Which RCBS top punch?

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Last Post 14 August 2022

Standard Member

bumtownbutch posted this 13 August 2022

Which RCBS top punch could I use for Saeco 24243 85 gr, bullet?

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7 Comments

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Glenn R. Latham posted this 13 August 2022

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/101038146

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Standard Member

bumtownbutch posted this 14 August 2022

I saw that. Special order, wonder how long it would to get it. I was hoping someone may have crossed this bridge before me and could advise me of a RCBS top punch that is a direct replacement.

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CBA Member

Bud Hyett posted this 14 August 2022

A "Trick" I've used is to step up a bullet diameter with a lightly oversize top punch:.

Turn the lubri-sizer upside-down.
Wax the bullet so Super Glue will not stick to the bullet.
Set the bullet in the sizing die so it aligns.
Then use Super Glue to fill the void in the top punch.
Allow to set.

You now have a makeshift top punch until the correct one arrives.

One other way is the Dremel tool with a small pointed stone to relieve an undersized top punch unitl it does not mark the bullet. I have an electric motor with a hand tighten chuck where I put the top punch to relieve it. This aids in keeping the concentricity. A decided light touch is needed when doing this.

Farm boy from Illinois, living in the magical Pacific Northwest

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CBA Member

Aaron posted this 14 August 2022

I have done the MacGyver trick and made my own like Bud suggested. I roughed out and old oversize punch with a Dremel, upended a lubri-sizer as described but used 5 min epoxy to fill the roughed out punch. Of course one must be very careful to not allow the epoxy to flow where it is not needed! Before inserting the top punch into the ram I placed a piece of foil there to make a guard. I poked the punch shaft through the foil. Bullet was lubed with case lube.

Much cheaper and quicker.

With rifle in hand, I confidently go forth into the darkness.

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Shopdog posted this 14 August 2022

This 85g Saeco has been a solid performer in my straight 6mmR at starting/slightly above JB loads with IMR4831. Shoots bugholes.

The nose is a 22 1/2 degree(45* included).

I make custom nose punches that don't stop,at the point....

This mould has a tapered bore ride section. One of the keys is understanding this. "Just" using a TP that only effects the very point of the bullet,typical of store bought TP's.... "can" leave right much on the table WRT accuracy.

Just checked the one I use the most. It comes approx 1/2 way down the bore ride section. I've used this style TP with VG results on several different moulds.

Couple ways you can go about making/procuring the tooling.

Do you have a specific diameter you're trying for on the bore ride section?

How much(if any) swaging/bumping are you trying for?

Shoot me a PM,but given some numbers(diameters) and a 1/2 dz bullets I'll turn one up for you. Throw a cpl dollars for shipping along with the bullets.

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Shopdog posted this 14 August 2022

In the same way that a FL sizing die.... "squares up" by adjusting it to bttm out on the shell holder;

This is how these "longer" TP's function. They're long enough to bttm out on the top of the bullet sizer. That is,if you're looking for a bump. Tough to describe.