Opening up a Lee sizer

[oscarflytyer]

How difficult is it (ie: how 'hard' is the metal) to open up a Lee sizing die. Already going to have to buy a custom die. I know what the bbl slugs, but don't know if the chamber will take the loaded round with it sized .001-.002 over.

I am working with a 43 Spanish Remington Rolling Block. Should be .439, but bbl slugs .444. mold I have drops .448 - so I def need to size... I am hoping that a loaded round with the bullet sized to .445-.446 will chamber. But if it won't, I don't want to have wasted $ on a custom .444 die that I can't make smaller. So maybe start with a .442 die and open up if required.

[RBHarter]

Split dowel , 400-800 grit wet n dry and some oil , they open right up . 15-20 min to take a full .01 out finer cuts slower , just run it like a brake or cylinder hone , 10-15 passes size one an see .

[farmerjim]

What RBHarter said. I chuck the dowel in my drill press, and can take .001 out in a minute.

[oscarflytyer]

OK. NEXT stupid ?! Actually 2!

1) How do you test the size? Push a slug thru and measure?

2) If I want something somewhere b/n .439 and .445, should I get a custom die at .439 and start there? Or start with a cheaper .432 and work up?

And #3) Any gotcha's to keep it 'centered on bore?' Thanx!

[RBHarter]

Ordinarily a body would only be taking out .002-3 .
I'd start with a sizer of what ever is closest but under . You might be able to get a .434 , 44 cal isn't on my play list beyond C&B revolvers . As for keeping it centered get a piece of 7/16" dowel , that comes out .437 so it'll be close enough to run straight especially when wrapped in sand paper . The narrower the slot in the dowel the tighter it will stay fitting . IE a coping saw vs a hacksaw for the slot . Drill press is a good idea also .

Yes just size a bullet .

[RBHarter]

With all of this said , you might be ahead to see if NOE has a bushing or 2 to get you up to size in their bushing sizer it might be cheaper than the 2nd die in case something goes sideways in the figuretive and literal sense .

[oscarflytyer]

forgot NOE has the push thrus....

[Macd]

Slower but less likely to change roundness is to use the same dowel and wet paper with oil and roll like a rolling pin on a bench or board. I use a piece of hard rubber to give it traction.