bullet swaging

[jaredc]

I haven't done any bullet swaging but I am thinking of starting. I would like to make some 22 caliber flat base hollow points for my varmint rifles. I have been looking at the dies that will fit a standard reloading press to keep my start up costs down. Both Corbin and RCE,LLC sell dies for this, is one better that the other? Is it unrealistic to expect to be able to make bullets that shoot as good as the major manufacturers? Any advice would be great, thanks.

 

[EricStecker]

There is no question that if bullet making were easy,or cheap) everyone would be doing it. The fact is that it is difficult and takes a lot of time to learn how to deal with all the different things that come up in the process.

I do not mean to discourage you. Many folks do make their own bullets and if you enjoy the craft it can be very rewarding. If you need any specific help email me directly at eric.stecker@bergerbullets.com. We make the J4 jacket if you need them but will gladly help you no matter which components you use.

For steel dies you will have a hard time finding better than Larry Blackmon. I do not have his contact information but he is the guy to go to for steel dies. For carbide dies your best option is Bill or Brian Niemi at 802-533-7180. Carbide dies are good but expensive. Niemi is very busy so unless you are serious about getting carbide dies you should stick with Blackmon and get bullet making help from us or another knowledgeable bullet maker.

Regards,
Eric

 

[AlNyhus]

Larry Blackmon contact info:

Bullet Swaging Supply
303 McMillan Road
West Monroe, La.
,318)387-7257
,318)325-7034 Fax.

Good stuff.

 

[GerryM]

A few things you should know about swaging tool steel dies like larrys are good carbide dies
Like Nemi Ulrich and detsch work better and need less lube

 

[RegionRat]

A few things you should know about swaging tool steel dies like larrys are good carbide dies
Like Nemi Ulrich and detsch work better and need less lube

@GerryM Not sure if you realize this, but the thread you responded to was from 2007?

 

[GerryM]

ok but what i said is valid even today
carbide is the way to go

 

[hoz53]

ok but what i said is valid even today
carbide is the way to go

is Eric Stecker still with Berger?

 

[GerryM]

I have been told that he is no longer there.
I tried to get in touch with him several times
Try Jack Neary at Berger

 

[DirtySteve]

I swage bullets. I know Zombie thread.

 

[Ken Melgaard]

Read this in one of the recent Bulletins re Eric Stecker new “GM for McMillan”

new owner promises to maintain the advanced designs and top quality of
McMillan stocks: “With former President of Berger Bullets Eric Stecker as General Manager, and McMillan’s highly experienced

 

[GerryM]

Interesting read i wish Eric luck

 

[pertnear]

Just FYI, here is a batch of 50 gr .224 bullets I just made with RCE dies using .22 rf hulls as jackets. Not exactly benchrest quality, but as good as most bulk bullets you can buy.

 

[okie]

I promised my kids they wouldnt have to pick up their .22 cases.....may have to go back on it!