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Benchrest bullet making

JDBraddy

Am trying to get started swaging my own benchrest bullets, I still need a rotary tumbler to lube jackets, seller I bought the dies and modified presses from recommended RCBS sidewinder, but availability and price are enough to make me look for alternatives.

Also, need some of the trays I've seen used to set up batches of jackets and cores for core seating, and seated cores for point-up.

Would also appreciate any advice on lube and process.
 
Look for a Thumbler's tumblers, they are for rock polishing.
Not sure of anyone making bullet trays. Last set I heard of a friend having made he paid a LOT of money for them. I have been thinking about making some buy haven't got around to it.

Joe
 
Get a one gallon stainless milk can from amazon for the tumbling container and gorilla glue a piece of angle stock inside to make sure the jackets actually tumble. That will work well on a Thumbler A12 Glass jars may or may not survive (especially with heavy bullets), and it’s a pain when they don’t.

Unfortunately, a lot of the stuff you need you may have to make yourself (bullet trays, core cutters, press modifications, etc). Either having some machine tools (lathe, mill) or knowing someone who does will be very helpful).

Lube is going to be an experiment. No two ways about that. Lanolin is sort of the baseline. Amount varies with the phase of the moon. You’ll want a good scale to measure lube.

It’s a fun adventure. And an expensive one. Good luck.
 
damoncali said:
Get a one gallon stainless milk can from amazon for the tumbling container and gorilla glue a piece of angle stock inside to make sure the jackets actually tumble. That will work well on a Thumbler A12 Glass jars may or may not survive (especially with heavy bullets), and it’s a pain when they don’t.

Unfortunately, a lot of the stuff you need you may have to make yourself (bullet trays, core cutters, press modifications, etc). Either having some machine tools (lathe, mill) or knowing someone who does will be very helpful).

Lube is going to be an experiment. No two ways about that. Lanolin is sort of the baseline. Amount varies with the phase of the moon. You’ll want a good scale to measure lube.

It’s a fun adventure. And an expensive one. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Can you put a link to the SS 1 gal jar you use. Thanks
 
Thumblers tumbler is what I’m using, just about any brand will work, or make it yourself. Just do a search on YouTube for diy rotary tumbler. I prefer and use the one gallon glass jar with screw on lid and please use some masking tape on the lid so it doesn’t unscrew while tumbling....don’t ask, just trust me on this one!!! I do epoxy two strips 1/4”x1/4” along the length of the jar to help tumble, some say it’s unnecessary but I haven’t tried it without them.

For lube, anhydrous lanolin, some use it straight and a lot of folks blend it with different stuff. I’m using a blend of anhydrous lanolin and neets foot oil. If I remember it was 2oz neets to 1pound lanolin and it will probably last me a life time. Like said earlier, the amount of lube is different for each step or process, so you’re going to have to play with it to reach the results you want.

For trays, get in touch with George Ulrich @geo.ulrich on here, I think he still makes them or he could possibly know of someone who might sell an extra set or something.
 
I made my trays with a small mill/drill. It’s a pain in the ass. A CNC mill would help tremendously.

You can make do with a drill press and some patience, or maybe look into using a 3D printer for some of the parts.
 
JDBraddy said:
Am trying to get started swaging my own benchrest bullets, I still need a rotary tumbler to lube jackets, seller I bought the dies and modified presses from recommended RCBS sidewinder, but availability and price are enough to make me look for alternatives.

Also, need some of the trays I've seen used to set up batches of jackets and cores for core seating, and seated cores for point-up.

Is your thought to have fun making bullets, saving $ or trying to make better bullets than the pros?
Ben

Would also appreciate any advice on lube and process.
Click to expand...
 
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