

Hmmmmm yeah I know its daym hard or I would have done it already! Haha

wonder if someone could do it with EDM?

My die is sizing them down to .310 so the inside of the die would probably be around .309 and ideally id like it to be about .314.

It just works the brass too much using the standard expander ball and even with proper mandrel it creates a fair bit of run out.

bsouthernau · Post by **bsouthernau** » Wed Oct 16, 2013 8:01 am

What about using a bushing-style die? It'd be less trouble and more versatile.

Barry

aaronraad · Post by **aaronraad** » Wed Oct 16, 2013 10:11 am

Alignment is the biggest issue with what method you use.

I'm sure a pin honing machine would get the job done.

EDM would do it also but the finish is not quite as good unless you use a lot of electrodes.

You can make a brass lap and flood it with something basic like JB Bore paste.

Something like a diamond coated drill bit might also do the job. Just remember the drills are spec'd out on the shaft diameter and do not include the coating thickness. Link for example purposes only http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1-8-5-16-inch-3-17-8mm-THK-Diamond-coated-twist-drill-bit-bits-5-pieces-/261293114980?pt=AU_Tool_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3cd6488664

There are a number of tool and die engineering shops around also that should be able to handle a couple of thou in hardened tool steel or HSS. If you need to take more out look for a shop that handles tungsten carbide type tooling.

agro · Post by **agro** » Wed Oct 16, 2013 2:28 pm

I had the same done to my FL die.
I took it to S.G. PRITTIE (gauge manufacturers) in Tullamarine, Victoria. I gave them the size and tolerances and they honed it to the specs.
Give them a ring.

cheers

johnk · Post by **johnk** » Wed Oct 16, 2013 3:25 pm

I've been considering using a FL die I had lying about for shoulder bump, but John Giles is not at all sure how I'll be able to take it out the necessary .008" in the neck.

aaronraad · Post by **aaronraad** » Wed Oct 16, 2013 5:14 pm

johnk wrote:I've been considering using a FL die I had lying about for shoulder bump, but John Giles is not at all sure how I'll be able to take it out the necessary .008" in the neck.

John

Wouldn't it be just as cost effective to buy a Redding Body Die instead or start with a die blank and have it heat treated...or is there something special you require from the die not readily available, just curious?

johnk · Post by **johnk** » Wed Oct 16, 2013 5:33 pm

30/284, but let's not open that can of worms again.

bully_eye · Post by **bully_eye** » Wed Oct 16, 2013 6:16 pm

Not going to help your situation due to time constraints and is more just FYI but I just had a bushing FL Sizing die arrive in the post yesterday made by Whidden Gun Works in the USA. They made it up from the reamer print to save the dramas of sending cases in the post. Comes with a shoulder bump gauge as well. Took about 2 months which in the whole scheme of 'custom' isn't too bad I reckon.

Michael

DannyS · Post by **DannyS** » Wed Oct 16, 2013 8:39 pm

John Giles, does a great job, but I have a handle for a action wrench, but no wrench. Been two years.

Gary Hunt for me from now on. Quick service and a great job.

Cheers
Danny

bruce moulds · Post by **bruce moulds** » Wed Oct 16, 2013 9:04 pm

keils,
pacific tool sell die blanks at a very good price.
for a bump die or body die you would not need any stems etc.
keep safe,
bruce.

bruce moulds · Post by **bruce moulds** » Wed Oct 16, 2013 9:09 pm

danny,
rod mahon said he knows a gunsmith who can also guarantee to wash the stains out of mankinis and gstrings.
can't remember his name.
keep safe,
bruce.