inverted press for bullet sizing

[walterlaich]

I've found if I mount my press upside down then I don't have to worry about getting the bullet balanced on the ram that comes with the Lee push-through sizers.

yes, it does tie up a press for this one operation but since I normally cast in the neighborhood of 50-100 lbs of lead per month it is worth it for me.

just run a plastic tube from the top of the die to a container and the bullets drop straight down without a problem.

Even built a ramp for the bullets to slide down to the opening in the die. depending on bullet shape this works well.

Even without the ramp I can easily size 5-6 bullets per minute

walt

[GasGuzzler]

Please post a picture.

[mikld]

Please post a picture.

I would like to see your setup too...

[walterlaich]

couple of points
the yellow tape on the press is to hold on two flat pieces of tin--the press isn't smooth there and the ramp moves around without them

You have to hold your tongue right when using the ramp: the ram has to be down to stop the bullet when you drop it down the chute. Then how quickly (or slowly) you move it up determines if the bullet goes in the die or misses.
▲ it's more of an art than science

you can certainly use this method without the ramp--flat point bullets don't like it at times

posting several replies to get all pictures

p1.jpg

p22.jpg

[walterlaich]

p1.5.jpg

p3.jpg

[walterlaich]

p4.jpg

[walterlaich]

with this set up I can do 600-800 per hour = 12 per minute is a good average speed

p6.jpg

[Dancing Bear]

Clever! I took my Redding Boss press down when I bought my Lee Classic but the bolt holes are still in a spot where I can reinstall it. Now I just might use your idea.
I cast Lee Bator 22 cal bullets, sized them, pc'ed and gas checked them by running them thru the Lee sizer die. Upside down method should make that part easier.

[walterlaich]

one thing that I was worried about was the handle would work in the opposite direction when sizing--took all of 2 minutes for it to become second nature